Trade codes in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are shared Link Codes that pair you with other players who want to trade the same evolution-ready Pokémon. When both of you offer the correct species (and held item where required), the Pokémon evolve immediately after the trade completes.
All Pokémon Legends: Z-A trade evolution codes
The table below lists every known trade evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the standard community Link Codes used for them. For each code, both players should offer the same species, and any required evolution item must already be held by the Pokémon.
| Pokémon you trade | What it evolves into | Required held item | Link Trade code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kadabra | Alakazam | None | 0063 0063 |
Trade Kadabra for Kadabra. |
| Haunter | Gengar | None | 0066 0066 |
Trade Haunter for Haunter. |
| Machoke | Machamp | None | 0126 0126 |
Trade Machoke for Machoke. |
| Phantump | Trevenant | None | 0182 0182 |
Trade Phantump for Phantump. |
| Pumpkaboo | Gourgeist | None | 0204 0204 |
Trade Pumpkaboo for Pumpkaboo. |
| Spritzee | Aromatisse | Sachet | 0096 0096 |
Each Spritzee must be holding a Sachet. |
| Swirlix | Slurpuff | Whipped Dream | 0098 0098 |
Each Swirlix must be holding a Whipped Dream. |
| Slowpoke | Slowking | King's Rock | 0137 0137 |
Each Slowpoke must be holding a King's Rock. |
| Scyther | Scizor | Metal Coat | 0176 0176 |
Each Scyther must be holding a Metal Coat. |
| Onix | Steelix | Metal Coat | 0197 0197 |
Each Onix must be holding a Metal Coat. |
| Porygon | Porygon2 | Upgrade | 0011 0011 |
Each Porygon must be holding an Upgrade. |
| Porygon2 | Porygon-Z | Dubious Disc | 0012 0012 |
Each Porygon2 must be holding a Dubious Disc. |
| Feebas | Milotic | Prism Scale | 0048 0048 |
Each Feebas must be holding a Prism Scale. |
How Pokémon Legends: Z-A trade codes work (mechanics)
Link Trade in Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses a four-digit pair code to match players. The trade codes above are simply the same four digits entered twice, and they are based on each Pokémon’s regional Pokédex number in this game. When you choose a code, the game searches for another player using that exact code under Faraway Players and connects you to them for one or more trades.
Each trade evolution in Z-A is triggered by the act of trading, with or without a held item depending on the species. The evolution always happens on the Pokémon that is received, not the one you send away. As soon as the trade animation and confirmation finish, the recipient’s Pokémon evolves and is registered in their Pokédex.
How to use trade codes in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Step 1: Progress the main story until online features unlock, including Link Play and Mystery Gift. You must also have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership linked to your user profile to access online trades.
Step 2: From in-game, press X to open the menu, then scroll down and select Link Play. On the next screen, choose Link Trade, then select Faraway Players to connect to the online matchmaking service.
Step 3: When prompted for a Link Code, enter one of the codes from the table above exactly, including the space (for example, 0176 0176 for Scyther/Scizor), then confirm. The game starts searching for another player using the same code.
Step 4: After a partner is found, select the Pokémon you want to trade that matches the code you used. For item-based evolutions, make sure your Pokémon is already holding the correct item before you select it.
Step 5: Before confirming the trade, press the button to open your partner’s Pokémon summary. Check that the species is correct and that it is holding the required item when applicable. If something is wrong, cancel instead of accepting.
Step 6: Once you are satisfied, confirm the trade. After the trade completes and the animations finish, the Pokémon you received will evolve automatically if all conditions were met. You can verify success by checking your team and Pokédex for the new form.
Item-based trade evolutions and common failure reasons
For Spritzee, Swirlix, Slowpoke, Scyther, Onix, Porygon, Porygon2, and Feebas, evolution only happens if the Pokémon is holding the correct item at the moment of trade. If either side sends a Pokémon without its item, that Pokémon will not evolve when received, even though the trade itself still completes.
Evolution will not trigger if:
- You or your partner forgot to equip the required item before offering the Pokémon.
- You misread the code and brought the wrong species for that code.
- You canceled on the final confirmation screen instead of accepting the trade.
Whenever an evolution fails for an item-based trade, both players must equip the correct items and repeat the trade. The codes themselves do not control evolution; they only help players find each other.
These trade codes are designed primarily for completing the Pokédex and unlocking trade-only evolutions quickly. Because most partners found through shared codes treat trades as one-way, do not use rare shinies or sentimental Pokémon with these public codes unless you are prepared not to get them back.
