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Finding Your Elite Squad: Can You Search for Best Buddies in Pokémon GO?

The quest to become a Pokémon Master in Pokémon GO is a multi-faceted journey. It’s about catching ’em all, battling in gyms, raiding formidable opponents, and, perhaps most rewarding, building deep bonds with your Pokémon companions. One of the most tangible representations of this bond is the Best Buddy status. But in a vast collection of Pokémon, how do you quickly identify your elite team of Best Buddies? Let’s dive in!

The short answer: While Pokémon GO doesn’t offer a direct “search” function specifically for Best Buddies, there are methods you can use to filter and identify them within your Pokémon storage. This article will guide you through those methods and answer all your burning questions about the Buddy system.

Unveiling Your Best Buddies: Filtering and Identifying Techniques

Unfortunately, Pokémon GO lacks a dedicated search term like “BestBuddy” that you can simply type into the search bar. However, savvy trainers have discovered alternative methods to locate their treasured companions:

Buddy Status Filters: The game provides filters related to buddy status. Typing buddy0 shows Pokémon with whom you have no buddy history. buddy1 shows Pokémon you’ve set as your buddy but never became “Good Buddies” (i.e. Buddy Level 1). buddy2–5 will show Good Buddies (the first Buddy Level) through Best Buddies (the highest Buddy Level). This allows you to filter through your Pokémon to isolate those who have been buddies before. This feature filters based on buddy level.
Manual Inspection: The most reliable method is a manual review of your Pokémon. To check a Pokémon’s Buddy Level, tap on the Pokémon, and you’ll see its profile. If it’s your current buddy, your buddy level is easily visible. For Pokémon who are not your current buddy, you can tap your Trainer’s portrait at the bottom-left corner of the map, then tap your buddy to view the Buddy Profile screen. You can view Pokémon you’ve previously set as your buddy by tapping the Buddy History button. This, while time-consuming, ensures accurate identification.
Nickname System: Many players adopt a custom nickname system. This involves renaming your Best Buddies with a special character, abbreviation, or symbol. For instance, you could rename all your Best Buddies with a “BB” prefix or a star emoji. Then, simply search for “BB” or the symbol to instantly view all your Best Buddies.
Tagging System: Pokémon GO’s tagging system is a valuable tool. Create a tag called “Best Buddy” and assign it to all your maxed-out companions. You can then filter your Pokémon based on this tag. This is arguably the most efficient method currently available.
Remember Their Faces: As you invest time and resources in nurturing your Best Buddies, you’ll naturally start recognizing them. You’ll remember which Pokémon you’ve powered up and dedicated to the Buddy system. This is an organic and rewarding method, though it may not scale well as your collection grows.

The Benefits of Best Buddies: More Than Just Bragging Rights

Reaching Best Buddy status with a Pokémon unlocks a range of benefits:

CP Boost: Best Buddies receive a significant CP boost during battles, giving them an edge in Gyms, Raids, and Trainer Battles. This boost is equivalent to two extra power-ups, making your Best Buddy noticeably stronger.
Buddy Perks: Depending on the Pokémon’s type, Best Buddies can bring you useful items, such as Poké Balls or Berries, while you’re exploring.
Souvenir Rewards: Once they reach the Best Buddy level, they can also occasionally bring you souvenirs!
Emotional Connection: The most intangible, yet arguably most important, benefit is the strengthened bond with your Pokémon companion. Seeing your Best Buddy on the map, knowing you’ve invested time and care into them, adds a layer of depth to your Pokémon GO experience.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Pokémon GO Buddy System

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of the Pokémon GO Buddy system: