# Understanding Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO has captivated millions with its unique gameplay mechanics, one of which is the introduction of **Lucky Pokémon**. These special Pokémon offer players enhanced chances for success, but understanding how they work can sometimes be a bit puzzling. In this article, we will explore what Lucky Pokémon are, how they are obtained, and the probability of encountering them.
## What are Lucky Pokémon?
Lucky Pokémon are a unique class of Pokémon in Pokémon GO that are cheaper to power up and come with a guaranteed minimum IV (individual values) of 10 in each stat. When you’re aiming for competitive battles or gym placements, having a Lucky Pokémon can significantly improve your chances of winning.
## How to Obtain Lucky Pokémon
There are several methods to obtain Lucky Pokémon, making them a thrilling aspect of the game:
1. **Trading**: When you trade Pokémon with a friend, there’s a chance that the traded Pokémon will become Lucky. The likelihood of this happening increases if it’s been a long time since the Pokémon was caught.
2. **Special Events**: Niantic occasionally hosts special events that increase the odds of receiving Lucky Pokémon during trades or from specific Alpha Pokemon.
3. **Lucky Friends**: If you regularly trade with the same player, you can achieve the status of “Lucky Friends,” which guarantees that your next trade will yield at least one Lucky Pokémon.
## Chances of Getting Lucky Pokémon
To maximize your chances, it's essential to understand the overall probabilities involved. While the exact rates can fluctuate depending on various factors, here’s a brief breakdown:
### General Chances
The natural chances of receiving Lucky Pokémon through trades are approximately:
- **Standard Trade**: About 5%-10% chance
- **Lucky Friends Trade**: About 100% chance for one of the Pokémon being traded to become Lucky
### Key Factors Affecting Probability
Several factors influence your chances of obtaining Lucky Pokémon:
- **Time Since Capture**: The longer the Pokémon has been in your collection without being traded, the higher the likelihood of it becoming Lucky. Pokémon caught before a specific date (e.g., July 1, 2016) may have different odds compared to those caught more recently.
- **Traded Pokémon**: Trading Pokémon that have been collected from different regions or events can also positively impact your chances.
## Benefits of Lucky Pokémon
Lucky Pokémon provide several significant benefits, making them a must-have for any serious Pokémon GO player:
- **Reduced Stardust Cost**: The primary advantage is a 50% reduction in Stardust cost when powering up a Lucky Pokémon.
- **Improved IVs**: With guaranteed IVs of at least 10 per stat, Lucky Pokémon offer a solid foundation for battle performance.
- **Enhanced Trading Potential**: If you decide to trade away your Lucky Pokémon, they often become desirable commodities due to their superior stats.
## Conclusion
In summary, Lucky Pokémon present an interesting layer to Pokémon GO strategy, combining both luck and skill in trading and collection. By understanding how to increase your chances of obtaining Lucky Pokémon, and recognizing their advantages, you can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether through careful trading or participating in special events, aiming for Lucky Pokémon is definitely worth the effort!
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