How to Get XL Candy in Pokémon GO: A Trainer’s Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re after XL Candy in Pokémon GO? You’ve come to the right place! These coveted candies are the key to powering up your Pokémon beyond Level 40, all the way to the mighty Level 50. Earning them requires dedication and knowledge, but with this guide, you’ll become an XL Candy master in no time. There are several ways to acquire them: catching Pokémon, trading Pokémon, transferring Pokémon, hatching Pokémon Eggs, walking with your Buddy Pokémon, and converting regular Candy to XL Candy. Let’s dive into each method and unlock the secrets to maximizing your XL Candy gains!
Maximizing XL Candy Acquisition: The Proven Methods
Catching Pokémon: Your Primary Source
The most direct and reliable method for obtaining XL Candy is simply catching Pokémon. Each catch has a chance to reward you with 0 to 3 XL Candy, and this is your bread and butter. Here’s how to optimize this method:
- Target evolved forms: Catching Pokémon in their evolved forms (e.g., Charizard instead of Charmander) significantly increases the likelihood of receiving XL Candy, and the amount rewarded. Focus on catching those Stage 2 and Stage 3 evolutions!
- Use Pinap Berries: While Pinap Berries don’t directly increase the XL Candy drop rate, they double the regular Candy you receive. This can be helpful if you are considering converting regular Candy into XL Candy later, but generally, Silver Pinap Berries are often preferred as they increase both Candy and capture rate.
- Participate in Community Days and Spotlight Hours: These events often feature increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon, providing ample opportunities to catch numerous Pokémon and boost your XL Candy haul.
- Utilize Weather Boost: Look for Pokémon that are boosted by the current weather in the game. These Pokémon appear more frequently and are often higher level, which may slightly increase the chance of XL Candy.
Trading Pokémon: A Collaborative Approach
Trading Pokémon with friends is another avenue for acquiring XL Candy. The likelihood of receiving XL Candy from a trade increases with the distance between the locations where the two Pokémon were caught.
- Maximize Distance: Aim for trades where the Pokémon were caught as far apart as possible. This significantly increases the chance of at least one player receiving XL Candy.
- Coordinate with Friends: Partner with friends who frequently travel or live in different regions to ensure consistent access to long-distance trades.
- Trade in Bulk: The more trades you perform, the higher your overall chance of receiving XL Candy. Dedicate specific times to mass-trade Pokémon with friends.
- Be aware of trading limits: There is a daily limit to the number of trades you can perform. Plan your trades strategically to make the most of each one.
Transferring Pokémon: A Random Reward
Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow provides another chance, albeit a small one, to receive XL Candy. While not as reliable as catching or trading, it’s a worthwhile habit to develop, especially when managing your Pokémon storage.
- Transfer in Bulk: Similar to trading, the more Pokémon you transfer, the more opportunities you have to receive XL Candy.
- Focus on High-Level Pokémon: While not definitively proven, some players believe that transferring higher-level Pokémon may slightly increase the chance of receiving XL Candy.
- Don’t Expect Much: The XL Candy drop rate from transferring is quite low. View it as a bonus rather than a primary source.
Hatching Pokémon Eggs: A Chance at a Bounty
Hatching Pokémon Eggs can yield a substantial amount of XL Candy, particularly for higher-kilometer eggs. The longer it takes to hatch an egg, the more XL Candy you are likely to receive.
- Focus on 10km and 12km Eggs: These eggs offer the highest potential for XL Candy rewards.
- Use Super Incubators: Speeding up the hatching process with Super Incubators allows you to hatch more eggs in a shorter amount of time, increasing your overall XL Candy gains.
- Participate in Egg-themed Events: Pokémon GO occasionally hosts events that feature increased egg drop rates or bonus XL Candy from hatching. Take advantage of these events!
- Manage Egg Inventory: Keep your egg inventory full to maximize the number of eggs you hatch.
Walking a Buddy Pokémon: A Consistent Source
Walking with your Buddy Pokémon offers a chance to receive XL Candy each time you earn regular Candy for that Pokémon. The higher your Buddy’s level (Good Buddy, Great Buddy, Ultra Buddy, Best Buddy), the greater the chance of receiving XL Candy.
- Maximize Buddy Level: Invest time in leveling up your Buddy Pokémon to unlock the increased XL Candy drop rate.
- Choose Rare Pokémon: Prioritize walking with rare or hard-to-find Pokémon, as this is often the easiest way to acquire XL Candy for those species.
- Use Poffins: Poffins instantly fill your Buddy’s hunger meter and allow them to stay on the map for an extended period, maximizing the distance you can walk together.
