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Why does Swablu need 400?

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Why Does Swablu Need 400 Candies in Pokémon GO? The Truth Behind the Fluff!

The burning question on every Pokémon GO trainer’s mind when they encounter the fluffy, cloud-like Swablu: Why on earth does this seemingly harmless bird need a whopping 400 candies to evolve into Altaria? The answer, as with many things in Pokémon GO, is a blend of game balance, lore nods, and perhaps a dash of playful trolling from Niantic. In essence, Swablu’s exorbitant candy requirement is a mechanism to gate the acquisition of Altaria, a Pokémon that, despite not being a top-tier powerhouse, holds significant value due to its Dragon-type status and unique role in certain battle scenarios.

While Altaria isn’t sweeping Gyms anytime soon, its dual Flying/Dragon typing provides it with unique resistances and strategic advantages in specific matchups. Back when Dragon-types were rarer, Altaria’s availability was more controlled. The 400 candy requirement ensured trainers had to actively hunt and engage with the game to obtain this particular Dragon-type. This high cost encouraged consistent gameplay and made the eventual evolution to Altaria feel like a genuine achievement. It’s a classic example of using resource scarcity to create perceived value. Also, from a story perspective, the massive change in stats and form from the humble Swablu to the majestic Altaria might symbolically represent a transformation worthy of significant effort (and candy!).

Swablu’s commonness in certain areas (like in-game events) can be deceiving. Although it might feel abundant, accumulating 400 candies still requires dedicated effort. This means catching a lot of Swablu, utilizing Pinap Berries for extra candy, or walking Swablu as your buddy. This also serves as a way to encourage player engagement with various aspects of the game.

Diving Deeper: Factors Contributing to the 400-Candy Cost

Several factors contribute to this high candy demand:

  • Rarity of Dragon-Types (Historically): In the early days of Pokémon GO, Dragon-types were relatively scarce. Altaria provided a more accessible Dragon-type, but the 400-candy barrier prevented it from becoming too common.
  • Game Balance: While Altaria isn’t a game-breaking Pokémon, it’s still a relatively useful option for certain niche battles. The high candy cost prevents an overabundance of Altaria in the meta.
  • Nostalgia and Lore: While not directly tied to the anime or main series games, this difficulty in obtaining the Pokémon links it with the idea of a sense of achievement.
  • Encouraging Exploration and Engagement: The sheer number of Swablu you need to catch to evolve it encourages exploring your local environment, visiting different PokéStops, and engaging in other aspects of the game. The GamesLearningSociety.org can offer fascinating insight into this phenomenon, exploring learning and social engagement within gaming communities.

The Enduring Appeal of Altaria

Despite its limitations, Altaria remains a popular Pokémon for several reasons:

  • Mega Evolution Potential: With the introduction of Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO, Mega Altaria has become a more relevant and sought-after Pokémon.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s face it, Altaria is simply beautiful. Its fluffy, cloud-like appearance and elegant design make it a favorite among collectors and casual players alike.
  • Nostalgia: For many players, Altaria represents a Pokémon from their childhood, evoking fond memories of the main series games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Swablu and Altaria

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the evolution process, viability, and more surrounding Swablu and Altaria in Pokémon GO:

Evolution and Candies

  1. Does using a Poffin help with Swablu candy collection? No, a Poffin only boosts buddy Pokémon activity (reduced walking distance and doubled hearts earned). It doesn’t affect the candy you receive from catching Swablu. Use Pinap Berries when catching Swablu to increase the candy received.

  2. Is there a way to get more Swablu candy besides catching them? Yes, you can walk with Swablu as your Buddy Pokémon. You can also transfer unwanted Swablu to Professor Willow for extra candy. Keep an eye out for special in-game events that sometimes offer increased candy rewards.

  3. Are there any Pokémon that evolve with more than 400 candies? No, 400 candies is the highest evolution cost currently in Pokémon GO.

Altaria’s Viability

  1. Is Altaria actually good in Pokémon GO? Altaria has some utility in Great League PvP battles due to its typing and access to moves like Dragon Breath and Sky Attack. In other leagues, its stats are generally outclassed by other Dragon-types. Mega Altaria on the other hand, is a welcome addition to any Dragon team because of its immunity to Dragon-type attacks, Heal Bell support, and excellent bulk.

  2. What are Altaria’s best movesets for PvP? For PvP, the most common and effective moveset is Dragon Breath (Fast Move) and Sky Attack & Dragon Pulse (Charged Moves). Dragon Breath provides consistent damage, while Sky Attack is a fast-charging move for applying shield pressure.

  3. What are Altaria’s weaknesses? Altaria is weak to Ice, Fairy, Dragon, and Rock type attacks. Be mindful of these weaknesses when choosing to use Altaria in battle.

  4. Is Mega Altaria worth the Mega Energy? Yes! Mega Altaria is a welcome addition to any Dragon team because of its immunity to Dragon-type attacks, Heal Bell support, and excellent bulk.

Swablu Encounters and Rarity

  1. Is Swablu rare in Pokémon GO? Swablu’s rarity varies depending on the event and location. While it’s generally considered a common Pokémon, certain events may increase or decrease its spawn rate.

  2. Does weather boost affect Swablu spawns? Yes, Windy weather boosts the spawn rate of Flying and Dragon-type Pokémon, including Swablu. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to optimize your Swablu hunting.

  3. Are there specific biomes where Swablu spawns more frequently? Swablu tends to spawn more frequently in areas with open spaces and clear weather. Parks, fields, and residential areas are often good places to look.

Lore and Trivia

  1. Why is Altaria a Dragon-type if it looks like a cloud? Altaria’s Dragon-typing is inspired by its fluffy, cloud-like wings, which resemble mythical dragons from folklore. It’s a whimsical interpretation of the Dragon-type.

  2. Does Altaria have any special abilities in the main series games? In the main series games, Altaria has the ability Natural Cure, which cures status conditions upon switching out. Mega Altaria gains the Pixilate ability, converting Normal-type moves to Fairy-type.

Mega Evolution Specifics

  1. How do I get Mega Altaria Energy? You obtain Mega Altaria Energy through various means, including Mega Raids featuring Altaria. Keep an eye out for special research tasks that may also reward Mega Energy.

  2. Can I use Mega Altaria in the Great League? No, Mega Pokémon are typically too powerful for the Great League due to their increased CP. They are primarily used in Master League and Raids.

  3. Does Mega Altaria’s typing change? Yes, Mega Altaria changes from Flying/Dragon to Fairy/Dragon. This changes its weaknesses and resistances accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The 400-candy requirement for Swablu’s evolution into Altaria is a testament to the deliberate design choices in Pokémon GO. It’s a balance between rarity, game progression, and a nod to the collectathon aspect of the franchise. While the grind may seem daunting, the eventual reward of adding Altaria (and especially Mega Altaria) to your collection is a satisfying accomplishment. Happy catching!

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