Look, we’ve all been there. You’ve spent hours hunting down a Phantump in the alleyways of Lumiose City, only to realize you’re stuck. It won’t evolve. Why? Because Game Freak still loves the old-school struggle of trade evolutions. Even in 2026, with the Nintendo Switch 2 in our hands and Mega Evolutions everywhere, we’re still tethered to that "trade to evolve" mechanic.
If you're playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you probably know that the "Link Post" isn't just for show. But unless you have a dedicated group of friends who are always online, completing that Pokédex feels like a chore. That’s where pokemon za trade codes come in. These aren't official "cheat codes" from Nintendo. They are community-driven, 8-digit numbers that act as a universal handshake. Basically, if you enter a specific code, you’re telling the world, "Hey, I have a Haunter, and I want a Gengar."
It's efficient. Mostly.
The Current List of Pokemon ZA Trade Codes
The community, largely led by creators like Austin John Plays, has settled on a "Double Number" system. It’s pretty clever. You just take the National Pokédex number of the Pokémon you want to trade and repeat it. If it’s a three-digit number, you add a zero at the front.
Honestly, it’s the only way to play if you're a solo trainer. Here is what everyone is currently using to fill out those Z-A Royale teams:
- Kadabra for Kadabra: 0063-0063 (Get that Alakazam!)
- Machoke for Machoke: 0066-0066
- Haunter for Haunter: 0093-0093
- Scyther (with Metal Coat) for Scyther: 0123-0123
- Onix (with Metal Coat) for Onix: 0095-0095
- Slowpoke (with King's Rock) for Slowpoke: 0079-0079
- Porygon (with Upgrade) for Porygon: 0137-0137
- Phantump for Phantump: 0708-0708
- Pumpkaboo for Pumpkaboo: 0710-0710
- Spritzee (with Sachet) for Spritzee: 0682-0682
- Swirlix (with Whipped Dream) for Swirlix: 0684-0684
There’s a bit of a nuance with the new Mega Dimension DLC content too. Since the update dropped in December, people have been using 0012-0012 for Porygon exchanges and 0048-0048 for Feebas. Just make sure your Feebas is actually holding the Prism Scale. I've seen way too many people try to trade a "naked" Feebas, and it just wastes everyone's time.
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Why These Codes Sometimes Fail You
You’ve gotta be careful. Using pokemon za trade codes isn't 100% foolproof because you are dealing with real people. And people can be... well, people.
One big issue is the "Trade-and-Run." You send over your carefully trained, Shiny Haunter using the 0093-0093 code, hoping for a Shiny Gengar back. Instead, the other person sends a regular level 20 Haunter and disconnects immediately. You’re left with a common Gengar and a broken heart.
Pro Tip: Always check the Pokémon's stats and "Shiny" status in the trade preview window before hitting that final "Accept" button. If it doesn't look right, back out.
Another thing to watch for is the "Held Item" mismatch. In Legends: Z-A, the game doesn't automatically check if your Pokémon is holding the right item for the code you entered. If you're using the Scizor code (0123-0123), make sure that Metal Coat is actually equipped. If it’s not, you’re just swapping bugs.
How to Actually Start a Trade in Lumiose City
You can't just trade from the pause menu the second you start the game. You have to put in a little work first. Specifically, you need to reach Main Mission 3: A New Life in Lumiose City.
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Once you meet Mable and unlock the Research Menu, the multiplayer world opens up. Here is the path you take:
- Open your Menu (X).
- Navigate to Link Play at the bottom.
- Select Link Trade.
- Choose Faraway Players (this requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership).
- Enter your 8-digit pokemon za trade codes.
The game will then search for anyone else who entered that exact same code. Sometimes it’s instant. Other times, like at 3 AM on a Tuesday, you might be sitting there for a few minutes. If it times out, just try again.
The "Version Exclusive" Problem
Since Legends: Z-A is a single-release title (unlike Scarlet and Violet), "version exclusives" work a little differently. Most of the "exclusivity" comes from the Mega Dimension DLC or specific Z-A Royale rewards.
For instance, the Greninjite and Sceptilite are currently locked behind Ranked Battle seasons. If you missed Season 5, you can't just find a Sceptilite on the ground. You have to trade for a Pokémon already holding one. This has led to a secondary market of "Item Trading" codes.
People are starting to use 9999-XXXX (where XXXX is the Pokédex number) to indicate they are trading for items. It's a bit chaotic right now. Honestly, for high-value items like Mega Stones, you're better off heading to a dedicated Discord server than relying on random link codes.
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Actionable Steps for a Smooth Trade
To make sure you don't lose your favorite 'mon, follow this checklist every single time you use a community code.
First, save your game. Always. If the connection drops or a trade goes sour, you want a recent save point (though the game usually forced a save before entering Link Play anyway).
Second, check the summary. When the trade partner is found, the game lets you look at their Pokémon before confirming. Check the level, the item, and the Shiny sparkle. If you are trading a Phantump for a Phantump, make sure they aren't sending a Magikarp.
Third, be the trainer you want to meet. If you're using the evolution codes, send the right Pokémon with the right item. The system only works if the community stays honest.
If you're looking for something specific like a 6IV Ditto for breeding (yes, the Masuda Method is still the best way to get Shinies), the universal code is still 4448-4448. Just be prepared to see a lot of people offering English Dittos when you're looking for a Japanese or French one.
The beauty of Lumiose City is that it's alive. Use these codes to keep your journey moving, but stay sharp.
Get your items equipped, double-check those 8 digits, and go get those Mega Evolutions.