With Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, much like the generations before them, Pokémon are locked to each version. So if you want to complete your Pokédex, you either have to buy both versions or trade with other players online.

Luckily, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet allow you to use Trade Link Codes, making it much easier to trade for version exclusive Pokémon. But what exactly are Trade Link Codes, and how can you use them to get version-specific Pokémon in Scarlet or Violet? Let’s take a look.

Before we dive into using Trade Link Codes to get exclusive Pokémon in Scarlet or Violet, let’s look at what Trade Link Codes are and see some examples of codes and the Pokémon they are associated with.

Trade Link Codes in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are a series of eight-digit codes you can input into the game’s trading preferences to join a specific trading lobby or group. By inputting a specific eight-digit code, you can enter certain trading lobbies focused on trading version exclusive Pokémon.

All you have to do is offer your exclusive Pokémon for its counterpart and ensure you have entered the correct link code. Let’s take a look at some examples of Trade Link Codes for version exclusives in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:

For Koraidon or Miraidon, you can use 0399-0400. For Armarouge or Ceruledge, you can use 0166-0167. For Larvitar or Bagon, you can use 0316-0276. For Iron Threads or Great Tusk, you can use 0376-0382.

For a complete list of Trade Link Codes for exclusive Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet, check out Austin John Play’s post of every exclusive Trade Link Code on Twitter.

While Trade Link Codes are great at making obtaining version-exclusive Pokémon more straightforward, when it comes to shiny Pokémon, this isn’t the case.

Luckily, shiny hunting is much easier in Scarlet or Violet, so by checking out a complete guide to shiny hunting in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, you should be on your way to completing your shiny living dex.

Now that you know what Trade Link Codes are and what codes are applicable for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, let’s look at how you use these codes in-game to get exclusive Pokémon and complete your Pokédex.

To trade for exclusive Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet using Trade Link Codes, ensure you have one of your version’s exclusive Pokémon and follow these steps:

Press the X button to open Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Main Menu. Select Poké Portal.

From the displayed options, select Link Trade.

Before starting your search, choose Set Link Code.

Input the correct Trade Link Code for your desired version-exclusive Pokémon. With the correct Trade Link Code inputted, select Begin Searching.

With the Trade Link Code inputted and your search for a trading partner started, you must wait to enter a lobby with an online player and offer up your version exclusive in exchange for their own.

If you happen to join the lobby with a player who offers up the same version exclusive as you, exit the trade and re-do the process until you enter a trade with a player who owns the opposite Pokémon version to yourself.

While Pokémon trading is the most common way of attaining version exclusives for your copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, you can utilize Scarlet and Violet’s raids or redeem Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Mystery Gifts to catch or be gifted exclusive and rare Pokémon.

Get the Most From Exclusive Trading to Complete Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

By gathering together your own version’s exclusive Pokémon and using Trade Link Codes to acquire the rest, you are well on your way to completing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Pokédex and experiencing all the content Pokémon’s ninth generation has to offer.

Because of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s unfortunate performance on the Nintendo Switch, however, you may still experience glitches or performance issues that inhibit your experience of the games, despite some quality-of-life improvements available.

Luckily, some quick and easy fixes can help guarantee your experience with Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.