Can a Pokémon Evolve from a Rare Candy? The Definitive Guide
Yes, a Pokémon can evolve from a Rare Candy under specific circumstances, depending on the Pokémon game you’re playing. The behavior of Rare Candies and their impact on evolution varies across different generations and titles within the Pokémon universe. Let’s delve into the details to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Rare Candies: A Primer
Before we dive into the evolution mechanics, let’s define what a Rare Candy actually is. In the core series Pokémon games, a Rare Candy is an item that instantly raises a Pokémon’s level by one. This item is highly sought after by trainers, as it bypasses the need for extensive battling and experience point (XP) grinding to achieve higher levels. However, the nuances of its usage, particularly with respect to evolution, are what truly matter.
Evolution Dynamics in the Core Series Games
Level-Up Evolutions
The primary method of Pokémon evolution involves reaching a specific level. For example, many Pokémon evolve upon reaching level 16, level 32, or other designated levels. When a Rare Candy is used and elevates a Pokémon to the level required for evolution, the Pokémon will indeed evolve, provided all other conditions (like happiness or time of day) are met.
Pokémon Stadium Exceptions
There’s a notable exception in the original Pokémon Stadium game. In this specific title, Pokémon do not learn new moves or evolve when leveled up using a Rare Candy. This quirk was corrected in Pokémon Stadium 2, where Rare Candies function as expected, allowing for evolution upon reaching the necessary level.
Level 100 Considerations
What happens when a Pokémon reaches level 100, the maximum level in many games? Typically, level-up evolutions become impossible since there’s no further leveling to be done. However, if a Rare Candy is used on a level 100 Pokémon that evolves by leveling up and currently meets its evolution requirements (like friendship or holding a specific item at night), it will evolve in certain games. The Rare Candy triggers the evolution check, even without raising the level. This is crucial for certain Pokémon like Eevee and its various evolution pathways.
Evolution Stones and Trade Evolutions
It’s also important to remember that some Pokémon evolve through the use of Evolution Stones (like a Fire Stone or Water Stone) or by being traded while holding a specific item. In these cases, Rare Candies play no direct role in initiating the evolution. Even at level 100, these methods can still be used; for instance, a level 100 Haunter can evolve into a Gengar when traded.
Pokémon GO and Candy Mechanics
In Pokémon GO, the mechanics of evolution are significantly different. Instead of relying on levels gained through battles and XP, evolution is primarily governed by the accumulation of Candies. These Candies are specific to each Pokémon species (e.g., Pikachu Candy, Charmander Candy).
Candies as Evolution Currency
To evolve a Pokémon in Pokémon GO, you need to collect a certain number of Candies for that particular Pokémon. This system replaces the level-up and trading requirements of the main series games. For example, evolving a Magikarp into a Gyarados requires a whopping 400 Magikarp Candies.
Rare Candy’s Role in Pokémon GO
Rare Candies in Pokémon GO have a different function. They do not directly trigger evolution. Instead, a Rare Candy can be converted into a Candy specific to a Pokémon. So, if you have a Rare Candy and want to evolve your Pikachu, you can convert the Rare Candy into a Pikachu Candy to get closer to the required amount for evolution.
Candy XL
Candy XL is another type of candy introduced to power up Pokemon past level 40. You need to be Trainer Level 31 before you can gather XL Candy. These are used to level up Pokémon beyond the traditional limits.
Potential Downsides of Using Rare Candies
While Rare Candies offer a convenient way to level up Pokémon, there are potential downsides to consider.
EV (Effort Value) Training
In the core series games, Effort Values (EVs) are hidden stats that contribute to a Pokémon’s overall strength. They’re earned by battling specific Pokémon. Using Rare Candies bypasses these battles, which means your Pokémon might miss out on valuable EVs. However, the impact of a few missed EVs is often negligible, especially within the main storyline.
Move Learning
When a Pokémon levels up through battles, it learns new moves at certain levels. If you use a Rare Candy to skip multiple levels, the Pokémon will learn all the moves it would have learned during those skipped levels. This ensures that the Pokémon doesn’t miss out on any potential movesets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Rare Candy to evolve Eevee into Umbreon?
If you have a level 99 Eevee with high friendship that evolves into Umbreon when leveled up at night, a Rare Candy will evolve Eevee into Umbreon.
2. What’s the point of a Rare Candy card in the TCG (Trading Card Game)?
In the Pokémon TCG, the Rare Candy card allows you to bypass the Stage 1 evolution of a Pokémon, evolving directly from a Basic Pokémon to a Stage 2 Pokémon.
3. What is the highest number of Candies needed to evolve a Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Several Pokémon, including Magikarp, Wailmer, Swablu, Larvesta, Noibat, Stufful, Wimpod, and Meltan, require 400 Candies to evolve in Pokémon GO.
4. Does using a Rare Candy reset XP?
No, a Rare Candy does not reset XP. It simply raises the Pokémon’s level by one.
5. Can a level 100 Haunter evolve into Gengar?
Yes, a level 100 Haunter can evolve into Gengar through trading, regardless of its level. Rare Candy is not used here.
6. Can I sell Rare Candies?
In some Pokémon communities or platforms, you can trade or sell Rare Candies to other players for in-game currency or items.
7. Does Exp Share make Pokémon weaker?
No, Exp Share doesn’t make Pokémon weaker. It simply distributes experience points to Pokémon who didn’t participate in battle.
8. How many Rare Candies can I have?
The maximum number of Rare Candies you can hold in your bag varies, depending on the Pokémon game. In Pokemon GO, the storage is full at max 1500 items.
9. What is considered the hardest Pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO?
Some of the hardest Pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO include Zweilous, Larvitar, Feebas, Sliggoo, Magikarp, Dragonair, Larvesta, and Inkay, often due to the high number of Candies required or unique evolution methods.
10. Why does Gyarados need 400 Candies to evolve?
Gyarados requires 400 Candies because its pre-evolution, Magikarp, is relatively weak and common. This high requirement represents the significant transformation from a weak Magikarp to the powerful Gyarados.
11. Can you unevolve a Pokémon?
No, you cannot unevolve a Pokémon. Once a Pokémon has evolved, the process is irreversible.
12. Do Lucky Eggs affect Candy gain?
No, Lucky Eggs only affect experience points (XP) gain, not Candy acquisition.
13. How much XP does an L Candy give?
Candy L gives 10,000 experience points. Exp Candy XL gives 30,000 experience points.
14. Should I give my Pokémon Candy before evolving it?
It typically doesn’t matter whether you power up a Pokémon before or after evolving it in Pokémon GO. The CP (Combat Power) remains the same regardless.
15. What level is XL Candy Pokemon?
You need to be Trainer Level 31 before you can gather XL Candy.
Conclusion: Mastering Rare Candy Evolution
In summary, Rare Candies can trigger evolution in the core series Pokémon games under the right circumstances, primarily by leveling up a Pokémon to its evolution level. In Pokémon GO, Rare Candies are used to obtain specific Pokémon Candies needed for evolution. Understanding these nuances allows trainers to strategically use Rare Candies to achieve their desired evolutions efficiently.
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