Many features within Pokemon GO might have some players, both old and new, confused as to what they do. If players want to become the true Pokemon Master, then it’s best to start the education on what exactly a Lucky Pokemon is, especially when there are specific bonuses warranted to this Pokemon GO feature.

Lucky Pokemon can provide players with a decent amount of benefits, but firstly, they will need to ensure that they have developed a certain bond with said Pokemon that they want to become Lucky.

What Is A Lucky Pokemon?

shiny charmander lucky pokemon

The most notable benefit of a Lucky Pokemon is the fact that Pokemon GO players will be able to use 50% less Stardust to level and power up the specific Pokemon. Each Lucky Pokemon is noted through the special background that they have within the Pokedex, showing golden sparkles from behind the Pokemon.

Lucky Pokemon also have High IVs, with the lowest IV capability being 12/12/12. IVs are the measurement of power within a Pokemon, with the three stats of Attack, Defense, and Stamina. These “Individual Values” can greatly benefit a Lucky Pokemon’s power when it comes to Raids or other battles. Players can obtain a perfect value of IVs, so it’s best to keep these Pokemon around, even if it is a Magikarp.

The fact that Lucky Pokemon have a reduced Stardust cost of 50% means that players will be able to upgrade these Pokemon at a better success rate than others. Players can increase their Combat Power (CP) to higher tiers without wasting their Stardust currency. It’s always best to have the superior Pokemon with the best CP to increase their stats and be the very best in Pokemon GO.

How To Get A Lucky Pokemon

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With the power of a Lucky Pokemon rather worth obtaining, players might be wondering just how they are to obtain such a great prize. Sadly, the Pokemon GO players who want to be the very best as solo players won’t be able to get a Lucky Pokemon, as these Pokemon cannot be obtained by catching random monsters through their travels.

Instead, players will need to find another Pokemon GO player to make a trade. The chance of receiving a Pokemon with a Lucky status is entirely based on RNG, but players can influence this decision. If players have held onto a Pokemon for a long time, let’s say, since 2016, then the chances of it being traded to another player as a Lucky Pokemon are greatly increased.

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Rare Pokemon GO Shadow Pokemon Has Been Missing for Years

Pokemon fans express their disappointment over Niantic ignoring a shadow Pokemon that has been missing in the pool for several years.

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Players should keep in mind that obtaining a Lucky Pokemon is entirely based on chance, and players won’t always receive or give one when it comes to trade. It’s best to keep a handful of Pokemon friends on the list and communicate which Pokemon they want to trade for the extended chance of a Lucky variant.

Players can also trade gifts with other players to increase the bonds and benefits of their alliance. Some Pokemon Trainers can obtain Lucky Friends, and to do this, players must be Best Friends. Then, players have a 1.17% chance to be Lucky Friends once per day through Pokemon GO activities. Once Lucky Friends, the first trade these Trainers make, will be a 100% guaranteed Lucky Pokemon.

Can Any Pokemon Become Lucky?

lucky shiny porygon

Through trading, every Pokemon has a chance to become a Lucky Pokemon. Players should be aware that by trading their Pokemon, there is no way to claim it back. The trade-off will see Trainers say goodbye to their Pokemon, as they will now be in the care of the person they traded them to. This means if players have a shiny Mewtwo and want it to be Lucky, they cannot, unless someone is willing to also trade a shiny and powerful Mewtwo.

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Pokemon GO Player Finds Maze on Map

A Pokemon GO player discovers a large and intricate maze on their in-game map, prompting the game's community to investigate the maze's purpose.

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As far as Pokemon GO players are aware, the constantly updating Pokedex of Pokemon from all different regions can be traded, and Lucky attempts can be made. This means players can trade all manner of Pokemon, from the best shiny to the rarest Legendary.

The Odds For A Lucky Pokémon

Pokemon GO Long Distance Trade For Extra Candy

The default statistics for a Lucky Pokemon are based on a 5% chance. While this stat is not awful, it could be a risky one. However, the odds for a Lucky Pokemon are increased depending on the bond players have with their Pokemon and their catch date.

According to some research by The Silph Road, the grassroots network of all things Pokemon GO, players have been able to deduce that trading a Pokemon that is over one year old will grant a 10% increase chance. 2 years old will grant a 15% increase chance, and any year over thre years is a whopping 20%. Thus, the cap can be a 20% chance for a Lucky Pokemon, meaning players will have a 1 in 5 chance for a Lucky.

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Pokemon Go Tag Page Cover Art
Pokémon GO
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Released
July 6, 2016
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Developer(s)
Niantic
Franchise
Pokemon
Platform(s)
iOS, Android
Genre(s)
Augmented Reality, RPG
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