What is a Lucky Pokemon in Pokemon Go?

In Pokemon Go, you can get Lucky Pokemon. But what does that mean?

Maya Hutchinson

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It’s possible you might have traded a Pokemon with a friend, only to then be happily surprised by receiving a ‘Lucky‘ Pokemon. However, what is a lucky Pokemon? What does it mean to have one and how does it change your gameplay?

Well, if you’ve got yourself a Lucky Pokemon, then you’re – if you’d believe it – in luck! Lucky Pokemon are special Pokemon that will be guaranteed to have three stars, and possibly sometimes be Perfect. But getting a Lucky Pokemon isn’t exactly easy, in fact there’s only a 5% chance that upon trading, a Pokemon will become a Lucky one. However, there is one way to increase your chances of getting a lucky Pokemon, by trading a Pokemon who’s been in your Trainer box for the longest.

Although Pokémon turn into Lucky Pokémon at random when traded, the longer a Pokémon has been held onto, the greater the chances that they will become Lucky Pokémon.

Benefits of a Lucky Pokemon

So what does having a Lucky Pokemon mean? Well, for one… It means you’re certain to have a three star Pokemon. But further more, the cost of powering up your Lucky Pokemon will be reduced by 50%. This cost reduction stacks with that of being Purified, making a Lucky Purified Pokémon far cheaper to upgrade.

Odds of getting a Lucky Pokemon

Assuming that one is less than a year old, the odds are as follows, based on the age of the other being traded:

• Less than 1 year old: 5%
• 1 year old: 10%
• 2 years old: 15%
• 3+ years old: 20% (research so far suggests that 20% is the cap)

Additionally, if both Pokémon are at least a year old, the odds are boosted further (up to the apparent cap of 20%).

• The findings suggest that the Lucky Rate may be based on the combined ages of the two Pokémon. Thus two 1 year old Pokémon have the same odds as a new with a 2 year old Pokémon.

Lucky Trade with a Lucky Friend

If you are ‘Best Friends’, there’s a chance you can become Lucky Friends for a day. Which means that the next trade you make with that person is guaranteed to be Lucky.