Pokemon SV: All starter, version-exclusive, and DLC trade codes

Struggling with completing the Pokedex is a thing of the past in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, thanks to a network of trade codes that streamline the process of getting version exclusives and trade evolutions.

Completing the Pokedex has long been a source of frustration in the mainline Pokemon games. Since the days of Pokemon Red and Blue, there have always been version-exclusive Pokemon that can only be caught in one of the two games released in each generation. Before the introduction of online trading, this meant that one needed to find a willing trade partner in person to complete their Pokedex. 

Online trading made this easier, but it was still difficult as it meant relying on the Global Trade System. This allowed players to offer a Pokemon online while stipulating what they wanted in return. While this isn’t available in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans adopted a universal set of trade codes that let players reliably trade version-exclusive Pokemon for the main game, DLC, and starters.

How do trade codes work in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

The Link Code system in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet works by using an eight-digit code to connect traders through the internet. Here is the step-by-step process for using them:

• Advance until the “treasure hunt” is announced
• Press Y to bring up Poke Portal
• Select “Link Trade”
• Choose “Set Link Code”
• Enter Link Code, press + button
• Select “Begin Searching” and wait until a partner is found

This system is meant to be used between two participants who are specifically looking for each other. Some enterprising fans took this idea and designed a different system to instantly connect players based on what Pokemon they’re looking to obtain. Word of this spread through content creators on Twitch and YouTube and it’s become a staple of the experience since.

These trade codes use the Paldea Pokedex numbers of starters and version-exclusive Pokemon to make filling out the Pokedex incredibly simple, and the list has been expanded to include the DLC as well. If a person playing on Pokemon Scarlet is looking to obtain a Ceruledge, they can do so by catching an Armarouge and then entering a link code using the Pokedex numbers of these two Pokemon.

Using the correct Link Code is only half the battle, though. Since it’s unknown who will be entering the trade, it’s possible for two players from the same game to get connected. This can make it difficult when one Pokemon is much more desirable than the other, like trying to find someone to trade a powerful Flutter Mane from Scarlet for a comparatively weak Iron Jugulis from Violet. With luck, trying repeatedly will yield a desirable trade partner.

Just like the days of trading Pokemon Cards at the playground, trading legendary Pokemon to complete strangers is best considered permanent. Players who want to keep their Koraidon or Miraidon should find a willing friend or family member to trade the Pokemon back after.

The trick to this system is knowing what pairs of Pokemon are considered equals. Pokemon such as Ceruledge and Armarouge are easy to determine. Other older Pokemon may be less intuitive to determine trade pairs. Luckily there is a handy chart to clearly state all the available trade code pairs as of the newest Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC, The Hidden Treasure Part 1: The Teal Mask.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trade codes for version-exclusives and Paldea starters

The base version of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have a number of version exclusives that players will need to obtain. While this doesn’t initially seem like a challenge during the main part of the story, 14 version-exclusive Pokemon are introduced in quick succession in the game’s final chapter. Here’s the full set of trade codes for the starters and version exclusives in the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet base game.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask DLC trade codes for version exclusives, Sinnoh starters

More version exclusives were introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure Part 1 – The Teal Mask DLC, and fans were quick to create a new set of trade codes for them. Using the same system as the base game, trade codes have been adopted to facilitate exchanges of these Pokemon.

The list of version-exclusive Pokemon is short, with just Gligar, Gliscor, and Cramorant appearing in Pokemon Scarlet and Aipom, Ambipom, and Morpeko appearing in Pokemon Violet. Alongside these version exclusives are link codes for the Sinnoh starters. Players get a random egg from Jacq in Kitakami that contains one random Sinnoh starter. Only one can be obtained per save but players can get all three by trading.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet evolutions link codes

Alongside version exclusives, starters, and Sinnoh starters from the DLC, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players have adopted trade codes for Pokemon that have trade-based evolutions. As of the Teal Mask DLC, the list includes Graveller, Gurrdurr, Haunter, and Phantump which don’t require an item. There is also Poliwhirl, Feebas, and Dusclops which need a specific Held Item in order to evolve.

As with the legendaries, players are encouraged to not trade any Pokemon they are attached to. It’s also worth double-checking that the incoming Pokemon has the proper Held Item in order to guarantee an evolution.