- Set Reminders: Utilize in-game reminders or third-party apps to ensure you consistently walk with your Buddy and collect Candy.
Converting Regular Candy to XL Candy: A Last Resort
The game allows you to convert regular Candy into XL Candy at a steep rate of 100:1. This method is generally not recommended unless you have an abundance of regular Candy from common spawns.
- Only Convert Surplus Candy: Only consider converting Candy if you have thousands of regular Candy that you are unlikely to use for anything else.
- Identify Common Spawns: Focus on converting Candy from Pokémon that frequently spawn in your area.
- Consider Alternatives First: Before converting Candy, explore other methods of acquiring XL Candy, such as catching evolved forms or participating in events.
- Be Prepared for the Cost: The 100:1 conversion rate is very expensive, so carefully weigh the benefits before proceeding.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Raid Battles: Participating in and successfully completing Raid Battles, especially against Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, can reward you with a significant amount of XL Candy.
- Research Tasks: Keep an eye out for research tasks that offer XL Candy as a reward. These tasks are often available during special events.
- Rare XL Candy: Utilize Rare XL Candy strategically. This versatile candy can be converted into XL Candy for any Pokémon. Obtain Rare XL Candy from challenging Raids or special events.
- Patience is Key: Earning XL Candy requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Consistency is essential.
Mastering these methods will significantly increase your XL Candy gains, enabling you to power up your favorite Pokémon to their full potential and dominate the competition. Happy training! And remember, learning more about game mechanics and communities can provide even better strategies. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to connect with other players and share knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About XL Candy
1. What are XL Candies in Pokémon GO?
XL Candies are a special type of Candy needed to power up Pokémon beyond level 40, up to level 50. They are significantly rarer than regular Candies.
2. When can I start collecting XL Candies?
You can begin earning XL Candies once you reach Trainer Level 31. However, you must reach trainer level 40 to actively use them to level up pokemon.
3. How many XL Candies does it take to max out a Pokémon?
It requires approximately 296 XL Candies to power up a regular (non-Shadow or non-Purified) Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. This can vary slightly.
4. Can I get XL Candies from Raid Battles?
Yes! Successfully catching a Raid Boss can reward you with XL Candies. Higher-tier raids tend to offer more.
5. Does the size (XS or XL) of a Pokémon affect XL Candy drops?
No, the size of a Pokémon (whether it’s XS or XL) does not influence the likelihood of receiving XL Candy when catching or transferring it.
6. Is it worth converting regular Candy to XL Candy?
Converting regular Candy to XL Candy at a rate of 100:1 is generally not efficient unless you have a huge surplus of Candy from common Pokémon.
7. Can I use Rare Candy to get XL Candy?
Yes, there is Rare XL Candy, which can be converted into XL Candy for any Pokémon, just like regular Rare Candy works for regular Candy.
8. Does my Buddy Pokémon’s level affect XL Candy drops?
Yes! The higher your Buddy’s level (Good Buddy, Great Buddy, Ultra Buddy, Best Buddy), the greater the chance of receiving XL Candy when walking with it.
9. Do Community Days increase XL Candy drops?
While Community Days primarily increase the spawn rate of a specific Pokémon and offer other bonuses, they provide an excellent opportunity to catch numerous Pokémon and boost your overall XL Candy haul.
10. Are certain Pokémon more likely to drop XL Candy?
Evolved forms of Pokémon (e.g., Charizard, Blastoise) are more likely to drop XL Candy when caught compared to their base forms (e.g., Charmander, Squirtle).
11. How does distance affect XL Candy from trades?
The further apart the locations where the two Pokémon were caught, the higher the chance of receiving XL Candy from the trade.
12. Can I get XL Candy from transferring Shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can receive XL Candy from transferring Shiny Pokémon. However, consider carefully before transferring Shiny Pokémon, as they are valuable and rare.
13. Do events affect XL Candy drop rates?
Yes, special events in Pokémon GO can sometimes feature increased XL Candy drop rates from various sources, such as catching Pokémon or hatching eggs. Always be on the lookout for these events!
14. Is there a limit to how much XL Candy I can earn?
No, there is no daily limit on how much XL Candy you can earn in Pokémon GO.
15. Why am I not getting XL Candy from catching Pokémon?
Ensure you are Trainer Level 31 or higher. Also, the XL Candy drop rate is not guaranteed with every catch, so persistence is key. Evolved forms are much more likely to give XL candy.
Getting XL Candy takes time and a good strategy. By following these tips and tricks, you will be leveling up your Pokémon in no time.