Table of Contents

Does Rare Candy Mess Up Pokémon? The Truth Revealed!

The short answer is: no, Rare Candies do not inherently mess up your Pokémon. However, their improper use, stemming from a misunderstanding of Pokémon mechanics, can lead to a less optimized Pokémon build. The fear around Rare Candies usually boils down to a lack of EV (Effort Value) training, not the candy itself. Understanding how Rare Candies work in conjunction with the EV/IV (Individual Value) system is crucial to maximizing your Pokémon’s potential. Let’s dive deeper!

Understanding the Mechanics: EVs, IVs, and Leveling

To understand why Rare Candies have this reputation, we must first break down the factors that determine a Pokémon’s stats:

Base Stats: These are inherent to each Pokémon species and cannot be changed. A Pikachu will always have different base stats than a Raichu.
Individual Values (IVs): These are like Pokémon genes. Each Pokémon has a set of IVs for each stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed), ranging from 0 to 31. Higher IVs mean better stats at any given level. IVs are determined when the Pokémon is generated (caught or hatched) and remain fixed.
Effort Values (EVs): EVs are gained by battling Pokémon. Each Pokémon you defeat gives a certain amount of EVs in specific stats. A Pokémon can accumulate a maximum of 510 EVs total, with a maximum of 252 EVs in any single stat. EVs provide stat bonuses, especially noticeable at higher levels.
Level: This determines how much the base stats, IVs, and EVs contribute to the final stats. A level 100 Pokémon will benefit much more from its IVs and EVs than a level 1 Pokémon.
Nature: A Pokémon’s nature affects its stats, increasing one stat by 10% and decreasing another by 10%.

Now that we have the terminology defined, we can see why Rare Candies have the reputation they do. When you level up a Pokémon through battling, you not only gain levels, but also EVs. Rare Candies bypass this EV-gain process. If you exclusively use Rare Candies to level a Pokémon to level 100 without any EV training, that Pokémon will be weaker than a Pokémon that was trained in battle and accumulated EVs along the way.

The Rare Candy Misconception: It’s About EVs, Not the Candy!

The key takeaway is that Rare Candies themselves don’t negatively affect stats. They simply provide a level increase without the corresponding EV gains. The “weakness” people associate with Rare Candies is the direct result of missing out on EV training. This is completely correctable.

Imagine two identical Pokémon, both with the same IVs and nature. One is leveled to 100 purely through battling, carefully selecting opponents to maximize EV gains. The other is Rare Candied to 100 without battling a single Pokémon. The first Pokémon will undoubtedly have higher stats due to the accumulated EVs. However, the Rare Candied Pokémon isn’t inherently weaker. You can still train it to gain the missing EVs even at level 100.

Correcting the “Rare Candy Problem”

The solution is simple: EV train your Pokémon regardless of how it was leveled.

EV Training Post-Leveling: Even at level 100, you can still EV train your Pokémon. Simply battle the Pokémon that yield the desired EVs. Modern Pokémon games even provide items like Power Bracers and Macho Braces that accelerate EV gains, and locations where you can battle hordes of the same Pokémon for even faster results.
Vitamins: Items like Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up can each raise a Pokémon’s EVs in the corresponding stat by 10, up to a maximum of 100 EVs per stat (per generation, some generations have had changes to vitamin usage). This is a quick way to front-load EV training.
Modern Games to the Rescue: Many recent Pokémon games make EV training significantly easier with features like visible EV counters and the ability to reset EVs entirely.

Strategic Use of Rare Candies

Rare Candies are incredibly useful when used strategically:

Expediting Evolution: If you have a Pokémon that evolves at a high level (like Hydreigon), Rare Candies can quickly get it to the evolution level, allowing you to start EV training its evolved form sooner.
Completing the Pokédex: Rare Candies can be used to quickly evolve Pokémon solely for completing the Pokédex, without worrying about competitive viability.
Catching Up: If you receive a Pokémon at a high level, perhaps through a trade or Wonder Trade, and it’s behind in levels compared to your team, Rare Candies can quickly bring it up to par.
Saving Time: Especially in late-game scenarios, grinding for levels can be tedious. Rare Candies offer a convenient shortcut.

