Are you looking to evolve your Boldore into a powerful Gigalith in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield? Touch trading, also known as tradeback, is the perfect solution! This method allows you to evolve your Pokémon without permanently parting ways with it. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of touch trading in Pokémon Sword and Shield, specifically focusing on evolving your Boldore. We'll cover everything from understanding the touch trade process to finding reliable trading partners and ensuring a smooth and secure trade. Whether you're a seasoned Pokémon trainer or just starting your journey in the Galar region, this article will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to evolve your Boldore successfully.
Understanding Touch Trading in Pokémon Sword and Shield
Touch trading, at its core, is a simple concept in the Pokémon universe. It involves two players trading Pokémon with the explicit understanding that the Pokémon will be immediately traded back to its original owner. This is particularly useful for evolving Pokémon that evolve through trade, such as our focus Pokémon, Boldore. Boldore evolves into Gigalith when traded, but many trainers want to keep their Gigalith. This is where touch trading comes in – you trade your Boldore, it evolves on the other end, and then it's traded right back to you as a fully evolved Gigalith. This method allows you to obtain the evolved form without permanently losing your original Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the process is facilitated through the game's online trading system, making it accessible to players around the globe. The key to a successful touch trade lies in trust and clear communication between the trading partners. Both trainers need to be on the same page regarding the trade and the immediate return of the evolved Pokémon. Misunderstandings can lead to frustration and even the loss of a valuable Pokémon, so setting expectations upfront is crucial. Furthermore, it's essential to use secure trading practices, such as communicating through reputable online communities or platforms, to minimize the risk of encountering scammers or individuals who might not honor the trade agreement. By understanding the nuances of touch trading and following best practices, you can safely and efficiently evolve your Boldore into a formidable Gigalith and expand your Pokédex.
Why Touch Trade Boldore?
There are several compelling reasons why touch trading is the preferred method for evolving Boldore for many Pokémon trainers. The most significant reason, as mentioned earlier, is that it allows you to obtain the evolved form, Gigalith, without permanently losing your Boldore. Boldore is a Rock-type Pokémon with a decent attack stat, but Gigalith boasts significantly higher stats, making it a powerful addition to any team. Many trainers have invested time and effort in training their Boldore, perhaps even raising one with a specific nature or individual values (IVs) that they want to preserve in its evolved form. Touch trading ensures that this investment isn't lost. Another reason is the completion of the Pokédex. Gigalith is a required entry in the Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokédex, and touch trading provides a quick and easy way to register the Pokémon without the need to permanently acquire one. This is especially helpful for trainers aiming to complete their Pokédex and obtain the coveted Shiny Charm, which increases the odds of encountering Shiny Pokémon. Furthermore, touch trading is a cost-effective solution. The only requirement is a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access online trading features. There's no need to acquire a second Boldore or risk losing your original one in a permanent trade. This makes it an accessible option for all players, regardless of their resources. Finally, touch trading fosters a sense of community among Pokémon trainers. It encourages interaction and cooperation as players help each other achieve their goals. The shared excitement of seeing a Pokémon evolve and the satisfaction of completing a successful trade create a positive experience for everyone involved. In conclusion, touch trading Boldore is a practical, efficient, and community-oriented way to obtain Gigalith and enhance your Pokémon journey.
Prerequisites for Touch Trading in Sword and Shield
Before you can embark on your Boldore evolution journey through touch trading in Pokémon Sword and Shield, there are a few prerequisites you need to ensure are in place. First and foremost, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This subscription service is essential for accessing the online features of Pokémon Sword and Shield, including trading and battling with other players. Without an active subscription, you won't be able to connect to the internet and initiate a trade. Secondly, you must have a Boldore in your party or Pokémon Boxes. This might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning to avoid any last-minute scrambling. Ensure your Boldore is ready for its evolution journey. While its level doesn't matter for trade evolution, you might want to consider its moveset before trading. Once Boldore evolves into Gigalith, it learns new moves at different levels, so you might want to level it up slightly beforehand to learn some desired moves. The third prerequisite is access to the Y-Comm. This in-game menu is your gateway to online interactions in Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can access the Y-Comm by pressing the Y button on your Nintendo Switch controller. From the Y-Comm, you can initiate link trades, which are the type of trades used for touch trading. You'll need to have a stable internet connection to use the Y-Comm effectively. A weak or unreliable connection can lead to trade errors or disconnections, so it's best to trade in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you need a trading partner you can trust. Touch trading relies on the honesty and integrity of both players, so it's crucial to find someone who will honor the trade agreement and return your evolved Gigalith promptly. We'll discuss strategies for finding reliable trading partners in the next section. By ensuring you have these prerequisites in place, you'll be well-prepared to execute a successful touch trade and evolve your Boldore into a magnificent Gigalith.
