Unlocking the Secrets of Buddy Candy in Pokémon GO: Maximizing Your Daily Gains
The burning question on every dedicated Pokémon GO Trainer’s mind is often, “How much Buddy Candy can I realistically earn each day?” The answer, while seemingly straightforward, has some nuances. The maximum distance that contributes towards earning Buddy Candy is capped at 40 kilometers per day. Exceeding this distance will not yield any additional candies. However, maximizing this limit efficiently requires understanding the buddy system and choosing the right Pokémon companion. This limitation influences how players strategically plan their walking routes and buddy choices to optimize their Pokémon evolution and powering-up goals.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions About Buddy Candy
Let’s explore some frequently asked questions to help you become a Buddy Candy master.
How do I earn Buddy Candy?
Earning Buddy Candy is straightforward. Select a Pokémon as your Buddy within the game. Then, walk the required distance specific to that Pokémon to earn one candy. Different Pokémon require different distances, ranging from 1km to 20km per candy. The distance required is listed under the Pokémon’s information panel in the game. The Pokémon will appear on your avatar’s main screen, indicating it’s currently working with you.
What buddies have a 1km candy distance?
Several Gen 1 Pokémon have a 1km candy distance. These include:
- Caterpie
- Metapod
- Butterfree
- Weedle
- Kakuna
- Beedrill
- Pidgey
- Pidgeotto
These are excellent choices for quickly racking up candy, particularly during events that boost buddy candy earnings.
Can I earn XL Candy by walking my buddy?
Yes! Walking with your buddy provides a chance to receive XL Candy for that Pokémon every time you earn regular candy. The chances of obtaining an XL Candy while walking your buddy Pokémon increases the higher the CP level of the Pokémon you are walking.
How do I get the most candies with my buddy?
To maximize your candy gains, choose a Pokémon with a shorter candy distance. Make the Pokémon best buddies in Pokemon GO to gain benefits like CP boost and additional gifts. Walk the maximum 40km distance daily to hit the candy limit. Also, be on the lookout for in-game events that boost buddy candy rates or reduce walking distances, such as the use of Poffins.
What Pokémon earn candy fastest?
Based on the shortest distance required, the following Gen 1 Pokémon earn candy fastest:
- Caterpie, Metapod, and Butterfree
- Weedle, Kakuna, and Beedrill
- Pidgey and Pidgeotto
Focusing on these Pokémon is ideal if you aim to efficiently collect a large amount of candy in a short period.
What does XL Candy do?
XL Candy is used to level up your Pokémon beyond level 40, up to a maximum of level 50. This greatly increases their CP, making them more powerful in battles, raids, and Gym defenses. XL Candy becomes available once you reach Trainer Level 31.
Is there a limit on how much XL Candy you can earn per day?
No, there is no limit to the amount of XL Candy you can earn in a day. XL Candy drops from catching Pokémon, hatching Eggs, completing raids, transferring Pokémon, walking buddies, and conversion exchanges.
Can you get XL Candy before level 31?
No, you cannot obtain XL Candy until you reach Trainer Level 31. This mechanic is designed to provide a long-term progression goal for more experienced players.
How rare is XL Candy?
XL Candy is relatively rare compared to regular candy. The rarity varies by species, with evolved forms having a higher chance of dropping XL Candy when caught. Rare Candy XL is even rarer and is primarily obtained through special events, level-specific challenges, and leveling up.
How many kilometers are required for Dratini Candy?
The buddy distance for Dratini candy is 5km per candy. Remember that hatching a Dratini egg (10km egg) will provide a good amount of candy.
How do you efficiently gather XL Candy in Pokémon GO?
Here are some of the most efficient methods to gather XL Candy:
- Catching Evolved Pokémon: Evolved forms like Charizard or Venusaur are guaranteed to drop XL Candy.
- Transferring Pokémon: There is a small chance of receiving XL Candy when transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow.
- Raids: Completing raids, particularly higher-level raids, offers a chance to earn XL Candy.
- Hatching Eggs: Hatching eggs provides a chance for XL Candy, with higher-kilometer eggs offering better odds.
- Walking Buddies: Walking your buddy, especially evolved forms or higher CP Pokémon, increases the chance for XL Candy.
- Conversion Exchange: Exchanging regular candies to XL candies can be a way of obtaining XL candies.
Can XL Candy be used to evolve Pokémon?
No, XL Candy is not used for evolving Pokémon. It is exclusively used for leveling up Pokémon past level 40. Evolving still requires the standard Pokémon Candy specific to that species.
Can you convert XL Candy to normal candy?
No, you cannot convert XL Candy back into regular candy. However, you can convert regular candy into XL candy through a candy exchange. This conversion is typically a one-way process.
How does trading affect candy gains?
Trading Pokémon provides additional Candy. The distance between the catch locations of the traded Pokémon affects the candy received:
- Less than 30km: 1 Candy
- 30-100km: 2 Candy
- Over 100km: 3 Candy
Trading Pokémon caught far apart is an effective strategy to increase candy accumulation.
Which Pokémon are worth investing XL Candy into?
Investing XL Candy is a strategic decision. Here are some Pokémon that benefit greatly from being powered up to level 50:
- Powerful attackers: Pokémon like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and Shadow Pokémon become even more dominant with the added levels.
- Meta-relevant Pokémon: Pokémon that excel in specific roles, such as Dialga in Master League PvP, are worth the investment.
- Budget options: Some Pokémon like Pinsir (bug) and Chandelure (Ghost/Dark) can outperform their legendary counterparts at level 50.
Investing in Pokémon that provide significant improvements to your battle teams is the most efficient use of XL Candy.
Mastering the Buddy System for Optimal Candy Gains
Understanding the limits and mechanics of the Buddy Candy system is crucial for success in Pokémon GO. While the 40km daily cap might seem restrictive, strategic planning and efficient use of your buddy can lead to significant gains. Optimize your buddy choices based on their candy distance and consider participating in events that boost buddy candy rates. Remember, the path to becoming a Pokémon GO master is paved with careful planning and strategic decisions.
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