Rare Candies in Pokémon Gen 1: A Comprehensive Guide
Rare Candies in the original Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow versions are items that instantly raise a Pokémon’s level by one. Unlike battling and gaining experience points, using a Rare Candy bypasses the normal leveling process. This can be incredibly useful, but also has some nuances players should understand, especially regarding stats and EV (Effort Value) training.
Understanding the Basics
In Gen 1, a Rare Candy simply increments a Pokémon’s level. So, if your Charmander is at level 15, using a Rare Candy will immediately bump it to level 16. However, it’s important to note that Rare Candies do not contribute to Effort Values (EVs), which are hidden stats that influence how your Pokémon’s stats grow. This difference between leveling through battling and Rare Candies impacts a Pokémon’s overall potential.
Where to Find Rare Candies
There are a limited number of Rare Candies available in Gen 1. In Pokémon Red and Blue, you can find 12, while Pokémon Yellow offers 13. These candies are often hidden using the itemfinder or given as gifts. It is important to strategically consider which Pokemon you will use them on!
Leveling Glitches and Rare Candies
The original Pokémon games are famous for their glitches. One particular quirk involves exploiting the game to raise a Pokémon’s level above 100. If you somehow manage to get a Pokémon to level 101 or higher (through glitches only), using Rare Candies will let you level it up until level 255. Using a Rare Candy on a level 255 Pokémon will cause it to wrap around to level 0, at which point you can no longer use the item on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions, providing deeper insight into how Rare Candies function in Gen 1.
1. Are Rare Candies Bad for Stats in Gen 1?
Technically, yes, but it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Leveling up through battles grants your Pokémon Effort Values (EVs), which contribute to stat growth. Rare Candies bypass this, so a Pokémon leveled solely with Rare Candies will likely have slightly lower stats compared to one trained through battles. The difference is noticeable but may be marginal depending on your play style. If you are trying to build competitive Pokemon then you should consider training it through other methods.
2. Do Rare Candies Affect Evolution?
Yes, Rare Candies do allow a Pokémon to evolve if it meets the level requirements. For example, if your Ivysaur is at level 31 and evolves into Venusaur at level 32, using a Rare Candy will trigger the evolution. Rare Candies are great for quickly evolving your Pokemon.
3. How Do Rare Candies Work with TM/HM Moves?
When a Pokémon levels up via Rare Candy, it will learn any moves it would normally learn at that level. So, if your Pidgeotto is level 35 and learns Wing Attack at level 36, using a Rare Candy will teach it the move. There are many Pokemon who evolve through high levels so using rare candies is very beneficial to receive certain move sets.
4. Can I Use Rare Candies After EV Training?
Absolutely. In fact, this is a common strategy. You can EV train your Pokémon through battles, then use Rare Candies to reach the desired level without affecting your EV investment. This can save time and effort, especially when aiming for specific level-up moves.
5. What’s the Best Strategy for Using Rare Candies?
The best strategy depends on your goal. If you want the absolute best stats you should battle and train your Pokemon. Competitive play involves EVs and IVs, which rare candies don’t affect. If you’re just playing for fun, or trying to fill your Pokédex, then Rare Candies are an efficient way to level up and evolve your Pokemon.
6. Are Rare Candies a Waste Early in the Game?
Potentially, yes. Rare Candies provide the same level boost regardless of the Pokémon’s current level. The experience needed to level increases with level, so using them on lower level Pokémon could be seen as inefficient if your goal is to gain the most “value” from each candy. You may want to save your candies for pokemon that need more experience.
7. Does Using Rare Candies Affect IVs?
No, Rare Candies have absolutely no effect on Individual Values (IVs). IVs are determined when a Pokémon is generated and remain fixed throughout the game. IVs are one of the most important factors for competitive play.
8. What Happens If I Use a Rare Candy on a Level 100 Pokémon?
In Gen 1, using a Rare Candy on a level 100 Pokémon has no effect. The level cap is 100, so there’s nowhere for it to go. Make sure you check the level of the Pokemon before using the candy.
9. How Many Rare Candies Are Available in Each Game?
As mentioned earlier, there are 12 Rare Candies to find in Pokémon Red and Blue, and 13 in Pokémon Yellow.
10. Can I Duplicate Rare Candies?
Yes, through glitches, trainers can duplicate rare candies. Some glitches include, but not limited to, Missingno.
11. Are Rare Candies Necessary to Complete the Pokédex?
No, Rare Candies are not essential for completing the Pokédex, but they certainly make the process faster. They help you evolve Pokémon that require high levels, saving you considerable grinding time. However, you can still complete the Pokédex without using any Rare Candies by battling repeatedly.
12. Are Rare Candies Worth Using on Legendary Pokémon?
Legendary Pokémon are unique and limited, making them prime candidates for Rare Candy usage. Since you can’t easily train them through wild encounters, Rare Candies provide a quick way to level them up for specific battles or challenges.
13. Do Rare Candies affect breeding?
Breeding wasn’t implemented until Generation II. Therefore, Rare Candies have no bearing on breeding mechanics in Gen 1.
14. Are Rare Candies Helpful for Speedrunning?
Yes, Rare Candies can be incredibly helpful for speedrunning. They allow you to quickly level up key Pokémon, bypass lengthy grinding sessions, and optimize your team for the challenges ahead. Speedrunners, and many regular players, seek out the itemfinder as quickly as possible to help locate hidden items.
15. How Can Rare Candies Be Used Strategically in the Elite Four?
Rare Candies can be strategically used right before challenging the Elite Four to ensure your team is at the optimal level. This allows you to face the Elite Four with a fully powered team without spending hours grinding. Also consider the move sets the Pokemon will have available to them.
Final Thoughts
Rare Candies are a valuable resource in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. Understanding how they work, their limitations, and the best strategies for using them can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect team, completing the Pokédex, or simply enjoying the nostalgia of the original Pokémon games, Rare Candies can be a game-changer.
Exploring these classic games offers opportunities for understanding how game mechanics influence learning and engagement, a topic further explored by the Games Learning Society, which examines the intersection of games and education. To learn more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.