Candy XL Pokémon: Powering Up for Victory
Candy XL is used to power up Pokémon beyond Level 40. To use Candy XL, you must be at least Level 31, exchange regular Candy for Candy XL, and have enough Stardust. These power-ups are crucial for competitively battling in Master League and raids.
Understanding Candy XL: The Elite Power-Up
Candy XL, introduced in Pokémon GO, revolutionized the power-up system. It allows trainers to push their Pokémon beyond the previously insurmountable level 40 barrier, opening up new strategic possibilities and intensifying the competitive landscape. This resource is essential for trainers aiming to dominate in Master League PvP battles and tackle the most challenging raids. Understanding Candy XL, how to acquire it, and how to use it effectively is vital for any serious Pokémon GO player.
Acquiring Candy XL: Earning Your Elite Resources
Unlike regular Candy, Candy XL is not as easily obtained. Several methods exist to acquire it, each requiring different levels of effort and strategy. Understanding these methods is the first step towards maximizing your Pokémon’s potential.
- Catching Pokémon: This is the most fundamental method. The higher the trainer level, the higher the chance of receiving Candy XL upon catching Pokémon. Evolving or transferring Pokémon does not provide Candy XL.
- Hatching Eggs: Hatching eggs, especially higher kilometer eggs, offers a reliable chance of obtaining Candy XL.
- Trading Pokémon: Trading Pokémon with friends can yield Candy XL, with a higher chance if the Pokémon were caught far apart (at least 100km). This encourages global interaction and strategic trading.
- Walking your Buddy Pokémon: While not a guaranteed drop, walking your Best Buddy Pokémon occasionally awards Candy XL.
- Special Research and Events: Keep an eye out for Special Research tasks and in-game events that often reward Candy XL.
- Exchanging Regular Candy: Exchanging 100 regular Candy of a specific Pokémon for 1 Candy XL is a guaranteed (although expensive) way to get the resources you need.
The Power-Up Process: Reaching New Heights
Powering up your Pokémon with Candy XL is similar to using regular Candy, but with a few key differences.
- Reach Level 31: You must be at least Trainer Level 31 to use Candy XL.
- Select Your Pokémon: Choose the Pokémon you want to power up. Ensure it’s already significantly powered up with regular Candy and Stardust.
- Access the Power-Up Screen: Navigate to the Pokémon’s details screen and tap the “Power Up” button.
- Check Requirements: The power-up screen will display the cost in Stardust and Candy XL.
- Power Up!: If you have sufficient resources, tap the “Power Up” button to increase the Pokémon’s CP and HP.
- Repeat: Continue powering up until your Pokémon reaches the desired level. Remember the cost increases significantly at each level.
Choosing the Right Pokémon: Investing Wisely
Not all Pokémon are created equal when it comes to Candy XL investment. Some are simply better suited for the Master League or raid battles due to their stats, movesets, and type matchups. Here are some general guidelines:
- Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: These often have the highest base stats, making them excellent candidates for Candy XL investment. Pokémon like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and Giratina are consistently top-tier.
- Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage but also take more damage. Some, like Shadow Mewtwo and Shadow Metagross, are exceptional attackers with Candy XL investment.
- Pokémon with Powerful Movesets: The effectiveness of a Pokémon is largely determined by its moves. Research and prioritize Pokémon with powerful and effective movesets.
- Pokémon with Relevant Type Matchups: Consider the current meta and choose Pokémon that have favorable matchups against common opponents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Maximizing Your Investment
Several common mistakes can hinder your Candy XL progress and waste valuable resources. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you maximize your investment.
- Powering Up the Wrong Pokémon: Carefully research before investing in a Pokémon. Consider its stats, moveset, and role in the meta.
- Insufficient Candy XL Farming: Focus on efficient methods to acquire Candy XL. Prioritize catching evolved forms and participating in events.
- Ignoring IVs: While not the only factor, IVs (Individual Values) contribute to a Pokémon’s overall potential. Consider IVs when choosing which Pokémon to power up. High IV Pokemon will always be the strongest at max level.
- Rushing the Process: Powering up a Pokémon to level 50 takes time and resources. Be patient and focus on strategic investments.
Candy XL Exchange Rates
Here is a comparison of the Candy XL exchange rate against other Pokemon GO in-game resources, assuming one regular candy is worth one unit of exchange.
| Resource | Exchange Rate |
|---|---|
| Regular Candy -> Candy XL | 100:1 |
| Regular Candy -> Rare Candy | 1:1 |
| Regular Candy -> Conversion (XP) | 1: approx 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum level a Pokémon can reach with Candy XL?
The maximum level a Pokémon can reach with Candy XL is Level 50. This provides a significant boost to its CP, HP, and overall stats.
2. How do I know if a Pokémon is worth powering up with Candy XL?
Consider the Pokémon’s base stats, moveset, and role in the current meta. Research online resources and consult with experienced players before investing. IVs, while not the only factor, play a role, as well.
3. Can I use Rare Candy to obtain Candy XL?
No, Rare Candy cannot be directly converted into Candy XL. However, you can use Rare Candy to evolve or power up a Pokémon, which in turn increases your chances of getting Candy XL when catching that Pokémon.
4. Does the weather boost affect Candy XL drop rates?
While the weather boost affects the spawn rates and CP of Pokémon, there is no direct evidence that it affects Candy XL drop rates.
5. Is it better to catch evolved forms of Pokémon to get more Candy XL?
Yes, catching evolved forms of Pokémon generally yields more Candy XL than catching their base forms. This is a key strategy for efficient Candy XL farming.
6. What is the best way to farm Candy XL?
The best way to farm Candy XL is a combination of methods: catching evolved forms, participating in events, trading Pokémon caught far apart, and walking your Best Buddy.
7. How does trading affect Candy XL gains?
Trading Pokémon caught far apart (at least 100km) increases the chance of receiving Candy XL.
8. Does having a Mega Evolved Pokémon active affect Candy XL drops?
Mega Evolving a Pokémon only impacts the regular candy drops of Pokemon with the same typing and not Candy XL drops.
9. Is Candy XL tradeable with other players?
No, Candy XL cannot be directly traded between players. The trading system only affects the Candy XL gained from the trade itself.
10. What level do Pokémon need to be before you start seeing Candy XL?
Pokemon can be caught at any level and have the possibility of rewarding Candy XL; however, you must be Trainer Level 31 to start receiving them.
11. Should I wait for a Lucky Pokémon before powering up with Candy XL?
While not mandatory, powering up Lucky Pokémon can save you a significant amount of Stardust. If you have a top-tier Pokémon that is also Lucky, it’s a very wise investment.
12. What is the relationship between regular Candy and Candy XL?
You can exchange 100 regular Candy for 1 Candy XL of the same Pokémon. This provides a guaranteed way to obtain Candy XL, although it’s resource-intensive.