How to Get Rare Candy in Pokémon Sword?
Rare Candy, the universally beloved item that instantly levels up a Pokémon, can be obtained in Pokémon Sword primarily through Max Raid Battles, exploring the Wild Area and Crown Tundra, and completing post-game content.
Introduction: The Sweet Allure of Rare Candy
Rare Candy holds a special place in the hearts of Pokémon trainers. Forget tedious grinding; a single Rare Candy grants your Pokémon an immediate level increase, bypassing the usual experience point requirements. This makes them invaluable for quickly evolving Pokémon, prepping a team for competitive battles, or simply enjoying the game’s story without the hassle of prolonged leveling. While acquiring them isn’t as straightforward as purchasing them from a Poke Mart, Pokémon Sword offers several reliable methods to boost your supply of this sweet treat. Knowing where to look and what to do is crucial to ensuring your team is always at its peak.
The Benefits of Rare Candy
Why are Rare Candy so sought after? The answer is simple: efficiency. They offer a range of benefits, including:
- Time Saving: Eliminate hours of grinding against wild Pokémon.
- Strategic Leveling: Instantly level up Pokémon with specific natures and abilities at crucial points.
- Evolution Convenience: Quickly evolve Pokémon that require high levels.
- Competitive Advantage: Get your team ready for online battles and tournaments faster.
Primary Methods for Acquiring Rare Candy in Pokémon Sword
The most common and reliable ways to find Rare Candy in Pokémon Sword revolve around actively participating in the game’s various activities.
- Max Raid Battles: Successfully completing Max Raid Battles, especially at higher star ratings (3 stars and above), frequently rewards you with Rare Candy. Check the rewards screen after the battle. Look for event raids that specifically offer increased rare candy rewards.
- Wild Area and Crown Tundra Exploration: Hidden items respawn daily throughout the Wild Area and Crown Tundra. Use the Dowsing Machine app on your Rotom Phone to locate these hidden treasures, which can include Rare Candy. Check under trees, behind rocks, and in other obscure locations.
- Battle Tower Rewards: Reaching high ranks in the Battle Tower awards you with BP (Battle Points). BP can be exchanged for Rare Candy at the Battle Tower’s BP Shop. This method provides a consistent source, though it requires time and skill.
- Pokémon Jobs: Sending your Pokémon on certain Pokémon Jobs through the Rotomi PC in a Pokémon Center can yield Rare Candy as a reward, particularly those with longer durations and higher difficulty ratings. Check the job details carefully before assigning your Pokémon.
- Pick-Up Ability: Pokémon with the Pick-Up ability (such as Meowth, Zigzagoon, and Lillipup) can randomly find Rare Candy after battles. Though the odds are low, having a team of Pick-Up Pokémon can slowly accumulate items over time.
- Post-Game Content: Certain post-game quests and events, such as completing the Legendary Pokémon investigation in the Crown Tundra, may reward you with Rare Candy.
Optimizing Your Rare Candy Hunt
To maximize your Rare Candy gains, consider the following strategies:
- Prioritize High-Star Raids: Focus on 4 and 5-star Max Raid Battles for a higher chance of Rare Candy drops.
- Check the Wild Area Daily: Make a routine of searching the Wild Area and Crown Tundra for hidden items.
- Battle Tower Consistency: Practice and improve your Battle Tower skills to earn more BP and purchase more Rare Candy.
- Strategically Assign Pokémon Jobs: Choose Pokémon Jobs that offer Rare Candy as a reward and assign your strongest Pokémon to increase success rates.
- Use Pick-Up Pokémon Strategically: When grinding for experience or training your team, include Pokémon with the Pick-Up ability in your party.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While hunting for Rare Candy, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Ignoring the Wild Area and Crown Tundra: Don’t underestimate the value of daily exploration.
- Underestimating Max Raid Battles: Team up with others or use strong Pokémon to tackle high-star raids.
- Neglecting Pokémon Jobs: Regularly check for jobs that offer Rare Candy.
- Forgetting About the Battle Tower: Even small amounts of BP can add up over time.
- Not Using Pick-Up Effectively: Ensure your Pick-Up Pokémon are leveling up and participating in battles.
Table: Rare Candy Acquisition Methods Comparison
| Method | Difficulty | Frequency | Reliability | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Raid Battles | Medium | Common | High | Medium |
| Wild Area/Crown Tundra | Easy | Common | Medium | Low |
| Battle Tower | High | Uncommon | High | High |
| Pokémon Jobs | Medium | Uncommon | Medium | Low |
| Pick-Up Ability | Easy | Rare | Low | Low |
| Post-Game Content | Variable | Rare | Variable | Variable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the best place to find Rare Candy in Pokémon Sword?
Max Raid Battles are generally considered the most reliable source. Regularly participating in high-star raids increases your chances of obtaining them. The Wild Area and Crown Tundra are good for consistent, daily finds, but the quantity is smaller.
How often do items respawn in the Wild Area and Crown Tundra?
Items respawn in the Wild Area and Crown Tundra daily. Make it a habit to check these areas frequently to gather hidden items, including Rare Candy. The game clock needs to turn over to a new day.
Can I buy Rare Candy in Pokémon Sword?
No, you cannot directly purchase Rare Candy from Poke Marts or other shops. You can, however, purchase them with Battle Points (BP) at the Battle Tower.
What is the Pick-Up ability, and how does it work?
The Pick-Up ability gives a Pokémon a chance to find an item after each battle. The higher the Pokémon’s level, the better the items it can find. While the odds of finding Rare Candy are low, having several Pokémon with Pick-Up can slowly accumulate a stockpile.
What are the best Pokémon for the Pick-Up ability?
Popular choices include Meowth, Zigzagoon, and Lillipup. Focus on leveling up these Pokémon to increase the quality of items they find. The Galarian forms of Zigzagoon and Linoone are good options.
How do I access Max Raid Battles?
Max Raid Battles are accessed through dens in the Wild Area and Crown Tundra. Look for glowing red beams of light emitting from these dens. Interact with the den to participate in the raid. You need an active internet connection for online raids.
What are the requirements for accessing the Battle Tower?
You need to complete the main story of Pokémon Sword to unlock the Battle Tower. Once unlocked, you can challenge the various tiers of battles to earn BP.
What are Pokémon Jobs, and how do I send my Pokémon on them?
Pokémon Jobs are accessed via the Rotomi PC in a Pokémon Center. You can send your Pokémon on various assignments, which take a certain amount of real-world time to complete. Choose jobs with higher difficulty ratings for better rewards.
How does the Dowsing Machine app work?
The Dowsing Machine is an app on your Rotom Phone that helps you locate hidden items. Equip it, and the app will indicate the direction and proximity of nearby items. Follow the signal to uncover hidden treasures.
Do event raids affect the chance of getting Rare Candy?
Yes, certain event raids can dramatically increase the drop rate of Rare Candy. Keep an eye on the official Pokémon news channels for announcements about special events.
How many Rare Candy do I need to fully level up a Pokémon?
The number of Rare Candy needed depends on the Pokémon’s current level and its level-up curve. However, from level 1 to 100, it would take approximately 99 Rare Candy.
Are there any glitches or exploits to get infinite Rare Candy?
While glitches and exploits may surface from time to time, it is generally not advisable to rely on them. They are often patched quickly and could potentially corrupt your save data. It’s always best to stick to legitimate methods.