Pokémon GO Launches Remote Trade Feature

Niantic has launched a long-awaited Remote Trade feature in Pokémon GO, allowing players to exchange Pokémon with friends across distances without needing to meet in person. The update, which includes a new top-tier friendship level called Forever Friends, began rolling out on December 8, 2025, starting in New Zealand, with broader global access to follow in phases over the coming weeks.

The feature addresses a key limitation in the game's trading system, which previously required players to be within close proximity. Remote Trading becomes available once two trainers reach Forever Friends status, a level above the existing Best Friends tier. To achieve this, players must accumulate friendship points through daily interactions such as sending or opening gifts, trading Pokémon, battling together, or participating in cooperative activities. Each friend earns one point per day, with bonuses available from weekly challenges that up to four trainers can complete remotely for extra points and experience points, or XP.

Once unlocked, Remote Trading operates through a structured process designed to streamline exchanges. Trainers first tag specific Pokémon in their collection with a...