Pokemon Black and White
Pokemon Black and White

In-Game Trades

Learn all about In-Game Trades in Pokemon Black and White. Get specific Pokemon from NPCs that are hard to find or have special characteristics. Build a strong.

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In-Game Trades

In-game trades offer a unique way to expand your Pokémon team with specific Pokémon that might otherwise be difficult to obtain, or simply to get a Pokémon with a guaranteed good nature or even a nickname! These trades are often with NPCs who have a particular Pokémon they're looking for. Here's a comprehensive guide to all the in-game trades available in Pokémon Black and White.

Understanding In-Game Trades

Before diving into the specifics, here are a few key things to remember about in-game trades:

  • Specific Pokémon Required: Each NPC will ask for a particular Pokémon. You must have that exact Pokémon in your party or PC to initiate the trade.
  • No Take-Backs: Once a trade is completed, it's permanent. Make sure you're ready to part with your Pokémon!
  • Nickname Advantage: Traded Pokémon often have a unique nickname, adding a bit of flavor to your team.
  • Experience Boost: Traded Pokémon gain experience at an accelerated rate, making them excellent candidates for your main team.
  • Obedience: Be mindful of your Trainer ID and the Pokémon's level. Traded Pokémon may not obey you if their level is too high for your current number of Gym Badges.

Available In-Game Trades

1. Trade for a Cottonee (Black Version Only) / Petilil (White Version Only)

This is one of the earliest and most useful trades you can make, allowing you to get the version-exclusive counterpart to your game's initial grass-type offering.

  • Location: Nacrene City, inside the house directly to the left of the Pokémon Center.
  • NPC: A young girl.
  • Pokémon Required: Minccino
    • Where to find Minccino: Minccino can be found commonly in the shaking grass patches on Route 5 and Route 16. Its encounter rate is higher in shaking grass, so keep an eye out for those rustling spots!
  • Pokémon Received:
    • Black Version: Cottonee (Lv. 15, nicknamed "Cottonee")
    • White Version: Petilil (Lv. 15, nicknamed "Petilil")
  • Strategy: Catch a Minccino as soon as you reach Route 5 or 16. The Cottonee/Petilil you receive can be a valuable asset early on, especially if you're looking to complete your Pokédex or want a different Grass-type option.

2. Trade for a Basculin (Red-Striped) / Basculin (Blue-Striped)

This trade allows you to obtain the other form of Basculin, which is version-exclusive in the wild.

  • Location: Driftveil City, in the house directly to the left of the Pokémon Center.
  • NPC: A fisherman.
  • Pokémon Required: Basculin (the opposite strip color of what you can catch in your game).
    • Black Version: You'll need to trade a Blue-Striped Basculin. Blue-Striped Basculin can be fished in various locations like Route 1, Route 3, Route 6, Route 11, and Striaton City.
    • White Version: You'll need to trade a Red-Striped Basculin. Red-Striped Basculin can be fished in various locations like Route 1, Route 3, Route 6, Route 11, and Striaton City.
  • Pokémon Received:
    • Black Version: Red-Striped Basculin (Lv. 25, nicknamed "Basculin")
    • White Version: Blue-Striped Basculin (Lv. 25, nicknamed "Basculin")
  • Strategy: This trade is primarily for Pokédex completion or if you prefer the aesthetic of the other Basculin form. Fishing for Basculin is straightforward; just ensure you have a Fishing Rod, which you receive from a fisherman in Route 1.

3. Trade for a Gigalith

This trade is particularly interesting as it allows you to obtain a Gigalith without needing to trade a Boldore with another player, as Gigalith normally evolves via trade.

  • Location: Opelucid City, inside the house in the northeastern part of the city (near the Dragonspiral Tower entrance).
  • NPC: A woman.
  • Pokémon Required: Emolga
    • Where to find Emolga: Emolga can be found in shaking grass patches on Route 5, Route 6, Route 7, Route 9, Route 10, Route 11, and Route 12. It's a relatively common encounter in these areas.
  • Pokémon Received: Gigalith (Lv. 30, nicknamed "Gigalith")
  • Strategy: This is a fantastic trade for trainers who want a powerful Rock-type Pokémon early in the game without the hassle of finding a trade partner. Gigalith is a strong physical attacker and can be a great addition to your team for challenging opponents like the Elite Four. Catch an Emolga on one of the earlier routes mentioned and hold onto it until you reach Opelucid City.

4. Trade for a Cinccino

This trade provides a fully evolved Minccino, saving you the effort of finding a Shiny Stone to evolve it yourself.

  • Location: Icirrus City, in the house to the right of the Pokémon Center.
  • NPC: A young man.
  • Pokémon Required: Boldore
    • Where to find Boldore: Boldore evolves from Roggenrola at Level 25. Roggenrola can be found in Wellspring Cave and Relic Passage. Alternatively, Boldore itself can be found in Mistralton Cave and Twist Mountain.
  • Pokémon Received: Cinccino (Lv. 35, nicknamed "Cinccino")
  • Strategy: Cinccino is a fast Normal-type Pokémon with access to useful abilities like Skill Link, making moves like Tail Slap incredibly powerful. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get a Cinccino without hunting for a Shiny Stone (which can be found in Mistralton Cave or as a prize in the Battle Subway), this trade is a solid option.

These in-game trades offer valuable opportunities to strengthen your team and fill out your Pokédex. Always consider the Pokémon's level and your current badge count to ensure they obey you in battle!