The Definitive List Of Austin John Plays Trade Codes For Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Updated December 2025)

The Austin John Plays Trade Codes have become the universal language for targeted trading in the modern Pokémon community, and their latest iteration for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is essential for any player looking to complete the new Kalos Pokédex. As of December 2025, these standardized 8-digit codes—originally popularized by the dedicated YouTuber—allow thousands of players on the Nintendo Switch to instantly connect with partners for specific trades, bypassing the frustrating randomness of global Link Trades. This guide provides the most current codes and explains the simple, powerful logic behind the system, ensuring you can secure every Trade Evolution and version-exclusive Pokémon without delay. Austin John Plays, known for his enthusiastic and positive gaming content, particularly his deep-dive tutorials and guides for the Pokémon franchise, established this community-driven system to simplify the most tedious part of Pokédex completion: trading. The codes are now the gold standard for games like *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* and the highly anticipated *Legends: Z-A*, making him an indispensable figure in the competitive and casual trading scene.

The Profile of Austin John Plays: Architect of the Universal Link Trade

Austin John Plays is an American content creator and professional gamer who has built a massive following through a focus on detailed tutorials, tips, and tricks across a variety of Triple-A titles, with a strong specialization in Nintendo games and the Pokémon series. He is celebrated for his commitment to positivity and community engagement, which ultimately led to the creation of the trade code system. * Name: Austin John (Professional Name) * Profession: YouTuber, Content Creator, Professional Gamer * Primary Content Focus: Pokémon (guides, tips, tricks, and tutorials for games like *Scarlet and Violet*, *Legends: Arceus*, and *Legends: Z-A*). * Key Contribution: Establishing the community-standard Link Trade Codes for completing the Pokédex and facilitating Trade Evolutions. * Motto/Theme: Positivity Only, dedicated to making complex game mechanics accessible to all players. * Platform: YouTube (primary), Twitch, and various social media channels.

Understanding the Austin John Plays Trade Code System

The brilliance of the Austin John Plays trade code system lies in its simplicity and standardization. Unlike random Link Trades, which match you with any available player, these 8-digit codes are designed to match two players who are seeking to trade the *exact same two Pokémon*. This virtually guarantees a successful, targeted trade. The system is primarily broken down into two categories:

1. Trade Evolution Codes (The Pokedex Number Rule)

For Pokémon that evolve only when traded (e.g., Machoke into Machamp), the code is based on the Pokémon's 4-digit Pokédex number. To ensure you match with someone else looking for the same trade, the code is structured as the pre-evolution's Pokédex number repeated twice. Formula: [Pre-Evolution Pokédex Number] + [Pre-Evolution Pokédex Number] For example, if Machoke's Pokédex number in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is 0126, the code is 0126 0126. You enter this code, and you will be matched with another player who has also entered 0126 0126, guaranteeing you both have the necessary Pokémon for the evolution. This method works for all standard trade evolutions, whether they require a held item or not.

2. Version-Exclusive Codes (Paired Trading)

While *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is not a traditional dual-version game like *Scarlet and Violet*, the principle of paired codes remains relevant for any future content or specific in-game exclusives. In previous titles, these codes were set up to pair two version-exclusive Pokémon. For example, a player with a Scarlet-exclusive would enter a code paired with the Violet-exclusive Pokédex number, ensuring they match with a player holding the opposite version's exclusive. This system allows for the rapid completion of the Pokédex's version-exclusive entries.

Essential Austin John Plays Trade Evolution Codes for Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The following list contains the most crucial and currently active Austin John Plays Trade Codes for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* (PLZA). These codes are based on the official PLZA Pokédex numbers and are used to facilitate the evolution of Pokémon that require trading. | Pokémon to Trade (You Send) | Pokémon You Receive (They Send) | PLZA Pokédex Number | Universal Trade Code | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Kadabra | Kadabra (Evolves to Alakazam) | 0063 | 0063 0063 | | Machoke | Machoke (Evolves to Machamp) | 0126 | 0126 0126 | | Haunter | Haunter (Evolves to Gengar) | 0066 | 0066 0066 | | Graveler | Graveler (Evolves to Golem) | 0069 | 0069 0069 | | Phantump | Phantump (Evolves to Trevenant) | 0182 | 0182 0182 | | Scyther (with Metal Coat) | Scyther (Evolves to Scizor) | 0176 | 0176 0176 | | Slowpoke (with King's Rock) | Slowpoke (Evolves to Slowking) | 0080 | 0080 0080 | | Onix (with Metal Coat) | Onix (Evolves to Steelix) | 0186 | 0186 0186 | *Note: The codes for Pokémon that require a held item (like Scyther for Scizor) still follow the same code structure. You must ensure your Pokémon is holding the correct item before initiating the trade.*

How to Use the Universal Trade Codes in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Using the Austin John Plays system is straightforward and is executed via the game’s standard Link Trade function, which is accessed through the Poké Portal menu on your Nintendo Switch. 1. Access the Poké Portal: Open the main menu (usually by pressing X or Y) and navigate to the Poké Portal. 2. Select Link Trade: Choose the "Link Trade" option from the menu. 3. Enter the Code: Select "Set Link Code" and input the 8-digit Austin John Plays code for the specific trade you wish to make (e.g., 0126 0126 for a Machoke trade). 4. Begin Searching: Select "Start Searching." The game will now attempt to match you with another player globally who has entered the exact same 8-digit code. 5. Execute the Trade: Once matched, you will see your trading partner. Offer the Pokémon corresponding to the code (e.g., your Machoke). Your partner should offer the same Pokémon. Confirm the trade, and your Pokémon will evolve upon receipt!

Tips for Success and Trade Code Etiquette

To ensure a smooth and positive trading experience, the community adheres to a few simple rules, upholding the "Positivity Only" spirit of Austin John Plays: * Be Prepared: Always have the correct Pokémon ready to trade *before* you enter the code and start searching. For item-based evolutions (like Scyther to Scizor), ensure the Pokémon is holding the required evolution item (Metal Coat). * Trade Like-for-Like: Only offer the Pokémon that the code is intended for. Do not try to offer a random Pokémon or a Legendary Pokémon, as this wastes the time of your trading partner. * Patience is Key: While the codes significantly improve the matching process, high-traffic codes (like the Haunter code) may require a few attempts to connect, especially during peak hours. If you match with the same person repeatedly, try cancelling and re-searching after a minute. * Check the Dex Number: Always verify that you are using the most up-to-date Pokédex numbers for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, as they may differ from previous games like *Scarlet and Violet*. The codes listed above are confirmed for the current PLZA Pokédex. By utilizing the genius of the Austin John Plays Trade Code system, completing your Pokédex in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is faster and more reliable than ever before, turning a tedious task into a quick, cooperative community effort.