Mastering XL Candy: When to Unleash Your Pokémon’s True Potential
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The burning question for many aspiring Pokémon Go masters is: What level should I use XL Candy? The simple answer is: XL Candy becomes relevant when you want to power up Pokémon beyond level 40. You’ll need it to take your Pokémon from level 40 all the way to the coveted level 50. In simpler terms, once you cross the Level 40 mark, you can then utilize XL Candy to level up your team.
But, of course, there’s a lot more to it than that. Understanding when and how to use XL Candy effectively can significantly impact your performance in raids, Gym battles, and PvP combat. Let’s dive deep into the nuances of XL Candy and optimize your Pokémon Go strategy.
Understanding XL Candy Mechanics
XL Candy is a special resource introduced to allow trainers to push their Pokémon to even greater heights. Unlike regular candy, which caps out at level 40, XL Candy unlocks the potential to reach level 50. This additional power can be a game-changer, especially for Pokémon with already impressive stats.
Earning XL Candy
Originally, you couldn’t obtain XL Candy until you reached Trainer Level 40. However, Niantic later lowered this requirement, allowing players to start earning XL Candy once they reach Trainer Level 31. This change provided a significant boost to players, allowing them to prepare their Pokémon for the endgame even before hitting the original level cap.
There are several ways to acquire XL Candy:
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Catching Pokémon: The primary method is catching Pokémon in the wild. Higher-level Pokémon have a higher chance of dropping XL Candy.
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Transferring Pokémon: Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow can yield XL Candy, although the drop rate is not guaranteed.
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Hatching Eggs: Hatching eggs also has a chance of rewarding XL Candy, especially for rarer Pokémon.
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Walking with your Buddy: Walking with your buddy Pokémon, particularly if they are at a higher level, increases your chances of finding XL Candy.
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Trading Pokémon: Trading Pokémon with friends can sometimes result in XL Candy.
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Raids: Completing 3-Star and higher Pokémon Raids provides a chance to earn Rare Candy XL as a reward.
The Cost of Powering Up
Powering up a Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50 requires a significant investment. You’ll need:
- 296 XL Candy (per non-Shadow Pokémon)
- A substantial amount of Stardust.
The exact amount of Stardust varies depending on the Pokémon, but it’s generally a large sum. Consider your resources carefully before committing to powering up a Pokémon all the way to level 50.
Strategic Use of XL Candy
Not all Pokémon are created equal, and neither is your XL Candy supply. Here’s how to strategize your XL Candy usage:
Prioritize Meta-Relevant Pokémon
Focus on powering up Pokémon that are highly effective in the current meta. These are the Pokémon that consistently perform well in raids, Gym battles, and the Go Battle League. Examples might include powerful attackers like Rayquaza, Mewtwo, or legendary Pokémon with unique movesets.
Consider Shadow Pokémon
Shadow Pokémon often have higher attack stats than their regular counterparts, making them powerful contenders. However, they also cost more Stardust and Candy to power up. Evaluate the benefits and costs before investing in Shadow Pokémon.
Maximize Your Favorite Pokémon
Sometimes, it’s worth investing in a Pokémon you genuinely enjoy using, even if it’s not the absolute best in the meta. After all, Pokémon Go is about having fun! Just be aware that you might not see the same level of competitive success as you would with a meta-relevant Pokémon.
Rare Candy XL: The Universal Solution
Rare Candy XL is a valuable resource that can be converted into XL Candy for any Pokémon. This is particularly useful for rare or hard-to-find Pokémon where obtaining their specific XL Candy is challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About XL Candy
Here are some common questions trainers have about XL Candy:
1. Can you get XL Candy before level 31?
No, you cannot obtain XL Candy before reaching Trainer Level 31. This is a fundamental requirement for the resource to become available in your game.
2. How much XL Candy do you need for level 50?
You need 296 XL Candy to power up a regular Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. The amount is the same for purified Pokémon and the amount is slightly higher for shadow Pokemon.
3. Can you turn XL candy into regular candy?
No, unfortunately, you cannot convert XL Candy back into regular candy. Once you’ve obtained XL Candy, it’s a one-way conversion. So, you need to be strategic when converting the rare candy into XL candy.
4. Why is XL Candy so hard to get?
XL Candy is intentionally designed to be a rare resource, encouraging players to actively engage with the game and catch as many Pokémon as possible.
5. How do you farm Rare Candy XL?
The most reliable method for farming Rare Candy XL is by completing 3-Star and higher Pokémon Raids.
6. How many XL candies to max out?
As mentioned earlier, it takes 296 XL Candy to fully level a Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50.
7. What do rare candies do in Pokémon Go?
Rare Candy can be converted into candy for any Pokémon, allowing you to power up or evolve Pokémon you don’t encounter frequently.
8. Can XL candy evolve a Pokémon?
No, XL Candy cannot directly evolve a Pokémon. You still need the appropriate amount of regular candy to evolve a Pokémon. However, once evolved, XL Candy can be used to power them up to level 50.
9. When should I use Rare Candy XL?
Use Rare Candy XL on rare or hard-to-find Pokémon where obtaining their specific XL Candy is difficult. This allows you to power them up to level 50 without relying on random encounters.
10. Can you get XL candy by walking?
Yes, walking with your buddy Pokémon can sometimes result in finding XL Candy, especially if your buddy is at a higher level.
11. Can you use XL Candy before level 40?
While you can obtain XL Candy starting at level 31, you can only use it to power up Pokémon that are already at level 40.
12. Why did I get XL Candy before level 40?
Niantic changed the requirements, allowing players to start earning XL Candy at level 31 to prepare for the endgame.
13. What is the buddy candy limit in Pokemon go?
The buddy candy limit is 40km per day, which means if you surpass this limit you will not be eligible for the XL Candy.
14. How do you get a guaranteed XL Candy?
There is no 100% guaranteed method to obtain XL Candy, but higher-level Pokémon and evolved forms have a higher chance of dropping XL Candy when caught.
15. What is rare XL Candy in Pokemon GO?
Rare XL Candy is a special candy that is like rare candy but used for leveling a Pokemon from level 40 to 50.
The Future of XL Candy
Niantic is constantly evolving Pokémon Go, and it’s possible that the mechanics surrounding XL Candy will change in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements and community discussions to stay informed about any updates or new strategies for maximizing your XL Candy usage.
Ultimately, mastering XL Candy is about understanding the game mechanics, strategizing your resource allocation, and having fun along the way. Good luck, trainers, and may your Pokémon reach their full potential! Learn more about the evolving landscape of gaming and learning at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.