In Pokémon GO, the complete list of Pokémon that evolve by trade includes Graveler, Haunter, Kadabra, Machoke, Boldore, Gurdurr, Karrablast, Shelmet, Phantump, and Pumpkaboo. After trading any of these species, the recipient can evolve them for free, no Candy required, thanks to the game's trade evolution mechanic.
All Pokémon that evolve by trade in Pokémon GO: The complete, up-to-date list
The following Pokémon are the only species eligible for trade evolution in Pokémon GO, organized by their original generation. Each one shows a trade icon on its summary page before trading, and a checkmark after trading confirms it can evolve without Candy.
Kanto (Generation I)
- Graveler → Golem
- Haunter → Gengar
- Kadabra → Alakazam
- Machoke → Machamp
Unova (Generation V)
- Boldore → Gigalith
- Gurdurr → Conkeldurr
- Karrablast → Escavalier
- Shelmet → Accelgor
Kalos (Generation VI)
- Phantump → Trevenant
- Pumpkaboo → Gourgeist
This list matches the Pokémon that appear in trade evolution guides across the web, including those on mobile game tier lists and rankings sites. No other species in the game currently benefit from the Candy-free evolution after trading.
How to identify a trade-evolution Pokémon
Before trading, check the Pokémon's summary page. If it is eligible for trade evolution, you will see a trade icon, two Poké Balls with arrows pointing toward each other, next to the Evolve button. After the trade is complete, the recipient sees a checkmark next to that same trade icon, which marks the Pokémon as ready for Candy-free evolution. This visual indicator is documented by Niantic's official support page and is the only reliable way to confirm eligibility in-game.
How to trade in Pokémon GO
To start a trade, both you and your trading partner must be physically near each other. Then follow these steps from Map View:
- Tap Trainer Profile (your avatar icon in the bottom-left corner).
- Tap the Friends tab at the top of the screen to open your Friend List.
- Tap the Trainer you want to trade with.
- Tap Trade to enter the trading screen.
Once both players join the trade session, each selects a Pokémon to offer. The trading screen shows the possible stats the Pokémon will have after the trade. After both players confirm, the trade completes, and each player receives Candy for the Pokémon they sent. Friendship levels (Good, Great, Ultra, Best) directly reduce Stardust trade cost, from 100 down to 4 for a normal trade. Special trades can cost up to 1,000,000 Stardust for Shiny or Mythical Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon cannot be traded at all. You can increase your friendship level by sending gifts, raiding together, battling in gyms together, or battling each other, but only once per day.
How to evolve a Pokémon after trading
After you receive a traded Pokémon, go to its summary page. If it has a checkmark next to the trade icon, tap Evolve. The evolution will trigger immediately without consuming any Candy. Note that a traded Pokémon cannot be traded again, so choose carefully which species you send and which you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade a Pokémon I already evolved by trade?
No. Once a Pokémon has been traded, it becomes "traded" and cannot be traded again. This applies to all Pokémon, not just trade-evolution species.
Do I need to be a certain level to trade?
Yes, both players must be at least Trainer Level 10 to initiate a trade. This requirement applies to all trades, including those for trade evolution.
Does the Pokémon's stats change after trading?
Yes. When you trade a Pokémon, its IVs (individual values) are re-rolled randomly. The trading screen shows the potential stat range before you confirm, so you can decide if the trade is worth it.
Can I trade a shiny Pokémon for trade evolution?
Special trades cost significantly more Stardust and you can only perform one per day, regardless of friendship level.
What happens if I trade a Pokémon that doesn't evolve by trade?
Nothing special. The Pokémon will not show a trade icon or checkmark, and its evolution will still require the normal Candy cost. Only the 10 species listed above benefit from Candy-free evolution after trading. If both players trade the same trade-evolution species to each other, neither has to spend Candy to evolve it.
