Pokemon GO Lucky Trinket Guide: Get & Use It (July 2025)
The Lucky Trinket has revolutionized Pokemon GO trading by giving trainers an unprecedented way to guarantee Lucky Trades without the usual grind to Best Friend status. This game-changing item first debuted during Pokemon GO Tour: Unova and has since become one of the most sought-after rewards in the game's monthly GO Pass system. I'll guide you through everything you need to know about obtaining and using this valuable item to enhance your Pokemon collection.
As of 2025, the Lucky Trinket remains exclusive to the GO Pass Deluxe, making it a premium feature that requires both financial investment and dedicated gameplay. Whether you're a competitive battler looking to maximize your team's potential or a collector seeking those coveted hundos, understanding how to leverage the Lucky Trinket can significantly impact your Pokemon GO experience.
Table of Contents
Pokemon GO: Quick Facts About Lucky Trinket
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $7.99-$14.99 (GO Pass Deluxe) |
| Availability | Monthly GO Pass events |
| Requirements | Must be Great Friends or higher |
| Duration | One-time use only |
| Expiration | Usually 5-7 days after GO Pass ends |
| Effect | Instantly creates Lucky Friend status |
| Trading Range | Normal trading distance applies |
What Is The Lucky Trinket In Pokemon GO?
The Lucky Trinket is a revolutionary one-time-use item that instantly transforms any eligible friend into a Lucky Friend, bypassing the traditional requirement of being Best Friends and relying on random chance. When I first encountered this item during the GO Tour: Unova event, it completely changed how I approached strategic trades with my community.
This precious item represents Niantic's effort to give players more control over one of the game's most valuable mechanics - Lucky Trades. Unlike the traditional method where Best Friends have only a small daily chance of becoming Lucky Friends through interactions, the Lucky Trinket provides guaranteed results on demand.
The Power of Instant Lucky Friend Status
What makes the Lucky Trinket particularly valuable is its ability to work with trainers you're only Great Friends with (requiring just 7 days of friendship). This dramatically reduces the 90-day wait typically needed to reach Best Friend status before even having a chance at Lucky Friend status.
The item appears in your bag with a distinctive golden charm icon, and once activated on a friend, it creates an immediate Lucky Friend bond that persists until you complete a trade. This persistence means you can use the trinket strategically, activating it before planned meetups or community days when you know you'll be trading.
How To Get A Lucky Trinket In Pokemon GO (2025)
Currently, the Lucky Trinket is exclusively available through the GO Pass Deluxe system, which has become Pokemon GO's version of a battle pass. Here's the complete process for obtaining this valuable item:
Step 1: Purchase the GO Pass Deluxe
The GO Pass Deluxe typically costs between $7.99 and $14.99, depending on the specific event and region. During major events like GO Tour, the price may be higher but includes additional bonuses. The pass becomes available at 10:00 AM local time on the first Tuesday of each month.
Step 2: Complete the Progression Track
Once you've purchased the GO Pass Deluxe, you'll need to earn GO Points by:
- Daily Activities: Catching Pokemon, spinning PokeStops, completing raids
- Pass Tasks: Special event-themed objectives that refresh daily
- Bonus Activities: Hatching eggs, winning battles, making excellent throws
The Lucky Trinket sits at the highest tier of rewards, typically requiring you to reach rank 100 (or the maximum rank for that month's pass). This usually takes dedicated daily play throughout the event period.
Step 3: Claim Your Lucky Trinket
Upon reaching the final milestone, the Lucky Trinket will appear in your rewards queue. You must claim it before the GO Pass expires, as unclaimed rewards disappear when the event ends. The trinket will then appear in your item bag with an expiration timer.
Monthly Availability Schedule
The GO Pass system has evolved since its introduction, with Lucky Trinkets now appearing regularly:
- GO Tour Events: Featured during major annual events (February/March)
- Monthly GO Pass: Available in tested regions (April-December)
- Special Events: Occasionally included in premium event tickets
What Does The Lucky Trinket Do in Pokemon GO?
The Lucky Trinket's primary function creates immediate value for strategic traders and collectors alike. When used, it guarantees that your next trade with the selected friend will produce Lucky Pokemon for both parties.
Lucky Pokemon Benefits
Lucky Pokemon aren't just cosmetic variations - they provide substantial gameplay advantages:
- 50% Stardust Power-Up Cost: This reduction makes maxing out Pokemon significantly more affordable
- Guaranteed High IVs: Minimum 12/12/12 stats (80% IV floor)
- Special Background: Golden, sparkly effect that marks them as Lucky
- Trade Value: Highly sought after by collectors and competitive players
Strategic Value for Different Player Types
For Competitive Battlers: The reduced power-up cost means you can afford to max out meta-relevant Pokemon for raids and Go Battle League. I've saved millions of Stardust by trading for Lucky versions of expensive investments like Mewtwo and Dialga.
For Collectors: The IV floor significantly increases your chances of obtaining perfect or near-perfect Pokemon through trades. Many collectors specifically save low-IV legendaries to trade for potential Lucky hundos.
