Developer Niantic has announced that a big update for the mobile game Pokémon GO will go live this week. The update will add the option to add other players as friends, which gives you a number of new options. You can add friends by exchanging your Trainer Codes.

First of all you can receive special Gifts when spinning a Pokéstop or Gym. You cannot use these gifts, but if you share them with a friend, that trainer can open the gift. Inside there can be items, or eggs that contain Alolan forms.

By sending gifts, or by battling in a raid with a friend you will increase your Friendship Level. There are different tiers of Friendship, and the higher the tier the more benefit you will have. For example, you can receive a boost when battling in a raid or gym.

Being friends also makes it possible to trade your Pokémon! There are some catches though. First of all you need to be at least level 10 to trade. It also costs Stardust to make a trade, where it costs more to trade Legendary Pokémon. Also the higher the Friendship Level with the other trainer, the less Stardust you need.

Are you still playing Pokémon GO? Maybe you picked it up again after the reveal of it's connection with Pokémon: Let's Go for the Switch? Let us know in the comments!