Max Level Pokémon and the Best Buddy CP Boost: A Deep Dive
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So, you’ve poured countless hours into Pokémon GO, meticulously leveling up your prized Pokémon to its absolute maximum. You’ve even gone the extra mile, forging a bond so strong that you’ve achieved Best Buddy status. But what happens when you unleash your maxed-out Best Buddy in battle? The answer, in short, is a temporary power surge. The Best Buddy boost pushes your Pokémon beyond its normal level cap, granting it a CP boost equivalent to a single level up. This means a level 50 Pokémon will perform as if it were at level 51, but only when it’s actively set as your buddy.
This temporary boost can be crucial in raids, gym battles, Team GO Rocket encounters, and Trainer Battles. While the numerical increase might seem insignificant (as the initial article example suggests, a Mewtwo might only gain 53 CP), that small edge can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially in close encounters. The boost provides a crucial advantage in various battles and combats.
Understanding the Mechanics
The Best Buddy system in Pokémon GO isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a layered mechanic that offers tangible benefits to dedicated trainers. Achieving Best Buddy status is a commitment, requiring consistent interaction with your chosen Pokémon. However, the rewards are well worth the effort.
The CP Boost Explained
The CP boost granted by the Best Buddy status is equivalent to two additional power-ups, or a single level up. This boost is dynamically applied only when the chosen Pokémon is active as your buddy on the map. As soon as you switch to another buddy, the bonus disappears. So, if your level 50 Garchomp is your Best Buddy and actively walking with you, it fights with the power of a level 51 Garchomp. It reverts to its level 50 stats when swapped out. The CP increase is not a permanent upgrade, but rather a conditional bonus.
Beyond the CP Boost: Other Best Buddy Perks
Beyond the CP boost, reaching Best Buddy status unlocks other valuable perks:
- Buddy Assist During Encounters: Your buddy can assist you during wild Pokémon encounters, potentially deflecting attacks or providing other helpful effects.
- Found Items: Your Best Buddy can occasionally find items for you, such as potions, berries, or even rare candies.
- Ribbon: Your Best Buddy proudly displays a special ribbon signifying your strong bond.
- Walking Candy: Your Buddy is also a very reliable way to earn candy for that specific species of Pokemon. Some species have very short distances required to walk to earn candy, and those are the best options to utilize to help power up species that rarely spawn in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the Best Buddy system and its interaction with maxed-out Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
1. How do I achieve Best Buddy status?
You need to earn 300 hearts with a single Pokémon. You earn hearts by feeding, playing, taking snapshots, battling together, visiting new places, and using a Poffin.
2. Is the Best Buddy CP boost permanent?
No, the CP boost is only active when the Pokémon is set as your current buddy. Changing buddies removes the bonus.
3. How big is the CP boost for Best Buddies?
The CP boost is the equivalent of two power-ups or the CP gain from a single level up.
4. What is the buddy candy limit?
The buddy candy limit is based on distance walked. There is a 40km per day limit for earning buddy candies.
5. Does swapping buddies lose progress?
Yes, if you swap buddies, you lose all progress towards the next candy on your current buddy. Switch wisely and ideally right after you’ve earned a candy.
6. Can you remove a Best Buddy?
You can’t remove a Best Buddy, but you can swap it out for another Pokémon.
7. How many souvenirs can my buddy find?
There are a total of 15 Souvenirs available in the game, and duplicates are possible. Souvenirs are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay.
8. Is it worth making a Pokémon a Best Buddy?
Absolutely! The CP boost, buddy assist, found items, and the overall sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile, especially for Pokémon you frequently use in raids or battles. Furthermore, if the Pokemon has a mega evolution, it is almost always worth it to best buddy it.
9. Is there a Lucky Buddy?
There is no “Lucky Buddy” specifically. However, after becoming Best Friends with another trainer, subsequent interactions have a small chance to make you Lucky Friends, which guarantees a Lucky Pokémon trade.
10. How can I have multiple Best Buddies efficiently?
Focus on earning hearts quickly with one Pokémon, then swap to another. Repeat the process with multiple Pokémon to steadily work towards Best Buddy status for each. There are strategies available that show you how to make earning hearts as efficient as possible.
11. Can Best Buddies earn XL Candy?
Yes! Walking with a Buddy Pokémon gives you a chance of receiving XL Candy for that Pokémon every time you earn regular candy. This is crucial for powering up Pokémon beyond level 40.
12. What buddies have a 1km candy distance?
Several common Pokémon have a 1km candy distance, including Caterpie, Weedle, Pidgey, and their evolutions.
13. How long does a Poffin last?
A Poffin doubles the duration of the Buddy Pokemon’s effectiveness when walking. A Poffin will last for 6 hours, while a normal berry will last for 3 hours.
14. How long does it take to reach Best Buddy status?
Reaching Best Buddy status requires 300 hearts. Earning the maximum of 10 hearts per day, it will take at least 30 days of consistent interaction.
15. Should I use a Lucky Egg when leveling up friendship?
Yes! Definitely use a Lucky Egg when increasing your friendship level to maximize the XP you earn, especially when reaching Ultra Friend or Best Friend status.
Strategic Implications
Understanding the mechanics of the Best Buddy CP boost allows for strategic advantages in Pokémon GO. Here’s how:
- Raid Optimization: Prioritize Best Buddying Pokémon that are effective counters in upcoming raids. The temporary CP boost can significantly improve your damage output.
- Gym Defense and Offense: Strategically select Best Buddy Pokémon to hold gyms or quickly take down opponents.
- Team GO Rocket Battles: Use the CP boost to overcome challenging Team GO Rocket leaders and grunts.
- Trainer Battles: Utilize the extra CP in Trainer Battles to gain an edge over your opponent.
The Games Learning Society and Pokémon GO
The Best Buddy system and many other aspects of Pokémon GO highlight the game’s potential as a tool for learning and social interaction. The need for strategic decision-making, resource management, and collaborative gameplay aligns with the principles explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Pokémon GO has great mechanics that can apply to many other areas, such as the classroom. The best way to apply those is to visit Games Learning Society.
Conclusion
While the Best Buddy CP boost might seem like a small perk on paper, its strategic implications in Pokémon GO are significant. By understanding how this boost works and leveraging it effectively, you can gain a competitive edge in raids, battles, and other in-game activities. So, choose your buddy wisely, nurture your bond, and unleash the power of your maxed-out, Best Buddy Pokémon!