How to Get Exp. Candy in Pokémon Sword? Exploring the Vast World of Leveling
Exp. Candy in Pokémon Sword are essential for rapidly leveling your Pokémon. This guide will explore the various methods of obtaining them, focusing on Max Raid Battles as the most efficient and rewarding option.
Introduction: Why Exp. Candy Matters
In the Galar region, the path to becoming a Pokémon Champion is paved with battles, exploration, and, crucially, effective Pokémon training. Exp. Candy serves as a powerful shortcut in this journey, allowing you to instantly boost your Pokémon’s level without the tedious process of grinding through countless battles. These candies offer an efficient way to quickly evolve Pokémon, prepare a team for challenging battles, or simply fill out your Pokédex. The time saved by using Exp. Candy allows players to focus on other aspects of the game, such as breeding competitive teams, completing side quests, or exploring the expansive Wild Area. Understanding how to acquire them efficiently is crucial for maximizing your Pokémon Sword experience.
The Benefits of Using Exp. Candy
Exp. Candy provide several key advantages to trainers in Pokémon Sword:
- Accelerated Leveling: The most obvious benefit is the instantaneous level boost they provide. This is especially useful for Pokémon with late evolution levels.
- Battle Preparation: Quickly raise the level of your Pokémon to meet the challenges of specific Gym Leaders or story events.
- Competitive Training: Prepare Pokémon for competitive battling by quickly leveling them and then focusing on EV (Effort Value) training.
- Pokédex Completion: Swiftly evolve Pokémon that require high levels, aiding in completing your Pokédex.
- Time Efficiency: Reduces the need for grinding, freeing up time for other aspects of the game.
The Primary Source: Max Raid Battles
The most reliable and rewarding method for obtaining Exp. Candy in Pokémon Sword is participating in Max Raid Battles in the Wild Area. These battles pit you against Dynamax Pokémon, and upon victory, you are rewarded with various items, including Exp. Candy. The larger and more challenging the Dynamax Pokémon, the better the rewards.
- Star Rating: Raid Battles are ranked from 1 to 5 stars, with higher-star raids offering larger Exp. Candy. 5-star raids can award Exp. Candy XL, which provides a significant level boost.
- Pokémon Variety: The specific Pokémon appearing in Max Raid Battles change periodically, which may affect the types and quantities of rewards available. Check the Wild Area News for event raids with increased drop rates for Exp. Candy.
- Online and Local Raids: You can participate in Max Raid Battles online with other players or locally with friends. Online participation provides a wider variety of raids to choose from.
Additional Sources of Exp. Candy
While Max Raid Battles are the primary source, there are other methods to obtain Exp. Candy, although they are typically less efficient.
- Pokémon Jobs: Sending your Pokémon on Pokémon Jobs through the Rotomi in Pokémon Centers can occasionally yield Exp. Candy as a reward.
- Battle Tower: You can earn Battle Points (BP) in the Battle Tower and exchange them for Exp. Candy. However, this is generally not the most efficient use of BP.
- Event Distributions: Nintendo sometimes distributes Exp. Candy as part of special events or promotions. Keep an eye out for Mystery Gifts and news announcements.
Maximizing Your Raid Battle Rewards
To get the most out of Max Raid Battles and maximize your Exp. Candy gains, consider the following:
- Use Effective Pokémon: Choose Pokémon with type advantages and strong moves to quickly defeat Dynamax Pokémon.
- Join Online Raids: Participating in online raids allows you to tackle higher-star raids with coordinated teams, increasing your chances of success and better rewards.
- Farm Den Locations: Learn the locations of dens that frequently spawn higher-star raids and focus your efforts there.
- Utilize Wishing Pieces: Use Wishing Pieces to spawn more Max Raid dens, increasing your opportunities to battle and earn rewards.
- Check Wild Area News: Stay updated on Wild Area News for events featuring Pokémon that drop more or better Exp. Candy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When seeking Exp. Candy, avoid these common mistakes:
- Underestimating Raid Difficulty: Don’t attempt high-star raids without a well-prepared team and understanding of the Dynamax Pokémon’s weaknesses.
- Ignoring Type Matchups: Failing to exploit type advantages can make raid battles significantly more difficult and reduce your chances of success.
- Wasting Dynamax Turns: Use your Dynamax turns strategically to deal maximum damage and defend against powerful attacks.
- Neglecting Support Roles: In online raids, consider using Pokémon with support moves like healing or stat boosts to aid your team.
