How to Find Your Best Buddy in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’ve embarked on the Buddy Adventure in Pokémon GO and are eager to find your Best Buddy? Excellent choice! Having a Best Buddy is more than just a sentimental attachment; it provides tangible in-game benefits, like a CP boost in battles and a special ribbon. But how do you actually find your Best Buddy in the teeming ranks of your Pokémon storage? There are several ways to identify your most loyal companion within the app. Here’s a breakdown:
- Visual Identification: The most straightforward method is to look for the Best Buddy ribbon. When your Pokémon reaches Best Buddy status (requiring 300 Affection Hearts), it will visibly display a special ribbon beneath its image in your Pokémon storage and on its in-game avatar when adventuring with you. This is the simplest and quickest way to spot your champion.
- Pokémon Storage Search: Pokémon GO has a built-in search function that allows you to filter Pokémon based on various criteria. This is incredibly useful for finding Pokémon with specific Buddy Levels. Use the search term “buddy5” to display all Pokémon that have reached Best Buddy status (Buddy Level 5). This is a clean and effective method to quickly locate all your Best Buddies.
- Buddy Profile Check: You can also check the Buddy Profile of each Pokémon individually. Navigate to your chosen Pokémon in your storage, tap on it, and then tap on its profile. If it’s currently your buddy, you will see its current Buddy Level. If it has achieved Best Buddy status, it will be explicitly displayed. This is more time-consuming if you have many Pokémon, but it’s a definitive way to confirm any doubts.
- Battle Team Selection: When creating or editing battle teams, the CP boost granted to your current Best Buddy will be factored into its overall CP. This can indirectly help you identify it, especially if you remember the CP of your potential Best Buddies before they achieved that status. Look for the slightly higher CP compared to similar Pokémon.
These methods allow you to efficiently find your Best Buddy in Pokémon GO. Remember, building a bond with your Pokémon takes time and dedication, but the rewards are well worth the effort!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Best Buddies in Pokémon GO
How do I earn Affection Hearts for my buddy?
You earn Affection Hearts by interacting with your buddy daily. Activities include:
- Walking together: Earn up to 4 Hearts per day by walking a set distance with your buddy.
- Giving your buddy a treat: Feeding your buddy berries earns you Affection Hearts.
- Playing with your buddy: Interacting with your buddy in AR mode earns a Heart.
- Taking a snapshot of your buddy: Taking a photo earns a Heart.
- Battling with your buddy: Having your buddy in your battle team earns a Heart.
- Visiting new PokéStops: Spinning a new PokéStop with your buddy earns a bonus Heart.
How long does it take to get a Best Buddy?
Typically, it takes around 12-30 days to reach Best Buddy status, depending on how consistently you earn Affection Hearts each day. Consistently maximizing your daily interactions will shorten the timeframe significantly.
What are the benefits of having a Best Buddy?
Best Buddies offer several advantages:
- CP Boost: Your Best Buddy receives a temporary CP boost during battles when it’s your active buddy.
- Best Buddy Ribbon: A visual symbol of your bond with your Pokémon.
- Souvenirs: Best Buddies occasionally bring you small, cosmetic items as gifts.
- Assist in Catch Encounters: Your buddy can sometimes assist you in catching wild Pokémon.
Does switching buddies reset my progress?
No, switching buddies does not erase the Affection Hearts earned. However, any fractional progress toward a Heart (like walking 1.9km of a 2km requirement) will be lost when you switch. It’s best to switch after earning a Heart.
What Pokémon are best suited to be Best Buddies?
This depends on your goals. Pokémon that benefit most from the CP boost in Master League and Ultra League are good choices. Examples include Umbreon, Galarian Stunfisk, Medicham, and Lickitung. Consider Pokémon you use frequently in battles.
How much of a CP boost does a Best Buddy get?
The CP boost is equivalent to about two extra Power-Ups or a single Level-Up. This can be crucial for edging out opponents in battles.
Is it worth making a Pokémon my Best Buddy?
Yes, absolutely, if you plan on using that Pokémon frequently in battles, especially in Leagues where every CP point matters. The CP boost and other perks make it worthwhile. Furthermore, it’s fun to deepen your connection with your favorite Pokémon.
Can I have multiple Best Buddies?
Yes, you can have multiple Best Buddies. There’s no limit to the number of Pokémon you can raise to Best Buddy status, but you can only have one active Best Buddy at a time to benefit from the CP boost.
How do I get my buddy excited?
Getting your buddy excited significantly increases the number of Affection Hearts you can earn per day. To get your buddy excited, perform various activities such as feeding, playing, taking snapshots, battling, and visiting new PokéStops. You need to accumulate 32 points on a hidden meter. Using a Poffin will instantly excite your buddy.
Do hearts reset daily?
Yes, the potential to earn Affection Hearts resets daily. This encourages daily interaction with your buddy.
Can I trade my Best Buddy?
While you can trade Pokémon in Pokémon GO, you cannot trade a Pokémon that is currently your Best Buddy or is currently assigned to defend a Gym. You must unassign them first. Trading is also restricted for Pokémon who are wearing costumes.
My Best Buddy doesn’t have a CP boost. Why?
The CP boost is only active when that specific Pokémon is your current buddy. Make sure it’s selected as your active buddy in order to receive the boost.
Is the Best Buddy boost permanent?
The Best Buddy boost isn’t truly permanent in the sense that it’s constantly applied regardless of whether the Pokémon is your active buddy. The CP boost is only active when the Pokémon is set as your buddy.
Can I transfer my Best Buddy to Pokémon HOME?
No, you cannot transfer a Pokémon that is currently your Best Buddy to Pokémon HOME. You must unassign it as your buddy first. Additionally, certain Pokémon (such as those defending Gyms, wearing costumes or shadow Pokémon) cannot be transferred.
What’s the fastest way to earn hearts without a Poffin?
Without using a Poffin, the fastest way to earn hearts is to consistently perform activities every 30 minutes. Feed your buddy, play with it, take a snapshot, and battle with it. This consistent interaction will gradually fill the “excitement” meter and maximize your heart gain for the day. Remember that walking with your buddy also awards hearts.
The world of Pokémon GO is ever-evolving, so stay updated with the latest news and strategies. Remember that Games Learning Society provides valuable research and insights into the educational aspects of games like Pokémon GO. You can explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck on your Buddy Adventure!