Can You Sell Pokémon in Pokémon GO for Candy? A Trainer’s Guide
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No, you cannot directly sell your Pokémon in Pokémon GO for Candy or any other form of currency. The primary method for obtaining Candy from Pokémon is by transferring them to Professor Willow. This action effectively removes the Pokémon from your storage in exchange for a specific amount of Candy corresponding to that Pokémon species. It’s a one-way transaction; once transferred, Pokémon are gone for good.
Understanding the Candy Economy in Pokémon GO
Candy is a crucial resource in Pokémon GO, used for powering up, evolving, and even unlocking second Charged Attacks for your Pokémon. Think of it as the lifeblood of your team’s progression. The amount of Candy you get from transferring a Pokémon depends on whether it is a regular Pokémon, a evolved one or a legendary/mythical one.
Transferring Pokémon: The Core Mechanic
The transfer mechanic is straightforward:
- Select a Pokémon: From your Pokémon storage, choose the Pokémon you wish to transfer.
- Access the Options: Scroll to the bottom of the Pokémon’s information page and tap the “Transfer” button.
- Confirm the Transfer: A confirmation prompt will appear, reminding you that the action is irreversible. Confirm to send the Pokémon to Professor Willow.
While you don’t “sell” the Pokémon for Candy, this is the fundamental way to convert unwanted Pokémon into this valuable resource.
Beyond Transferring: Other Avenues for Candy Acquisition
While transferring is your go-to method, there are other strategies to boost your Candy stockpile:
- Catching Pokémon: Each Pokémon you catch awards a base amount of Candy.
- Hatching Eggs: Hatching Eggs gives you more Candy than catching Pokemon and also a chance to earn XL Candies.
- Walking with your Buddy Pokémon: Walking with your buddy Pokémon gives you the chance to earn some Candy for it.
- Trading Pokémon: Trading Pokémon can yield extra Candy, especially if the Pokémon were caught far apart.
- Completing Research Tasks: Special Research and Field Research tasks often reward Candy as a completion bonus.
XL Candy: The Endgame Currency
As you level up beyond Level 40, you’ll encounter XL Candy. These are required to power up your Pokémon to Level 50. XL Candy is much rarer than regular Candy, and is primarily obtained through:
- Catching Pokémon: Increased chance to obtain XL Candy from catching Pokémon.
- Hatching Eggs: Higher chance for XL Candy as a reward, specially when hatching high km Eggs.
- Transferring Pokémon: Chance to obtain XL Candy when transferring a Pokémon.
- Trading Pokémon: Chance to obtain XL Candy when trading a Pokémon.
- Raids: A rare reward, especially for in-person raids.
- Walking with your buddy: High chance to find XL Candy when walking with your buddy, specially if it’s at a high level.
FAQs: Mastering the Pokémon GO Candy System
1. Can I trade Pokémon for Candy directly with other players?
No, you cannot directly trade Pokémon for Candy with other players. Trading involves exchanging Pokémon, and both players receive the traded Pokémon. The Candy received is a bonus based on distance and other factors, not a direct exchange.
2. How much Candy do I get for transferring different types of Pokémon?
Generally:
- Regular Pokémon: 3 Candy
- Evolved forms (Stage 1): 5 Candy
- Evolved forms (Stage 2 or higher): 10 Candy
- Legendary/Mythical: This is the highest amount of Candy you can earn.
3. Does the Pokémon’s CP (Combat Power) affect the amount of Candy received when transferred?
No, the CP of a Pokémon does not affect the amount of Candy received when you transfer it to Professor Willow. The Candy amount depends solely on the Pokémon’s species and evolutionary stage.
4. What is the purpose of Rare Candy, and how do I get it?
Rare Candy can be converted into Candy for any Pokémon species. This is incredibly useful for powering up Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, where Candy is harder to come by. You can obtain Rare Candy through:
- Raids: Often a reward for completing raids.
- Special Research: Completion of certain Special Research tasks.
- Field Research: Completing certain field research tasks.
- Go Battle League: Rewards for winning matches.
- Timed Research: Sometimes available during special events.
5. Is there a cheat to get unlimited Rare Candy in Pokémon GO?
No, there are no legitimate cheats or hacks to obtain unlimited Rare Candy or any other resources in Pokémon GO. Using unauthorized third-party software or exploits violates the game’s terms of service and can result in a permanent ban.
6. What are XL Candies, and how do they differ from regular Candies?
XL Candies are required to power up Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. Regular Candies are used for levels 1 to 40. XL Candies are much rarer and more difficult to obtain.
7. How can I optimize my Candy farming strategy in Pokémon GO?
To maximize your Candy gains:
- Participate in events: Events often feature increased Candy rewards for catching or transferring Pokémon.
- Use Pinap Berries: These berries increase the Candy you receive when catching a Pokémon.
- Prioritize Pokémon catches: Focus on catching Pokémon that you need Candy for.
- Walk with your buddy: Earn Candy for your buddy Pokémon by walking with them.
8. Should I evolve a Pokémon before transferring it for more Candy?
Yes, evolving a Pokémon before transferring it will yield more Candy. Evolved forms provide significantly more Candy than their unevolved counterparts.
9. What is the role of Candy in evolving Pokémon?
Candy is the primary resource required to evolve most Pokémon. The amount of Candy needed varies depending on the Pokémon species and its evolutionary stage. Some Pokémon also require special items in addition to Candy.
10. How does trading affect the amount of Candy I receive?
Trading Pokémon can influence your Candy acquisition:
- Distance Bonus: The further apart the locations where the Pokémon were caught, the more Candy you receive (up to 3 Candy).
- XL Candy Chance: There’s a chance to receive XL Candy when trading, also based on distance.
11. Can I get Candy for Legendary or Mythical Pokémon through any means other than catching or Rare Candy?
Yes, you can get more Candy for Legendary/Mythical Pokémon by transferring them or by walking with one as your buddy Pokémon. Keep an eye out for special events that may feature increased Candy rewards for these rare Pokémon.
12. Should I power up a Pokémon before evolving it?
From a Candy perspective, it doesn’t matter if you power up a Pokémon before or after evolving it. The total Candy cost to reach a certain CP level will be the same. However, powering up after evolving allows you to see the evolved form’s moveset before investing Candy.
13. What is the best way to obtain XL Candy for Legendary Pokémon?
Obtaining XL Candy for Legendary Pokémon is challenging but manageable:
- Participate in Raids: In-person raids offer the best chance for XL Candy rewards.
- Trade Legendary Pokémon: Increase your chances of getting XL Candy through trading, particularly with Pokémon caught far away.
- Walk with Your Buddy: Make a Legendary Pokémon your buddy and walk with them.
14. Are there any Berries that increase Candy gains?
Yes, Pinap Berries significantly increase the amount of Candy you receive when catching a Pokémon. Silver Pinap Berries provide an even greater boost.
15. What are the benefits of joining a Pokémon GO community?
Joining a Pokémon GO community, whether online or local, can enhance your gameplay experience:
- Trading: Facilitate trades to earn extra Candy and Lucky Pokémon.
- Raids: Coordinate raid battles with other players.
- Information Sharing: Learn tips, strategies, and event details.
- Social Interaction: Connect with fellow Pokémon enthusiasts.
Understanding the intricacies of the Candy system is crucial for success in Pokémon GO. While you can’t directly sell Pokémon for Candy, mastering the transfer mechanic and other Candy-generating strategies will empower you to build a formidable team and conquer challenges in the game.
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