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Mastering XL Candy Acquisition in Pokémon GO: A Trainer’s Guide

So, you’re chasing those Level 50 Pokémon in Pokémon GO, huh? Well, you’ve stumbled upon the right guide. The key to unlocking that maxed-out potential lies in XL Candy, the resource that powers your Pokémon beyond Level 40. Getting your hands on enough of these elusive sweets can feel like a monumental task, but fear not, aspiring trainer! This guide will break down the various methods of acquiring XL Candy and help you optimize your strategy.

The core of XL Candy acquisition comes down to these key methods:

Catching Pokémon: Wild encounters, especially evolved forms, have a significantly higher chance of yielding XL Candy. Seek out those Stage 2 and Stage 3 evolutions whenever possible!
Hatching Eggs: The further you walk, the more XL Candy you can make! High distance eggs (e.g., 10km and 12km) are more likely to give you XL Candy.
Trading Pokémon: Trading Pokémon with friends offers a chance to receive XL Candy. The further the distance between where the Pokémon were caught, the higher the chance.
Transferring Pokémon: Don’t forget about the Professor! Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow is a reliable method to receive XL Candy, though the amount is variable. Keep an eye out for Transfer Bonuses like the Transfer Spotlight Hour.
Walking Buddies: Earning candy by walking with your buddy Pokémon also has a chance of awarding XL Candy. Prioritize Pokémon that require shorter distances to earn candy for more frequent rolls.
Raids: Raids can provide XL Candy, especially higher-tier raids and Legendary Raids.
Conversion Exchange: Desperate times call for desperate measures. You can convert regular candy to XL Candy, but be warned: the conversion rate is a steep 100:1. Save this option as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About XL Candy

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to address your XL Candy concerns.

1. What determines how much XL Candy I get from catching a Pokémon?

The amount of XL Candy received from catching Pokémon is influenced by several factors, including the Pokémon’s evolution stage and event bonuses. Fully evolved Pokémon are guaranteed to drop XL Candy, and events often boost the overall XL Candy yield from catches. Keep an eye out for events that feature Pokémon that are useful and able to Mega Evolve so you can double dip on the XL Candy bonuses.

2. How do I maximize my chances of getting XL Candy when trading?

To increase your odds of getting XL Candy from trades, trade Pokémon caught far away from each other. The further apart the locations where the Pokémon were caught, the better the chances of receiving XL Candy. Prioritize trading Pokémon caught at least 100km apart for the maximum bonus.

3. Is it worth converting regular candy to XL Candy?

Converting regular candy to XL Candy is generally not recommended unless you have a massive surplus of regular candy. The 100:1 conversion rate is incredibly costly, and there are usually better ways to obtain XL Candy. Only consider this option if you are just a few XL Candy short of powering up a crucial Pokémon and have no other immediate options.

4. What role do Eggs play in acquiring XL Candy?

Hatching Eggs is a reliable way to obtain XL Candy. The higher the distance required to hatch an egg (e.g., 10km or 12km), the more XL Candy it will typically yield. Focus on hatching longer-distance eggs during events that offer bonuses to hatching, such as reduced walking distances or increased candy rewards.

5. How do Walking Bonuses impact XL Candy?

Earning candy by walking with your buddy Pokémon provides chances to receive XL Candy. The more frequently your buddy earns candy, the more opportunities you have to obtain XL Candy. Choose a buddy Pokémon that earns candy quickly (e.g., every 1km) to maximize your chances, and prioritize Pokémon you’re actively trying to power up to Level 50.

6. Do Raids guarantee XL Candy?

Raids are a good way to get XL Candy but do not guarantee it. Higher-tier raids, especially Legendary Raids, typically offer a higher chance of awarding XL Candy. Participating in raids also provides other valuable rewards, such as Rare Candy and experience points, making it a worthwhile activity.

7. What level do I need to be to start getting XL Candy?

You can begin earning XL Candy once you reach Trainer Level 31. Before Level 31, XL Candy will not drop, so focus on leveling up to unlock this important resource.

8. Does Double Transfer Candy include XL Candy?

The Double Transfer Candy bonus increases the chance of getting more XL Candy when transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow. While it doesn’t guarantee XL Candy, it effectively doubles the “roll” for XL Candy on each transfer, significantly improving your chances.

9. How many XL Candies do I need to fully power up a Pokémon?

You need 296 XL Candy to fully power up a Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. This is a significant investment, so plan your strategy carefully and focus on Pokémon that are most valuable to you.

10. Are there any Pokémon that give more candy while walking?

No, the candy amount when walking is not dictated by specific Pokemon. While some Pokemon require lower intervals of walking, all Pokemon are the same, and you should look for Pokemon with smaller distances for candy.

11. What are some tips for effective buddy walking to get XL Candy?

To optimize buddy walking for XL Candy, follow these tips:

Choose a buddy that earns candy quickly.
Walk consistently to maximize candy gains.
Use Poffins to keep your buddy excited and reduce walking distances.
Look for events that offer bonuses to buddy candy.

12. How rare is Rare Candy XL?

Rare Candy XL is a very rare item that can be used to power up any Pokémon. It is primarily obtained through leveling up past Level 40 and completing certain Special Research tasks. Due to its rarity, use Rare Candy XL wisely on Pokémon that are difficult to obtain or essential for your battling strategy.

13. How do events affect XL Candy acquisition?

Events often feature bonuses that boost XL Candy acquisition, such as increased XL Candy from catches, reduced egg hatching distances, or increased buddy candy. Pay attention to event announcements and take advantage of these bonuses to accelerate your XL Candy collection.

14. What should I do if I accidentally use XL Candy on the wrong Pokémon?

Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse using XL Candy on a Pokémon. Be extra careful when powering up your Pokémon and double-check that you are selecting the correct one. Consider using tags or renaming Pokémon to help you keep track of which ones you are actively powering up.

15. Can I get XL Candy from Research Tasks?

While not guaranteed, certain Research Tasks, particularly Special Research related to events or Legendary Pokémon, may offer XL Candy as rewards. Keep an eye out for these tasks and prioritize completing them to earn additional XL Candy.

Mastering the art of XL Candy collection is an investment of time and effort, but it’s an investment that pays off. By understanding these methods and applying them strategically, you’ll be well on your way to building a team of maxed-out Pokémon ready to conquer any challenge Pokémon GO throws your way. Keep experimenting, stay informed, and most importantly, have fun!

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How do you get XL candy in Pokemon Go?