Hello, Pokémon Masters! I’m GeekGamer, and today I’m here to answer a question I see all the time in Pokémon Go forums: “Is trading a shiny Rayquaza a special trade in Pokémon Go?” If you’ve ever been lucky enough to catch a Shiny Rayquaza (or even a few, because sometimes RNG decides to be kind), you’ve probably wondered the same thing. The answer is (spoiler alert) yes! Let me explain why and share some tips to help you get the most out of your trades in Pokémon Go.
What’s a Special Trade in Pokémon Go?
First, let’s clear this up. In Pokémon Go, a special trade is any trade that includes one of the following:
- A legendary Pokémon
- A Shiny Pokémon
- A Pokémon that isn’t yet registered in the recipient’s Pokédex
Since Rayquaza is a legendary Pokémon, and its Shiny version is extremely sought after, any trade involving it automatically falls into this category. This means you’ll only be able to do one special trade per day—unless there’s an event that offers special trade bonuses, which doesn’t happen often.
💡 Fun fact: Special trades also require more Stardust, so be prepared to spend some of your savings if you’re aiming for an epic deal.
Shiny Rayquaza: A Legendary Dragon With Legendary Value
Shiny Rayquaza isn’t just any Pokémon. This sleek, black dragon with its intimidating sparkle is a symbol of power and prestige. When it debuted during legendary raid events, it sparked a frenzy among trainers eager to catch it.
Not only is it a Shiny, but Rayquaza also has phenomenal stats and a breathtaking design. If you managed to snag one, congratulations—you’re holding a true treasure. If not, this is where trading comes to the rescue.
What Do You Need to Trade a Shiny Rayquaza?
Trading this magnificent legendary dragon requires a few things, and not everyone meets the criteria.
High Friendship Level
If the person you want to trade with isn’t your Good Friend or Best Friend, be ready to cough up a ridiculous amount of Stardust. My advice? Plan the trade ahead of time and work on boosting friendship by sending gifts and participating together in raids and battles.
Stardust
The Stardust cost depends on whether you already have Rayquaza or Shiny Rayquaza registered in your Pokédex. If it’s not registered, brace yourself—it can cost up to 1,000,000 Stardust. Yes, a million. However, if you already have Rayquaza, the cost will be significantly lower, especially if you’re Best Friends with the other trainer.
Special Trade Availability
As I mentioned earlier, you can only do one special trade per day. Plan wisely and prioritize that Shiny Rayquaza if you have multiple potential trades lined up for the day. This might be the most important point to remember.
Is Trading a Shiny Rayquaza Worth It?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If your goal is to get one with higher IVs, then it’s absolutely worth it, since any Pokémon traded has the potential to improve its IV range. Plus, if you’re trading with a Lucky Friend, the outcome is guaranteed to be amazing.
If you have a low-IV Rayquaza with sentimental value (maybe it was your first or has a special story), think carefully before trading it. Personally, a friend once offered me a Shiny Groudon for my first Shiny Rayquaza. While the deal was tempting, I just couldn’t part with a Pokémon so full of nostalgia.
What Else Should You Know About Rayquaza and Special Trades?
- Rayquaza is one of the most beloved and sought-after legendary Pokémon: Its design, the nostalgia of Generation 3, and its sheer power in battles make it a fan favorite. Its Shiny version, with that sleek black color, makes it even more desirable.
- Events with doubled special trades: Occasionally, Niantic hosts events that allow up to two special trades per day. If you’ve got multiple Shiny Rayquazas waiting to be traded, these events are your best chance to score great deals.
💡Fun fact: During one of its raid returns, Rayquaza got the exclusive move Aerial Ace, making it even more powerful in battles. A Shiny Rayquaza with this move is practically a treasure.
My Experience Trading a Shiny Rayquaza
I still remember the first time I traded a Shiny Rayquaza. It was at a local event, and my friend needed one to complete their team. I agreed to trade it for a Shiny Dialga, and even though it cost me a hefty amount of Stardust, every bit of it was worth it. That Rayquaza now has near-perfect IVs and is the cornerstone of my Master League team.
In conclusion, trading a Shiny Rayquaza in Pokémon Go is definitely a special trade—in terms of both game mechanics and the emotional value it represents. Just make sure to plan ahead, be prepared to pay the Stardust cost, and, most importantly, trade it with someone who values it as much as you do.
Now, tell me—who would you trade your Shiny Rayquaza for? Let me know in the comments!