Battling and Trading: Communications

Learn how to battle and trade locally or online in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon using Quick Link or Festival Plaza. Discover GTS etiquette and online features.

This guide covers how to battle and trade Pokémon in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, both locally and online.

Playing Locally

The quickest way to battle or trade with someone nearby is to use the Quick Link option from the X button menu. Both players need to tap the bottom screen until wirelessly connected. After connection, one player can choose between Link Battle (Single or Double), Link Trade, or defer the decision. Quick Link is best for few players to avoid connecting with strangers.

For areas with many players, access the Festival Plaza from the X button menu. Tap “Battle” or “Trade” on the bottom screen, then select “Link Battle” or “Link Trade”. For battles, options include Single Battle, Double Battle, Multi Battle, or Battle Royal.

The Guest List will show nearby and recently met players. Select a player with a solid black name (not greyed out) to send a battle or trade request, which lasts 30 seconds.

Playing Online

To play online, access the Festival Plaza from the X button menu. Tap the bottom-right icon on the bottom screen to connect to the Internet (you will need to save your game).

Once connected, tap “Battle” or “Trade” on the bottom screen. Select “Link Battle” or “Link Trade” for direct battles or trades with known players.

In the Guest List, online players’ names are solid black, while busy or unavailable players are greyed out. Search for the desired player, who must also be online.

While online, additional options are available under “Battle” or “Trade” for more advanced features.

Pokémon Global Link

The Pokémon Global Link is an official website by The Pokémon Company for more online activities. Create an account on a computer or smart device and register your game.

To register, enter the castle in Festival Plaza, inspect the PC on the desk to the right, and choose “Game Sync”. Connect to the Internet if not already connected.

GTS Etiquette

The Global Trade System (GTS) can be frustrating. Players often request ridiculous or impossible trades (e.g., a common Pikipek for a Mewtwo, or Mythicals that cannot be traded). These inane requests flood the GTS because they cannot be fulfilled.

To avoid this, it is recommended to upload your own Pokémon with reasonable requests rather than seeking Pokémon. Decent requests are more likely to be accepted and disappear quickly.