For Casual Players: Even if you're not chasing perfect stats, Lucky Pokemon make it affordable to power up your favorite creatures without depleting your Stardust reserves.
How To Use The Lucky Trinket in Pokemon GO?
Using your Lucky Trinket effectively requires planning and communication with your trading partner. Here's my step-by-step guide for maximizing its value:
Step 1: Choose Your Trading Partner
Select a friend who:
- Is at least Great Friends with you (7+ days of friendship)
- Has Pokemon you want (legendaries, regionals, PvP candidates)
- Can meet you in person for trading
- Isn't already your Lucky Friend
Step 2: Coordinate Your Trade
Before using the trinket:
- Discuss which Pokemon you'll trade
- Ensure both parties have the required Stardust
- Plan a meeting time before the trinket expires
- Consider saving it for Community Day or special events
Step 3: Activate the Lucky Trinket
- Open your Friends list
- Select the chosen friend's profile
- Look for the "Use Lucky Trinket" option
- Confirm your selection
- The Lucky Friend status activates immediately
Step 4: Complete Your Lucky Trade
Once Lucky Friends:
- Meet within normal trading distance (100 meters)
- Select Pokemon to trade
- Both Pokemon will become Lucky guaranteed
- Lucky Friend status clears after the trade
Lucky Trinket Requirements and Limitations
Understanding the restrictions helps you avoid wasting this valuable item:
Friendship Requirements
- Minimum Level: Great Friends (7 days of interactions)
- Maximum Level: Ultra Friends or Best Friends also eligible
- Current Status: Cannot use on existing Lucky Friends
Trading Limitations
- Distance: Normal 100-meter trading range applies
- Special Trades: Still limited to one special trade per day
- Stardust Costs: Regular friendship discounts apply
Time Restrictions
- Expiration Date: Usually 5-7 days after GO Pass ends
- One-Time Use: Consumed immediately upon activation
- No Storage: Cannot save multiple trinkets
Settings and Permissions
Players can opt out of receiving Lucky Friend status from others' trinkets through the settings menu. This prevents unwanted Lucky Friend activations but also means you should confirm your trading partner hasn't disabled this feature.
Best Pokemon To Trade With Lucky Trinket
Maximizing your Lucky Trinket's value means choosing the right Pokemon to trade. Based on my experience and community consensus, here are the top categories:
Top Legendary Choices
Raid Attackers:
- Mewtwo (Psychic/Shadow Ball)
- Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying attacks)
- Reshiram/Zekrom (Fire/Electric)
- Kyogre/Groudon (Water/Ground)
- Dialga (Dragon/Steel)
PvP Master League:
- Giratina (Origin and Altered)
- Lugia (with Aeroblast)
- Ho-Oh (with Sacred Fire)
- Mewtwo (Psystrike/Shadow Ball)
- Zacian/Zamazenta
Top Non-Legendary Choices
Gym Defenders:
- Blissey/Chansey
- Snorlax
- Metagross
- Garchomp
- Dragonite
Shadow Pokemon (if already purified):
- Shadow Machamp
- Shadow Metagross
- Shadow Salamence
- Shadow Tyranitar
Regional Exclusives
Trading for regionals you can't obtain locally provides excellent value:
- Tropius (Africa/Middle East)
- Pachirisu (Canada/Alaska/Russia)
- Relicanth (New Zealand/Fiji)
- Torkoal (South Asia)
- Heracross (Central/South America)
Lucky Trinket Trading Strategies
I've developed several strategies for maximizing Lucky Trinket value through community trading:
The Mirror Trade Strategy
Both trainers save the same legendary with poor IVs, then Lucky Trade them to each other. This works particularly well for:
- Newly released legendaries
- Signature move Pokemon
- Shiny legendaries
The Collection Completion Strategy
Use Lucky Trinkets to fill Pokedex gaps with high-quality specimens:
- Identify missing regionals or event Pokemon
- Find travelers or spoofers willing to trade
- Guarantee high IVs for your new Pokedex entry
The Investment Optimization Strategy
Focus on Pokemon that benefit most from reduced power-up costs:
- Level 50 candidates (Master League)
- Mega Evolution Pokemon
- Future Community Day candidates
- Pokemon with expected move updates
The Community Chain Strategy
Coordinate with multiple trainers:
- Player A uses trinket on Player B
- They trade specific Pokemon
- Player B uses their trinket on Player C
- Continue chain for maximum community benefit
Tips For Maximizing Lucky Trinket Value
After using dozens of Lucky Trinkets across multiple accounts, I've learned these essential tips:
DO:
- Save for Legendaries: The Stardust savings are most significant
- Coordinate in Advance: Plan trades before using the trinket
- Check IVs First: Trade lower IV Pokemon for reroll chances
- Consider Future Value: Some Pokemon become more valuable over time
- Use Before Expiration: Set calendar reminders
DON'T:
- Waste on Common Pokemon: Unless they're meaningful to you
- Use Impulsively: Plan your trade carefully
- Forget Distance Requirements: You still need to meet in person
- Trade Perfects: Lucky rerolls IVs, potentially making them worse
- Ignore Settings: Ensure both players have Lucky Trinkets enabled
Lucky Trinket vs Traditional Lucky Friends
Understanding the differences helps you appreciate the trinket's value:
| Feature | Lucky Trinket | Traditional Method |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | Instant | 90+ days minimum |
| Friendship Level | Great Friends+ | Best Friends only |
| Success Rate | 100% guaranteed | ~2% daily chance |
| Control | Complete | Random |
| Cost | $7.99-14.99 | Free |
| Availability | Limited/Monthly | Always available |
GO Pass Deluxe Progression Tips
Since Lucky Trinkets require completing the entire GO Pass Deluxe, here are my strategies for efficient progression:
Daily Optimization
- Complete all Pass Tasks immediately at refresh
- Stack research encounters for quick catches
- Use Incense during bonus point periods
- Focus on Excellent throws for bonus points
Event Maximization
- Save evolutions for 2x evolution point days
- Coordinate raid hours with friends
- Utilize special research for easy points
- Take advantage of spotlight hours
Point Farming Techniques
- Quick Catch Method: Maximizes catches per hour
- Gift Opening: Easy friendship points
- Gym Spinning: Combines with daily coins
- Egg Hatching: Use Adventure Sync efficiently
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Learning from community experiences, these are the most frequent Lucky Trinket mistakes:
Mistake 1: Using on Already-High IV Pokemon
Trading rerolls IVs completely. A 98% Pokemon could become 80% Lucky. Always trade lower IV specimens for improvement chances.