Finding a Reliable Trading Partner
The cornerstone of a successful touch trade is finding a reliable trading partner. Since touch trading hinges on trust, it's paramount to connect with someone who will honor the agreement and return your Pokémon after it evolves. Here are several strategies to help you find trustworthy trading partners in the Pokémon Sword and Shield community. Online forums and communities dedicated to Pokémon are excellent resources for finding trading partners. Websites like Reddit (r/PokemonSwordAndShield, r/PokemonTrades), Serebii.net, and various Discord servers dedicated to Pokémon trading are teeming with trainers looking to help each other evolve their Pokémon. When posting a request for a touch trade, be clear and concise about your intentions. Specify that you're looking for a touch trade to evolve your Boldore and that you expect the Gigalith to be returned immediately after evolution. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings and attracts trainers who are specifically interested in touch trading. When browsing these platforms, look for traders with positive feedback or established reputations. Many communities have feedback systems or vouching mechanisms that allow members to rate their trading experiences with others. Trading with someone who has a history of successful trades significantly reduces the risk of encountering a scammer. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook can also be used to find trading partners. Search for relevant hashtags such as #PokemonSwordShield, #PokemonTrades, or #TouchTrade to find trainers who are actively looking to trade. Engage in conversations and build connections with other players. A personal connection can foster trust and make the trading process more comfortable. In-game connections can also be valuable resources. If you have friends who play Pokémon Sword and Shield, they might be willing to help you with a touch trade. Trading with friends is often the safest and most reliable option since you already have an established relationship. If you're part of a local Pokémon community or attend Pokémon events, you can meet fellow trainers in person and arrange trades. Face-to-face interactions can build trust more effectively than online interactions. No matter where you find a potential trading partner, it's always wise to exercise caution. Be wary of users with suspicious profiles or those who are unwilling to provide information or references. If something feels off, it's best to err on the side of caution and seek another trading partner. By utilizing these strategies and exercising diligence, you can find a reliable trading partner and confidently evolve your Boldore into Gigalith.
Tips for a Smooth and Secure Trade
Once you've found a potential trading partner, it's crucial to ensure the touch trade goes smoothly and securely. Clear communication is the foundation of a successful touch trade. Before initiating the trade, clearly communicate your intentions with your trading partner. Reiterate that you're looking for a touch trade to evolve your Boldore and that you expect the Gigalith to be returned immediately after evolution. Confirm that your partner understands and agrees to these terms. Discuss the trading process step-by-step. Agree on a link code to use for the trade to ensure you connect with the correct person. A link code is a unique eight-digit code that you enter in the game to match with a specific trainer. It's also a good idea to discuss the order of the trades. For example, you can agree that you'll trade your Boldore first, and after it evolves, your partner will trade it back to you. This helps avoid any confusion or misunderstandings during the trade. Taking screenshots or recording the trade can provide evidence in case of a dispute. This is especially important if you're trading with someone you don't know well. Having visual proof of the trade can be helpful if you need to report a scammer or resolve a disagreement. While it's unlikely in a touch trade scenario, it's always wise to trade valuable Pokémon as collateral. This gives both traders an incentive to honor the agreement and return the Pokémon. For instance, you could offer a rare or strong Pokémon as collateral, which your partner will return along with your Gigalith. Before initiating the trade, double-check the Pokémon you're offering and receiving. Ensure that you're trading the correct Boldore and that you're receiving the correct Gigalith in return. Pay attention to details such as the Pokémon's name, level, and any held items. If possible, use reputable trading platforms or communities that have feedback systems or vouching mechanisms. These platforms often have moderators or administrators who can help resolve disputes or address scams. After the trade, confirm with your partner that everything went smoothly. Thank them for their help and leave positive feedback if you had a good experience. This helps build trust within the community and encourages others to engage in safe and successful trades. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering issues and ensure a smooth and secure touch trade for your Boldore.
