Forever Friends and Remote Trading for Pokémon GO

A new feature for Pokémon GO is beginning a phased rollout starting today, December 8th, in New Zealand. A new friendship level called Forever Friends is coming and reaching that level will unlock Remote Trades. According to Niantic, you're not going to be able to trade willy nilly though; you'll need to earn friendship points first. Each trainer will also have specially tagged Pokémon that will be available as your tradeable ones. From there, your friend can select up to three they would like to get and you ultimately choose one of those to trade. Good news, Remote Trades don't count as Special Trades. Bad news, more restrictions on trading. From Niantic's blog post, here are the rules about what you can't trade:

• Pokémon caught in the last 30 days

• Previously traded Pokémon

• Shadow Pokémon

• Mythical Pokémon

• Pokémon defending Gyms or Power Spots

• Pokémon currently set as your buddy

• Actively Mega-Evolved Pokémon

• Fused Pokémon

• Crowned Sword Zacian and Crowned Shield Zamazenta

• Pokémon placed at Pokémon Playgrounds

Honestly, it's not all that surprising. You can check out the full details here: https://pokemongo.com/news/pgo-remote-trade-2025