Shiny Swap Shenanigans: How Much Stardust to Pony Up for that Prismatic Pokemon?
So, you've finally snagged a shiny Pokemon in Pokemon Go. Congrats, trainer! You've battled countless Zubats in dark caves, hatched enough eggs to fill a stadium, and now, shimmering in your collection, is a gloriously chromatic creature. But wait... your best friend, let's call them Sharon (because everyone knows a Sharon who wants all the shinies), has been eyeing that beauty with the fervor of a Magikarp ogling a Gyarados.
Sharing is Caring, But Stardust is Precious
Ah, the eternal trainer's dilemma: share your prismatic pride or protect your precious stardust reserves? Because let's face it, trading in Pokemon Go ain't like swapping friendship bracelets at summer camp. It comes at a cost, and that cost, my friend, is measured in the glittering dust of a million captured dreams (or something equally dramatic).
The Stardust Breakdown: A Spectrum of Spends
Here's where things get interesting. The amount of stardust you cough up depends on two key factors: friendship level and shiny novelty.
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New and Improved Shiny? That'll Be a Stardust Million, Thanks. Traded a shiny Pokemon neither of you have registered in your Pokedex? Buckle up for a whopping 1,000,000 stardust price tag. That's right, enough pixie dust to power a fairy convention.
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Shiny Buddies? The Cost Plummets (But Not by Much). Traded a shiny with a friend you've achieved "Great Friend" status with? The cost dips to a slightly less heart-attack-inducing 800,000 stardust. Progress! But still enough to make you question your life choices.
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Ultra Shiny Savings: Almost Affordable (Almost). Reached the "Ultra Friend" level of friendship? Shiny swapping becomes a bit more reasonable at a cool 80,000 stardust. Still a hefty chunk of change, but hey, at least you can afford that lucky egg you've been eyeing.
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Best Friend Ballin': Shiny Sharing on a Budget. Finally, the holy grail of friendship: "Best Friends." Here, shiny trades become a (relatively) steal at just 40,000 stardust. Now you can finally trade that shiny Magikarp Sharon's been begging for... without feeling completely broke.
So, Trainer, to Trade or Not to Trade?
The decision is yours, brave adventurer. Is that shiny worth a small fortune in stardust? Will Sharon's eternal gratitude (and maybe a homemade Poke-treat) make up for the loss? Only you can weigh the value of friendship (and pixelated sparkles) against the cold, hard reality of stardust scarcity.
Pro-Tip: Before you embark on your shiny-swapping spree, consider a little grinding. Stardust is everywhere in Pokemon Go, from catching Pokemon to participating in raids. Make it a mission to maximize your stardust income before any big trades.
Remember, trainers, a shiny friend is a friend forever (or at least until the next legendary raid). Choose wisely, and happy trading!
