Mastering XL Candy in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you want to level up your Pokémon beyond Level 40 in Pokémon GO? Then you’re going to need XL Candy! Acquiring this coveted resource can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can efficiently stockpile it and power up your favorite Pokémon to their full potential. The primary ways to get XL Candy include catching Pokémon, hatching eggs, trading Pokémon, transferring Pokémon, participating in raids and converting rare candy. Now, let’s delve into the details.
Understanding XL Candy Mechanics
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s establish the “what.” XL Candy is a special type of candy required to power up Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. Unlike regular candy, which is abundant, XL Candy is significantly rarer, making the journey to maximum power a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Knowing the mechanics behind XL Candy drops is essential for maximizing your efficiency. You can start earning XL candies once you hit level 31.
Key Methods for Obtaining XL Candy
Catching Pokémon
The most consistent method for obtaining XL Candy is simply catching Pokémon. The odds of receiving XL Candy increase with the Pokémon’s level and evolution stage. Therefore, catching evolved forms in the wild is a great strategy. Keep an eye out for weather-boosted Pokémon, as they are often higher level.
Hatching Eggs
Hatching eggs is another reliable source of XL Candy. Generally, the longer the distance required to hatch an egg, the higher the number of XL Candy you can expect to receive. Focus on hatching 10km and 12km eggs for the best results.
Participating in Raids
Raids are an excellent way to obtain XL Candy. Every time a player successfully beats a Raid, they’ll have a chance to receive 1-3 Rare Candy XL as a reward. Pokemon caught in Raids will guarantee an XL Candy, no matter the raid level! 5-Star and Mega Raids offer even higher chances of getting Rare Candy XL, so players should try to focus on farming them as often as possible.
Trading Pokémon
Trading Pokémon with friends can yield XL Candy. The further the distance between the locations where the two Pokémon were caught, the higher the chance of receiving XL Candy. Coordinate trades with friends who have traveled to different locations for the best results.
Transferring Pokémon
While not the most efficient method, transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow can sometimes reward you with XL Candy. It’s worth doing, especially when clearing out your storage after a catching spree.
Walking with a Buddy
While not a direct source, having a buddy Pokémon can lead to more encounters, which can, in turn, increase your XL Candy gains.
Converting Regular Candy
You can exchange regular candy for XL candy. Although the conversion rate is not ideal, this is a good way to use surplus regular candy.
Optimizing Your XL Candy Farming Strategy
Focus on Events
Pokémon GO events often feature increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon, bonus XL Candy drops, or increased egg hatch rates. Take advantage of these events to maximize your XL Candy gains.
Utilize Weather Boost
Weather-boosted Pokémon are generally higher level, increasing your chances of receiving XL Candy when catching them.
Maximize Encounters
Use items like Incense and Lure Modules to attract more Pokémon to your location, increasing your opportunities to catch Pokémon and earn XL Candy.
Stacking Quests
Some Research Tasks reward encounters with specific Pokémon. If those Pokémon are evolved forms, you can stack these encounters for a higher chance of obtaining XL Candy.
Rare Candy XL Conversion
Rare Candy XL can be converted to any Pokémon’s Candy XL, the same way it works with regular rare candies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Lower CP Pokémon
Don’t underestimate lower CP Pokémon, especially in raids. Pokemon caught in raids guarantee an XL Candy.
Neglecting Trades
Actively seek out opportunities to trade Pokémon with friends, especially those who have caught Pokémon in distant locations.
Not Utilizing Events
Failing to take advantage of events with increased XL Candy bonuses is a missed opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is XL Candy so hard to get?
XL Candy is intentionally rare to create a long-term progression system for high-level players. It is the primary bottleneck for powering up Pokémon beyond Level 40, requiring dedication and strategic gameplay.
2. Can you get XL Candy before Level 40?
Yes, as of recent updates, players can start earning XL Candy once they reach Level 31.
3. How many XL Candies does it take to level a Pokémon to Level 50?
It costs 296 Candy XL to power up a regular Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. Shadow Pokémon require 360, and purified Pokémon require 272.
4. Is there a limit on how much XL Candy you can earn in one day?
No, there is no limit on how much XL Candy you can earn in one day. However, your rate of acquisition will depend on your activity level and the methods you employ.
5. What is the best way to use Rare Candy XL?
Rare Candy XL should be used on Pokémon that are difficult to obtain candy for through normal gameplay, such as rare legendaries or regional exclusives.
6. Do all Pokémon have the same chance of dropping XL Candy?
No, evolved forms and higher-level Pokémon have a higher chance of dropping XL Candy when caught.
7. Can you get XL Candy from Ditto?
Yes, catching a Ditto disguised as another Pokémon can yield XL Candy.
8. Does weather boost affect XL Candy drops?
Yes, weather boost increases the level of Pokémon, which in turn increases the likelihood of receiving XL Candy when caught.
9. What is the XL candy glitch in Pokemon go?
There was an exploit in the game that allowed players to use an XL Candy glitch, players could trick their device’s GPS to repeatedly jump to the end of a Route, thereby exceeding the game’s intended limits. Unfortunately for any Pokemon GO players hoping to take advantage, Niantic learned about this exploit and is banning players who use it.
10. What does level 40 mean in Pokemon go?
Reaching level 40 is a significant milestone in Pokémon GO. It requires a total of 20,000,000 XP and unlocks the ability to level your Pokémon to their maximum potential using XL Candy.
11. How much XP does rare candy XL give?
When used from the Bag on a Pokémon, it increases that Pokémon’s experience by 30,000 Exp. Points.
12. Do Rare Candies ruin stats?
Rare Candies don’t give you EVs, so your stats at that level will be lower than the stats you see if you level up by defeating Pokemon and gaining Exp.
13. How much candy per trade?
Trades will give each player additional Candy, with more Candy rewarded if the two Pokémon were caught far away from another. According to Reddit, this is 1 Candy for below 30km, 2 Candy for 30-100km, 3 Candy for above 100km.
14. Can you make XL candy normal?
Unfortunately, you can’t convert XL candy to regular candy.
15. Are there any resources for learning more about Pokémon GO strategies?
Absolutely! The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers insights into the educational aspects of gaming, which can enhance your strategic thinking in Pokémon GO. Check out the Games Learning Society for more.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of XL Candy farming in Pokémon GO requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and dedication. By implementing the methods outlined in this guide and staying informed about game updates and events, you can efficiently accumulate the XL Candy needed to power up your Pokémon and dominate the competition. Happy hunting!