Step-by-Step Guide to Touch Trading Boldore
Now that you understand the importance of finding a reliable trading partner and ensuring a smooth trade, let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to touch trade your Boldore in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Before you start, make sure you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a stable internet connection. Power on your Nintendo Switch and launch Pokémon Sword or Shield. Navigate to the in-game menu by pressing the X button. Select "Y-Comm" to access the online features of the game. In the Y-Comm menu, choose "Link Trade." This option allows you to trade with a specific player using a link code. Select "Set Link Code" and enter the eight-digit link code agreed upon with your trading partner. This ensures that you connect with the correct person. Communicate the link code clearly to your trading partner and double-check that you've entered it correctly. Once the link code is set, the game will start searching for a trading partner using that code. This may take a few moments, so be patient. Once a connection is established, you'll see your trading partner's avatar on the screen. Before confirming the trade, double-check that you're trading with the correct person. Look at their trainer name and the Pokémon they're offering to ensure it matches your expectations. Select your Boldore from your party or Pokémon Boxes and offer it for trade. Confirm the trade when prompted. Your trading partner should then offer a Pokémon in return. This is where the trust aspect of touch trading comes into play. Your partner should be offering a Pokémon that you're willing to temporarily trade for your Boldore, knowing that it will be returned after Boldore evolves. After both trainers confirm the trade, the Pokémon will be exchanged. Your Boldore will be sent to your trading partner, and their Pokémon will be sent to you. Once your trading partner receives your Boldore, it will evolve into Gigalith. This evolution process happens automatically during the trade. After the evolution is complete, your trading partner should immediately initiate another trade to return your Gigalith. You'll need to offer a Pokémon in return for your Gigalith. This Pokémon can be any Pokémon that you're willing to part with, as the focus is on getting your Gigalith back. After both trainers confirm the trade, your Gigalith will be returned to you, and the trade is complete. Once you have your Gigalith back, thank your trading partner for their help and confirm that everything went smoothly. If you had a positive experience, consider leaving positive feedback on the platform where you found your trading partner. By following these steps carefully, you can successfully touch trade your Boldore and add a powerful Gigalith to your team.
Troubleshooting Common Trading Issues
While touch trading is generally a straightforward process, you might encounter some issues along the way. Troubleshooting these common problems can help ensure a smooth and successful trade. One of the most frequent issues is connection problems. If you're experiencing difficulties connecting to the internet or maintaining a stable connection during the trade, there are a few things you can try. First, check your internet connection. Ensure that you have a strong Wi-Fi signal and that your internet connection is working properly. You can try restarting your router or modem to refresh your connection. If you're using a wireless connection, try moving closer to your router to improve the signal strength. A wired connection is generally more stable than a wireless connection, so if possible, consider using a LAN adapter to connect your Nintendo Switch directly to your router. Sometimes, the Pokémon Sword and Shield servers might be experiencing issues, which can lead to connection problems. Check the Nintendo Network maintenance information to see if there are any known server outages or maintenance periods. If the servers are down, you'll need to wait until they're back online before you can trade. Another common issue is encountering the wrong trading partner. If you accidentally connect with someone other than your intended trading partner, disconnect immediately and try again. Double-check the link code you've entered and ensure that you're communicating with the correct person. Before confirming the trade, always verify the trainer name and the Pokémon being offered to avoid any accidental trades. If your trading partner doesn't return your Pokémon after it evolves, this is a serious issue. If you have proof of the trade agreement, such as screenshots or messages, you can report the scammer to the trading platform or community where you found them. Many platforms have moderators or administrators who can help resolve disputes and ban scammers. While this doesn't guarantee the return of your Pokémon, it can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. Occasionally, you might encounter errors during the trade process. These errors can be caused by various factors, such as connection issues, server problems, or game glitches. If you encounter an error, try restarting your game and attempting the trade again. If the error persists, try trading at a different time or on a different day, as the issue might be temporary. In rare cases, there might be a glitch that prevents your Boldore from evolving during the trade. If this happens, try trading with a different partner or at a different time. If the issue continues, you might need to contact Nintendo support for assistance. By being aware of these common issues and knowing how to troubleshoot them, you can minimize the risk of encountering problems and ensure a successful touch trade for your Boldore.
Conclusion
Evolving your Boldore into a powerful Gigalith in Pokémon Sword and Shield through touch trading is a rewarding experience. By understanding the touch trade process, finding a reliable trading partner, ensuring a smooth and secure trade, and troubleshooting common issues, you can confidently evolve your Pokémon and expand your Pokédex. Touch trading not only provides a convenient way to obtain evolved forms but also fosters a sense of community among Pokémon trainers. The shared excitement of witnessing an evolution and the satisfaction of completing a successful trade create a positive and collaborative environment. Remember, clear communication, trust, and caution are key to a successful touch trade. Utilize online communities, social media platforms, and in-game connections to find trustworthy trading partners. Always reiterate your intentions, agree on the trading process, and double-check the Pokémon being traded. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of encountering issues and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trading experience. So, go forth and evolve your Boldore! With the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the world of touch trading and add a formidable Gigalith to your Pokémon team. Embrace the spirit of collaboration and community within the Pokémon Sword and Shield world, and enjoy the journey of evolving your Pokémon and strengthening your bonds with fellow trainers.