- Overlooking Pokémon Jobs: While not the most efficient, Pokémon Jobs can provide a steady trickle of Exp. Candy if you send your Pokémon on longer assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different sizes of Exp. Candy and how much experience do they give?
There are several sizes of Exp. Candy, ranging from XS to XL. The amount of experience they grant varies significantly. Exp. Candy XS provides a very small amount, while Exp. Candy XL offers a substantial boost, often enough to level up a Pokémon multiple times at lower levels. Below is a table illustrating the approximate experience values:
| Exp. Candy Size | Approximate Experience Points |
|---|---|
| XS | 100 |
| S | 800 |
| M | 3,000 |
| L | 10,000 |
| XL | 30,000 |
How do I know which Pokémon to use in Max Raid Battles to maximize Exp. Candy drops?
While the Pokémon appearing in Max Raid Battles influence the exact rewards, focusing on defeating the Dynamax Pokémon quickly is key. Use Pokémon with strong offensive stats and type advantages against the raid boss. Consider Pokémon with moves that can inflict status conditions like paralysis or burn to weaken the enemy. Research the Dynamax Pokémon’s weaknesses before the battle for optimal team composition.
Can I trade Exp. Candy to other players?
No, Exp. Candy cannot be traded directly between players in Pokémon Sword. They are key items tied to your specific game save and are not transferable. Players can only assist each other in obtaining Exp. Candy by participating in Max Raid Battles together.
Are there any specific events that increase the drop rate of Exp. Candy?
Yes, Nintendo often hosts events that increase the drop rate of specific items in Max Raid Battles, including Exp. Candy. These events are usually announced through the Wild Area News and Nintendo’s official social media channels. Pay attention to these announcements and participate in the featured raids to maximize your Exp. Candy earnings.
What is the fastest way to get Exp. Candy early in the game?
Early in the game, focus on participating in 1-star and 2-star Max Raid Battles. These battles are relatively easy to complete and provide a steady supply of smaller Exp. Candy. Also, utilize Pokémon Jobs whenever possible. While the rewards may be modest, they accumulate over time.
Is it better to use Exp. Candy on weaker or stronger Pokémon?
It’s generally more efficient to use Exp. Candy on weaker Pokémon, particularly those requiring evolution. This is because lower-level Pokémon require less experience per level, so a single Exp. Candy can have a more significant impact. Saving Exp. Candy XL for higher-level Pokémon that require a substantial amount of experience to level up is also a good strategy.
How do Wishing Pieces help me get more Max Raid Battles and, therefore, more Exp. Candy?
Wishing Pieces are used to activate inactive Pokémon Dens in the Wild Area. By throwing a Wishing Piece into a den, you force a Max Raid Battle to appear. This is essential for farming Exp. Candy as it allows you to control the number of raid battles you can participate in.
What are the best Pokémon Jobs to send my Pokémon on for Exp. Candy?
Look for Pokémon Jobs that offer items as rewards, specifically those with a higher chance of yielding Exp. Candy. Longer duration jobs tend to offer better rewards. Check the job description carefully before sending your Pokémon out.
Can I get Exp. Candy from Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC?
While Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC primarily focus on acquiring Legendary Pokémon, they can also reward you with Exp. Candy and other useful items. It’s not the most efficient method for farming Exp. Candy specifically, but it’s a valuable side benefit.
Are there any Pokémon with abilities that increase the chances of getting Exp. Candy from raids?
No, there are no Pokémon abilities that directly increase the drop rate of Exp. Candy from Max Raid Battles. The rewards are primarily determined by the star rating of the raid and the specific Pokémon encountered.
How do I update the Wild Area News to find event raids with better Exp. Candy rewards?
You can update the Wild Area News by connecting to the internet within your Pokémon Sword game. Go to the Mystery Gift option in the main menu and select “Get the Wild Area News”. This will download the latest information on ongoing events and any changes to the Pokémon appearing in Max Raid Battles.
What should I do if I’m struggling to defeat high-star Max Raid Battles?
If you’re struggling with higher-star raids, focus on improving your team composition and strategies. Level up your Pokémon, ensure they have appropriate movesets and held items, and coordinate with other players online. Consider using Pokémon with support moves like Reflect, Light Screen, or Heal Pulse to increase your team’s survivability. Understanding the raid boss’s weaknesses and using Dynamax strategically are also crucial.