Mistake 2: Forgetting Expiration Dates
Lucky Trinkets expire shortly after GO Pass ends. I've seen countless posts about lost trinkets due to procrastination.
Mistake 3: Not Coordinating Trades
Using a trinket without confirming your partner has suitable Pokemon wastes the opportunity. Always discuss trade options first.
Mistake 4: Trading During Events Without Bonuses
Some events offer trade distance bonuses or reduced Stardust costs. Timing your Lucky Trade during these events maximizes value.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Special Trade Limits
You still can only do one special trade daily. Lucky status doesn't bypass this restriction, so plan accordingly.
Future of Lucky Trinkets in Pokemon GO
Based on Niantic's patterns and community feedback, here's what we might expect:
Potential Changes
- Increased Availability: More frequent GO Pass events
- Price Adjustments: Possible standalone purchase options
- Feature Expansions: Distance trading capabilities
- Storage Options: Ability to hold multiple trinkets
Community Wishlist
Players consistently request:
- Permanent storage without expiration
- Ability to purchase directly
- Remote Lucky Trading option
- Increased drop rates in free tracks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Lucky Trinket on someone I'm already Lucky Friends with?
No, you cannot use a Lucky Trinket on existing Lucky Friends. The game prevents this to avoid wasting the item.
Does Lucky Trinket enable long-distance trading?
No, Lucky Trinkets don't change trading distance requirements. You still need to be within 100 meters to complete the trade.
Can I save multiple Lucky Trinkets?
Currently, you can only obtain one Lucky Trinket per GO Pass. They cannot be stacked or saved beyond their expiration date.
What happens if my Lucky Trinket expires?
Expired Lucky Trinkets disappear from your inventory permanently. There's no way to recover or extend them once expired.
Can Lucky Trades fail or produce non-Lucky Pokemon?
No, Lucky Trades are 100% guaranteed to produce Lucky Pokemon for both traders when completed.
Do both players need to use a Lucky Trinket?
No, only one player needs to use a Lucky Trinket. This creates Lucky Friend status for both trainers.
Can I disable others from using Lucky Trinkets on me?
Yes, you can disable this feature in Settings > Friends > Lucky Trinket Permissions.
Will Lucky Trinkets become available for free players?
Currently, there are no plans to include Lucky Trinkets in free GO Pass tiers. They remain exclusive to Deluxe purchases.
What's the best Pokemon to Lucky Trade?
Legendary Pokemon, especially those relevant for raids or Master League PvP, provide the best return on investment due to high power-up costs.
Can Shadow Pokemon be Lucky Traded?
Only purified Pokemon can be traded. Shadow Pokemon cannot be traded at all, Lucky or otherwise.
Conclusion
The Lucky Trinket represents one of Pokemon GO's most valuable premium features, offering guaranteed Lucky Trades that can save millions of Stardust while securing high-IV Pokemon. At $7.99-14.99 through the GO Pass Deluxe, it's an investment that pays dividends for serious players who understand its strategic applications.
Whether you're building a competitive Master League team, hunting perfect IVs, or simply want to power up your favorites affordably, the Lucky Trinket provides unmatched value when used wisely. Remember to plan your trades carefully, coordinate with trusted partners, and always use your trinket before it expires.
As Pokemon GO continues evolving in 2025, the Lucky Trinket remains a game-changing tool that bridges the gap between casual and competitive play. With monthly availability through GO Pass events, there's never been a better time to start leveraging this powerful item for your collection.
Stay tuned to the official Pokemon GO channels for the latest GO Pass announcements, and may your Lucky Trades bring you nothing but hundos!