Why Am I Not Getting XL Candy?

The frustration of not receiving XL Candy in Pokémon GO is a common one, but the reasons behind it are often straightforward. The primary reason you might not be getting XL Candy is because you are below Trainer Level 31. XL Candy only becomes available to players who have reached this level. Other reasons include low-level Pokémon catches, not participating in Raids, and infrequent Buddy interaction. We’ll dive into the nuances of XL Candy acquisition and address common concerns, ensuring you become an expert in farming this valuable resource.

Unlocking the Mystery of XL Candy: A Comprehensive Guide

Trainer Level Requirement

The most critical factor in acquiring XL Candy is your Trainer Level. Before reaching Level 31, XL Candy simply won’t drop. This mechanic was implemented to provide a sense of progression and prevent lower-level players from overpowering their Pokémon prematurely.

Catching Pokémon

• Pokémon Level Matters: The higher the level of the Pokémon you catch, the greater the chance of receiving XL Candy. Weather Boosted Pokémon, which are typically higher level, offer an increased chance of dropping XL Candy. Focus on catching high-level Pokémon in their boosted weather conditions.
• Catch Rate: While not definitively proven, some players believe that excellent throws and using berries (like Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries) to increase your catch rate may influence the chance of receiving XL Candy.

Raids

• Guaranteed XL Candy: Participating in Raids offers a guaranteed XL Candy reward for the Pokémon you catch upon defeating the Raid Boss. This is one of the most reliable methods for farming XL Candy, especially when targeting specific Pokémon. Any Raid, regardless of difficulty, guarantees an XL Candy.

Hatching Eggs

• Egg Distance and Rarity: Hatching Pokémon Eggs also yields XL Candy. The distance required to hatch the egg (e.g., 2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, 12km) influences the amount of XL Candy received, with longer distances generally yielding more.

Buddy Pokémon

• Walking Distance and Buddy Level: Walking with your Buddy Pokémon provides a chance to earn XL Candy each time you earn a regular candy. The higher your Buddy Level (Good Buddy, Great Buddy, Ultra Buddy, Best Buddy), the greater the chance of receiving XL Candy.

Conversion of Regular Candy

• High Conversion Rate: If you’re sitting on a massive stockpile of regular candy, you can convert it into XL Candy, but at a steep rate of 100:1. This is typically a last resort option for trainers with vast candy reserves.

Trading Pokémon

• Distance Matters: Trading Pokémon with friends can yield additional candy, with more candy rewarded if the two Pokémon were caught far apart. While trading doesn’t guarantee XL Candy, it increases your overall candy count, which can then be converted (albeit inefficiently) into XL Candy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About XL Candy

1. What Trainer Level do I need to be to get XL Candy?

   You must be Trainer Level 31 or higher to start receiving XL Candy.

2. Are there any guaranteed ways to get XL Candy?

   Yes, catching Pokémon from Raids guarantees at least one XL Candy.

3. Does the level of the Pokémon I catch affect my chances of getting XL Candy?

   Yes, the higher the level of the Pokémon, the greater the chance of receiving XL Candy. Weather Boosted Pokémon also have an increased chance.

4. What are the odds of getting XL Candy from catching Pokémon in the wild?

   Early testing suggested a 15%-25% chance of receiving XL Candy from wild catches, with a potential yield of up to 3 XL Candy.

5. Does walking my Buddy Pokémon guarantee XL Candy?

   No, walking your Buddy Pokémon doesn’t guarantee XL Candy, but it provides a chance to receive one each time you earn regular candy. Higher Buddy Levels increase this chance.

6. Can I convert regular Candy into XL Candy?

   Yes, you can convert regular candy into XL Candy at a rate of 100:1.

7. Is there a limit to how much candy I can earn by walking my Buddy Pokémon?

   Yes, the daily limit for earning buddy candies is based on distance, approximately 40km per day.

8. Are Rare Candy XL more difficult to obtain than regular Rare Candy?

   Yes, Rare Candy XL is significantly rarer than regular Rare Candy. It’s primarily obtained through completing high-level Raids and participating in special events.

9. How do I farm Rare Candy XL?

   The most viable method of gaining Rare Candy XL is by completing 3-Star and higher Raids.

10. How much candy do I get from trading Pokémon?

    Trades give each player additional candy, with 1 Candy for below 30km distance between catch locations, 2 Candy for 30-100km, and 3 Candy for above 100km.

11. Is XL Candy better than Rare Candy for leveling up Pokémon?

    XL Candy is generally more efficient for leveling up Pokémon until around Level 90, after which regular Rare Candy becomes more cost-effective.

12. Can I trade a Pokémon twice?

    No, Pokémon GO does not allow trading a Pokémon more than once.

13. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be traded?

    Yes, Mythical Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, Eggs, current Buddies, Pokémon defending a Gym, and Pokémon that have already been traded cannot be traded.

14. What is the purpose of XL Candy?

    XL Candy is required to power up Pokémon beyond level 40, reaching their maximum potential at level 50.

15. What is the fastest way to farm XL Candy?

    The fastest way to farm XL Candy is to participate in Raids, particularly those featuring Pokémon you want to power up. Also, consistently catching high-level Weather Boosted Pokémon is a great way to earn this resource.

Mastering the Art of XL Candy Acquisition

Acquiring XL Candy requires a multi-faceted approach, combining strategic gameplay, an understanding of game mechanics, and consistent effort. By focusing on high-level catches, participating in raids, and nurturing your Buddy Pokémon, you can maximize your XL Candy gains and unlock the full potential of your Pokémon team. Remember that reaching Trainer Level 31 is the critical first step, followed by consistent engagement with various game features. Understanding the nuances of how you acquire and level up your Pokemon is important to game success. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn about the science behind game based learning.

This guide equips you with the knowledge to troubleshoot your XL Candy woes and embark on a successful journey toward powering up your Pokémon to their maximum potential. Happy hunting!