The most exciting update to hit Pokémon Go since research, possibly even since the game’s release, just hit us a few short weeks ago: friendship and trading! Trading was an integral part of the man series games, way back when you needed a special cord to hook two GameBoys together so you could trade with your friends.

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In PoGo, it works the same but different – no special cord needed =P Each trainer is assigned a friend code, which you can share with other players. Once you have been added to each other’s friend lists, you exchange gifts! Gifts are received by spinning Pokéstops or photo disks at gyms. Items inside the gifts range from balls to max revives – and if you’re after the exclusive Alolan eggs, found only inside these gifts, make sure you have an open egg slot ;D

Not only do you get useful items from gifts, when you exchange gifts, you level up your friendship! Leveling up your friendship with another player unlocks rewards and incentives. These include stardust discounts for trading, bonus damage done during raids you participate in together, and more.

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I have 27 friends, most of whom are in the raid group in my hometown, but my fiancé, a few of my coworkers, and my partner-in-blogging Nancy are also among them ;D It’s been really fun exchanging gifts with everyone and seeing where they were playing when they got the gift they sent (Mine are probably all boring… most of the ones I send are from my work…). I was a lone player for a long time, but now I feel part of a community in a way I wasn’t before. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying they made the game fun again, just like it was the first few weeks.

– Kathleen