Can Scatterbug Be a Buddy? The Definitive Guide

Yes, Scatterbug can be a buddy in Pokémon GO. This exciting Gen 9 Pokémon, known for its regional forms based on where you encounter it, can be set as your buddy, allowing you to earn buddy hearts, walk for candy, and even potentially find souvenirs and presents.

Scatterbug and Buddy Mechanics: A Deep Dive

The introduction of Scatterbug and its evolutions, Spewpa and Vivillon, to Pokémon GO brought a unique mechanic related to collecting postcards from different regions. Understanding how this impacts buddy interactions is crucial for dedicated trainers.

Setting Scatterbug as Your Buddy

The process of setting Scatterbug as your buddy is the same as with any other Pokémon. Simply go to your Pokémon storage, select your desired Scatterbug, and then tap the “Buddy” button located at the bottom left of the screen. This will officially make Scatterbug your buddy, and its adorable form will follow you on your Pokémon GO adventures.

Benefits of Having Scatterbug as Your Buddy

While Scatterbug might not be the strongest battle Pokémon, there are several benefits to having it as your buddy:

• Earning Buddy Hearts: Like any buddy Pokémon, Scatterbug earns hearts by performing various activities such as walking, feeding, playing, taking snapshots, visiting new locations, and battling together. These hearts increase your buddy level, unlocking perks like CP boost, finding souvenirs, and increased affection.

• Walking for Candy: Scatterbug requires walking a certain distance to earn candy. This candy is essential for evolving it into Spewpa and eventually Vivillon. Walking your Scatterbug buddy is a consistent way to gather the candies needed for these evolutions.

• Finding Souvenirs and Presents: As your buddy level with Scatterbug increases, it may bring you souvenirs and presents. These items don’t have any inherent gameplay benefit but are sentimental keepsakes reflecting your bond with your buddy.

• Vivillon Collection Progress: While not directly tied to buddy mechanics, having a Scatterbug buddy reminds you of your progress towards collecting all the different Vivillon patterns. Each Scatterbug evolves into a Vivillon with wings displaying a distinct pattern corresponding to the geographical region of the postcard used to encounter it.

Optimizing Your Scatterbug Buddy Experience

To maximize your buddy experience with Scatterbug, consider these tips:

• Poffins: Use a Poffin to instantly fill your buddy’s hunger meter and make it excited. An excited buddy earns double hearts for all actions.

• Walking Routes: Plan walking routes that include PokéStops and Gyms to fulfill the “Visit a New Place” heart requirement easily.

• AR Mode: Take advantage of AR mode for playing and taking snapshots with your Scatterbug. It’s a fun way to interact with your buddy and earn hearts.

• Buddy Activities Reminder: Set reminders to complete daily buddy activities to maintain a consistent pace in earning hearts and leveling up your buddy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Scatterbug and its role as a buddy in Pokémon GO:

1. Can I evolve my Scatterbug buddy into Spewpa and then Vivillon?

   Yes, you can evolve Scatterbug into Spewpa and then Vivillon, but the buddy status doesn’t directly impact the evolution process. You need Scatterbug candies, which you can earn by walking it as your buddy and using Pinap berries when catching more Scatterbug. The evolution to Vivillon requires you to pin postcards from different regions.

2. Does the Vivillon pattern depend on the region where I catch the Scatterbug?

   Yes, the Vivillon pattern is determined by the geographical region associated with the postcards you pin and use during the Scatterbug encounter. Different regions yield different Vivillon patterns.

3. How many candies are required to evolve Scatterbug into Spewpa and Vivillon?

   It takes 25 Scatterbug candies to evolve Scatterbug into Spewpa, and then 100 Scatterbug candies to evolve Spewpa into Vivillon.

4. Can I get different Vivillon patterns from the same Scatterbug if I pin different postcards?

   No, the Vivillon pattern is locked in when you encounter the Scatterbug by pinning the postcard. The Scatterbug will always evolve into the Vivillon variant associated with that pinned postcard’s region.

5. What happens if I remove Scatterbug as my buddy? Do I lose progress?

   You will not lose the buddy hearts you have earned when you remove a Scatterbug as your buddy. Your progress is saved, and you can pick up where you left off when you set it as your buddy again.

6. Are there any exclusive buddy bonuses for Scatterbug compared to other Pokémon?

   No, Scatterbug doesn’t have any unique buddy bonuses compared to other Pokémon. It follows the standard buddy system mechanics.

7. How often can I earn buddy hearts with my Scatterbug each day?

   You can earn a maximum of six buddy hearts per day through various activities. Reaching the “excited” state doubles this, allowing you to earn up to 12 hearts.

8. Can I use a Rare Candy to get Scatterbug Candy?

   Yes, you can use Rare Candies to get Scatterbug Candy. Simply select Scatterbug when using the Rare Candy, and it will be converted into Scatterbug Candy.

9. Does the size of my Scatterbug affect its buddy performance?

   No, the size of your Scatterbug (XL or XS) does not impact its buddy performance or the rate at which you earn hearts or candies.

10. How do I get more postcards to encounter Scatterbug from different regions?

    You can receive postcards from friends who send gifts from different regions. You can also collect postcards from PokéStops you visit when traveling to new locations.

11. Can I see the region associated with my Scatterbug after I catch it?

    Yes, you can see the region associated with your Scatterbug. Go to the Vivillon Collector medal in your profile. This will show a map and the regions you have already connected to.

12. Is there a limit to how many Scatterbug I can catch and evolve into different Vivillon patterns?

    There is no limit to how many Scatterbug you can catch or how many different Vivillon patterns you can collect. The more postcards you can access from different regions, the more diverse your Vivillon collection can become.

13. What is the best way to make my Scatterbug excited?

    The best way to make your Scatterbug excited is to feed it a Poffin. Alternatively, you can perform a variety of activities such as walking, battling, playing, and taking snapshots until it reaches the excited state.

14. Does Scatterbug finding souvenirs or presents help with the Vivillon collection?

    No, Scatterbug finding souvenirs or presents does not directly contribute to the Vivillon collection. These items are simply fun collectibles that showcase your bond with your buddy.

15. Can I trade a Scatterbug from one region to another player and have it evolve into a different Vivillon pattern for them?

    No, trading a Scatterbug will not change the Vivillon pattern it evolves into. The Vivillon pattern is determined by the origin of the postcard used during the initial Scatterbug encounter, not by the trainer who evolves it.