Welcome back!

Sign in or create an account to enjoy GINX perks, enter competitions and access exclusive features.

GINX TV > Guides & Tutorial > Pokémon GO

How To Get Lucky Pokémon In Pokémon GO?

Here's everything to know about Lucky Pokémon, including what they are and how to catch them during the Lunar New Year event.
How To Get Lucky Pokémon In Pokémon GO?

Pokémon GO will be hosting its annual seasonal event, Lunar New Year, which ushers in the Year of the Rabbit with Bunnelby appearing more frequently during the event. On hand are several themed activities and event bonuses, which Trainers can thank their lucky stars and gain more Lucky Pokémon.

Aspects of this feature have confused many over the years as Trainers are unclear about how it functions and where they can get a Lucky Pokémon. Let’s look at Lucky Pokémon, how it works and how to get a Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO.

What Are Lucky Pokémon & How Do They Work In Pokémon GO

pokemon go guide lucky pokemon trading gifting feature friends
Trainers can receive a Lucky Pokémon when trading or gifting Pokémon with friends. (Picture: Twitter / Pokémon GO)

Lucky Pokémon is an in-game mechanic connected to the Gifting and Trading features in Pokémon GO. When receiving a Pokémon from a friend, they’ll randomly turn into a Lucky Pokémon, which is usually more powerful than its normal form.

Within your Pokédex, the received Pokémon will have a glittery effect, which indicates their Lucky status; the benefit of utilizing a Lucky Pokémon is that less Stardust is needed when powering it up. Likewise, the longer the period you have the traded Pokémon, the likelihood it will turn into a Lucky Pokémon.

The chances of obtaining one are relatively low in Pokémon GO; however, the upcoming Lunar New Year event reveals your odds of gaining Lucky Pokémon will increase. The best chance you have to receive a Lucky Pokémon is if your friend happens to be a Lucky Friend.

How To Get A Lucky Pokémon In Pokémon GO?

pokemon go guide lucky pokemon trading lucky friend
Trade with your Lucky Friend to receive a guaranteed Lucky Pokémon. (Picture: Niantic / The Pokémon Company)

To receive a Lucky Pokémon, you must trade or gift Pokémon with a friend. While the chances that the traded or gifted Pokémon will be a Lucky Pokémon at first are slim, the longer you have it, the higher chance it will eventually become a Lucky Pokémon.

As stated above, another option is making trades with a Lucky Friend, a unique upgrade following the Best Friend upgrade. For this to occur, you and your friend need to be Best Friends, which, once daily, their first trade will ensure that both Trainers become Lucky Friends.

You’ll receive an in-game notification confirming this upgrade in which you can trade Pokémon, which guarantees your chances of receiving a Lucky Pokémon. After trading Pokémon, you’ll resume the Best Friend status until you receive another opportunity to be Lucky Friends, as there are no restrictions on how often this can happen.

What Are The Odds Of Getting Lucky Pokémon?

According to the Pokémon source, The Silph Road, the chances of getting a Lucky Pokémon are determined by the ages of traded Pokémon. As the ages increase, their Lucky Rate will significantly increase with some exceptions we’ve listed below.

  • Pokémon less than one year old will stand a 5% chance of being Lucky
  • Pokémon that are one year old will stand a 10% chance of being Lucky
  • Pokémon that are two years old will stand a 15% chance of being Lucky
  • Pokémon that are three years and older will stand a 20% chance of being Lucky

The source highlighted that 20% appears to be the current cap; however, if both Pokémon traded are one year and older, the Lucky Rate will be increased to 20%. This means if you and your Lucky Friend traded Pokémon that both are one year old, your chances are better than trading a Pokémon that is two years old.