Pokemon began its Nintendo Switch phase with something few fans could have predicted — the second iteration of remakes for the oldest games in the series, Pokemon Red & Blue. But Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee dramatically changed the rules, in some ways that continue to be applied to newer titles and in others that have not been seen since.
But for all the changes, there are still quite a few familiar aspects. The ability to trade Pokemon in-game with various NPCs is a gameplay element that has existed since the dawn of the Pokemon franchise, and the Let's Go remakes didn't do away with it. In this case, however, you're trading exclusively for Alolan species varieties.
Updated on July 14, 2022 by Quinton O'Connor: Although the Let's Go games are hardly the most recent hotness in Game Freak's long-running Pokemon series, plenty of people will continue to scoop them up as part of a growing collection. With that fact in mind, we've gone ahead and given this guide a much-needed new coat of paint.
10 Rattata for Alolan Rattata
The first trade on our list happens in the Cerulean City Pokemon Center. The trainer Taitanna can be found sitting down on a bench. Taltanna will request that you trade her a regular Rattata for her Alolan version. The Alolan Rattata will come to you at level 12 with the following moves: Tail whip, Focus Energy, Bite, and Quick Attack.
Alolan Rattata adds Dark typing to its traditional Normal, and there aren't many Dark-types available in Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee. So, while its evolution, Alolan Raticate, is hardly the most powerful monster around, it can still be handy in a pinch.
9 Geodude for Alolan Geodude
Next, you will find a trainer who wants to give you an Alolan Geodude in Vermillion City. Like Taltanna before him, Higeo will be sitting on a couch in the local Pokemon Center. He will trade you a Geodude that is level sixteen with a full set of moves. This Alolan Geodude will be equipped with rock throw, bide, take down, and stealth rock.
Despite its appearance, the Alolan Geodude is a rock/electric type Pokemon. This can help you take down water types that are normally able to wipe out rock types within a few turns.
8 Diglett for Alolan Diglett
Next up, you will need to head to Lavender Town to get an Alolan Diglett. Yet again, the local Pokemon Center houses the trainer. And just like before, the trainer can be found seated on a couch. Her name is Digette, so we have to assume she means business.
Alolan Diglett is Steel/Ground, a fantastic defensive type, and evolves into Alolan Dugtrio, one of the best picks for a party in the Alolan games themselves (Sun & Moon). You might not get quite so much mileage here in Kanto, but it's a good grab.
7 Sandshrew for Alolan Sandshrew
This trade is version-specific and can only be conducted in Let's Go, Pikachu.Once you're in Celadon City, head to the Pokemon Center and search the now-customary spot for Nicholice. Procuring him a Sandshrew ought to be a cinch.
Ice/Steel typing means Alolan Sandshrew (and Sandslash) is a solid counter for Fairy and Dragon-types. The former won't be seen often in Kanto, but the latter is a major threat later on (as it tends to ber in every generation).
6 Vulpix for Alolan Vulpix
In the Let's Go, Eevee version of the games, you will find the same trainer as above, but she will want a Vulpix instead of a Sandshrew. This Pokemon will also share Alolan Sandshrew's level of 27 and comes with a full set of moves. Aurora Beam, Ice Beam, Dazzling Gleam, and Confuse Ray? Wow. That's solid enough to see you through the rest of the game so long as you keep the fragile Ninetales hale and hardy.
5 Raichu for Alolan Raichu
Psytrice, in Saffron City's Pokemon Center, switches things up at last by standing hear the PC. His Alolan Raichu is level 30 and comes with Double Team, Tail Whip, Thundershock, and Growl. We advise ditching Growl and Tail Whip at the minimum and replacing Thundershock with a more powerful version like Thunderbolt or even Thunder.
4 Marowak for Alolan Marowak
Following the trend, with the other trades, you will find a gentleman trainer waiting for you in Fuchsia City. The trainer named Genmar will be waiting for you beside the counter in the Pokemon Center. The Alolan Marowak he trades you will be level 38 with Will-o-Wisp, Boomerang, and Thrash.
Alolan Marowak's Ghost/Fire typing is out of this world in a place as stoic as Kanto, and can help you set up a primary physical-based sweeper.
3 Grimer for Alolan Grimer
This trade will become available when you reach Cinnabar Island in Let's Go, Pikachu. Surprise surprise, head to the Pokemon Center; head to the Pokemon Center, here you will need to check the top corner for a punk named Darko. He will offer you an Alolan Grimer that is level 44 and has the move set of Screech, Acid Armor, Crunch, and Bite.
Poison/Dark typing has some interesting opportunities, but you'll definitely want to fine-tune your eventual Alolan Muk with better attacks. Ditch Bite, since you've already got Crunch; replace it with Toxic. Screech is doable, but how often do you feel the need to lower your opponent's Defense stat in everyday trainer-versus trailer battles?
2 Meowth for Alolan Meowth
This is the Let's Go, Eevee equivalent of the Grimer trade. Find the same punk trainer who will have an Alolan Meowth in this version. This Meowth will be level 44 and come with a move set of Slash, Nasty Plot, Screech, and Play Rough. Once again, this isn't a very strong move set, but that can be quickly edited by the player to make Meowth more effective in battle.
1 Exeggutor for Alolan Exeggutor
This final trade is a bit different from the rest and will be the last one you will find in the game. When you finally make it to the Indigo Plateau, you will find a trainer named Exemann near the item counter whowants to trade. He will offer you a level 46 Alolan Exeguttor. The Exeggutor comes with the moves Stun Spore, Confusion, Barrage, and Hypnosis.
Alolan Exeggutor, despite its looks, is a Grass/Dragon type that can be especially helpful for taking on the Elite Four. And besides, Grass/Dragon. Isn't that just rad?