Conclusion: Rare Candies are Your Friends, if Used Wisely!

Ultimately, Rare Candies are not inherently harmful to your Pokémon. The negative perception comes from a lack of understanding regarding EV training. As long as you understand the importance of EVs and take steps to train your Pokémon accordingly, whether through battling or using items, Rare Candies are a valuable tool that can save time and expedite your Pokémon journey. Remember to always EV train, and you’ll never have to worry about your Rare Candied Pokémon being weaker than its naturally leveled counterparts. As understanding the game mechanics, you may also want to expand your game and learning horizons with the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where research explores the intersection of learning and games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs about Rare Candies and their effect on Pokémon, to cover common concerns and misconceptions:

1. Do Rare Candies affect IVs?

No, Rare Candies do not affect IVs. IVs are determined when a Pokémon is generated and remain constant throughout its life.

2. Can I EV train a Pokémon after using Rare Candies to level it up?

Yes, absolutely! EVs can be gained at any level, even level 100. Simply battle the Pokémon that yield the desired EVs.

3. Are vitamins a good substitute for EV training?

Vitamins are a helpful supplement to EV training, especially early on. They can quickly boost EVs in specific stats. However, they cannot be used to fully EV train a Pokémon. Vitamins have a cap of 100 EVs per stat.

4. Is it better to train a Pokémon from level 1 or use Rare Candies?

The best approach depends on your goals. Training from level 1 allows for natural EV gain throughout the leveling process. However, Rare Candies offer a time-saving alternative, provided you remember to EV train afterward.

5. What happens if I Rare Candy a Pokémon to level 100 without any EVs?

The Pokémon will have lower stats compared to a fully EV-trained Pokémon. However, it’s not permanently ruined. You can still EV train it to reach its full potential.

6. Do Rare Candies affect friendship or happiness?

Yes, Rare Candies can slightly increase friendship. This is beneficial for Pokémon that evolve through friendship.

7. Can Rare Candies be used to evolve Pokémon that require specific conditions?

No, Rare Candies only increase levels. Pokémon that evolve based on friendship, time of day, held items, or specific locations still require those conditions to be met.

8. Are there any downsides to using Rare Candies?

The primary downside is the potential for neglecting EV training. This can be avoided by being mindful and EV training your Pokémon regardless of how they were leveled.

9. Are Rare Candies more useful in certain Pokémon games?

The usefulness of Rare Candies varies depending on the game’s EV training mechanics. In games with easier EV training methods, such as horde battles and EV-reducing berries, Rare Candies are even more valuable.

10. How many EVs are “lost” when leveling with a Rare Candy?

The amount of EVs “lost” is variable. It depends on the Pokémon you would have battled during normal leveling. There’s no fixed number. However, it’s never truly lost, as you can still gain those EVs later.

11. Can Rare Candies fix a bad nature?

No, Rare Candies do not affect nature. A Pokémon’s nature is determined when it’s generated and cannot be changed without special items (like mints in later games).

12. Do Shiny Pokémon benefit more or less from Rare Candies?

Shininess has no impact on how Rare Candies affect a Pokémon. The same EV training principles apply regardless of whether a Pokémon is shiny or not.

13. How do XL Candies in Pokémon GO relate to Rare Candies and EV training?

In Pokémon GO, XL Candies allow you to level Pokémon past level 40. They are unrelated to the traditional EV training found in the main series games. However, XL Candies are important for maximizing a Pokémon’s CP (Combat Power). Rare Candies in Pokémon GO simply convert to regular candies.

14. Are Rare Candies considered “cheating”?

Whether or not Rare Candies are considered “cheating” is a matter of personal opinion and the context of gameplay. In casual playthroughs, they’re a convenient tool. In competitive settings with strict rules, they might be viewed differently. However, their use is generally accepted and widespread.

15. Where can I learn more about optimal Pokémon training strategies?

There are numerous online resources available, including websites, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to Pokémon strategy. Explore these resources to delve deeper into IV breeding, EV training, and team building. You can also deepen your interest in games and how they are used to learn at Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Does Rare Candy mess up Pokémon?