Get ready, Pokémon GO trainers, for an exciting friendship adventure! We're about to dive into a major update that will revolutionize the way you connect and trade with your buddies. The introduction of the Forever Friends level and Remote Trading is a game-changer, offering new depths to your Pokémon GO experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... this update is not just about the new features; it's a complete overhaul of the friendship system. And this is the part most people miss: the old daily interaction mechanic is gone, replaced by a new Friendship Points system. So, let's explore this exciting update and uncover the secrets to becoming Forever Friends!
Forever Friends and Remote Trading: Unlocking New Possibilities
The Pokémon GO team has unveiled a brand-new Friendship level, Forever Friends, which sits above Best Friends. To achieve this prestigious status, you'll need to rack up 90 interactions with another trainer after becoming Best Friends. But why stop there? Forever Friends offers valuable rewards, XP, and two incredible perks that will change the way you play.
The Power of Remote Trading
When you become Forever Friends with another trainer, a magical opportunity arises: Remote Trading! This feature allows you to trade Pokémon with your Forever Friends remotely, opening up a world of possibilities for players who may not be able to meet in person. Imagine the excitement of trading rare Pokémon with friends from across the globe!
Attack Boosts and More
Reaching Forever Friends also unlocks a special attack boost, similar to those earned at lower Friendship levels. This bonus is a one-time reward, so make it count! It's a great way to enhance your Pokémon's abilities and give them an edge in battles.
How to Earn Forever Friends Status
To become Forever Friends, you'll need to earn 90 Friendship Points with each friend after becoming Best Friends. Friendship Points are the new currency of friendship in Pokémon GO, and they replace the old daily interaction system. You can earn up to one Friendship Point per day per friend by engaging in various activities together, such as trading, sending gifts, and completing other friendship interactions.
Speed up your progress by completing Weekly Challenges with your friends, earning up to seven extra Friendship Points per week. Any event bonuses that boost friendship gain will also apply to your Forever Friends progression.
Remote Trades and Forever Friends Progression
Every time you earn 90 Friendship Points, you unlock a Remote Trade with that friend. Forever Friends is a repeatable level, so you can continue earning Friendship Points and receive additional Remote Trades each time you hit the 90-point mark again. However, Remote Trades don't stack; you'll need to use your current Remote Trade before earning another one.
Each Remote Trade is tied to the friend you earned it with, so it can't be transferred or used with another friend. Trainers can complete one Remote Trade per day across all friends, regardless of how many Forever Friends they have.
Lucky Friends and Lucky Trinkets
If you're Lucky Friends, your next trade, whether local or remote, will result in a Lucky Pokémon. After completing the trade, you'll no longer be Lucky Friends, just like with in-person trades. If you have a Remote Trade unlocked and use a Lucky Trinket on that friend, the trade will be Lucky as well. Remember, using a Lucky Trinket doesn't grant a new Remote Trade; it only affects the outcome of the current trade.
Starting Your Remote Trade Adventure
Before your first Remote Trade, you'll be prompted to use a special Remote Trade tag to mark the Pokémon you're willing to trade with your Forever Friends. Once you and another trainer become Forever Friends, you'll each be able to see the Pokémon tagged for Remote Trading. These are the only Pokémon available for trade.
To initiate a Remote Trade:
- Trainers take turns selecting up to three Pokémon from their friend's tagged list that they'd like to receive.
- These selections are sent to the other trainer as a trade "wish list."
- Each trainer then chooses one Pokémon from their friend's wish list to offer in return.
- Both trainers review the final selections and can confirm or cancel the trade at any time.
You're not locked into the trade; either trainer can decline or restart the process at any point before confirming.
Pokémon Banned from Remote Trades
There are certain Pokémon that cannot be included in a Remote Trade. These include Pokémon caught in the last 30 days, previously traded Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms or Power Spots, Pokémon set as your buddy, actively Mega-Evolved Pokémon, Fused Pokémon, Crowned Sword Zacian, Crowned Shield Zamazenta, and Pokémon placed at Pokémon Playgrounds.
Friends List and Weekly Challenges Updates
In addition to the Forever Friends level and Remote Trading, the maximum number of friends is being increased from 450 to 650 over the next few weeks. This expansion allows you to connect with even more trainers and build a larger network of friends.
Weekly challenges also offer an exciting way to team up with up to three other trainers from your Friend List, regardless of their location. Take on group challenges each week and earn rewards, including XP and additional friendship points.
Timed Research Opportunity
Starting Monday, December 15, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, December 29, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time, trainers can participate in a free Timed Research opportunity. Complete the Timed Research to claim rewards such as an encounter with Scatterbug, XP, Stardust, and more. Please note that Timed Research expires, so be sure to complete the tasks and claim your rewards before Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Conclusion: Embrace the Forever Friends Adventure
The Forever Friends update in Pokémon GO is a game-changer, offering new depths to your friendship and trading experiences. With the new Friendship Points system, Remote Trading, and exciting perks, there's so much to explore and discover. So, get out there, trainers, and start building those Forever Friendships! Remember, the key to success is interaction and engagement, so make the most of this exciting update and have fun!
What do you think about the Forever Friends update? Are you excited to try Remote Trading? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's discuss and learn from each other's adventures in the world of Pokémon GO!
