How to Use Rare Candy on Pokémon GO?
Rare Candy in Pokémon GO is used to give Candy to any Pokémon in your inventory. To use it, convert the Rare Candy into regular Candy for the specific Pokémon you want to power up or evolve by navigating to that Pokémon’s page and selecting the “Give Candy” option.
What is Rare Candy and Why is it Valuable?
Rare Candy is a highly sought-after item in Pokémon GO. Unlike regular Candy, which is specific to a particular Pokémon species (e.g., Pikachu Candy, Bulbasaur Candy), Rare Candy is universal. This means it can be converted into Candy for any Pokémon in your storage. This is particularly useful for:
- Legendary Pokémon: Often difficult to find and catch multiple times, making earning regular Candy challenging.
- Mythical Pokémon: Typically only available through Special Research, further limiting Candy acquisition.
- Rare or Regional Pokémon: Encountering these Pokémon outside their natural habitat can be incredibly rare.
- Pokémon requiring 400 Candy to evolve: Magikarp, Swablu, and Wailmer are prime examples. Rare Candy can significantly speed up the evolution process.
The value of Rare Candy lies in its flexibility and efficiency in powering up or evolving Pokémon that are otherwise difficult to obtain Candy for through standard gameplay.
How to Obtain Rare Candy
While Rare Candy can’t be found in the wild, it’s obtainable through various in-game activities:
- Raids: Defeating Raid Bosses, especially higher-level raids, often rewards players with Rare Candy.
- Special Research Tasks: Many Special Research storylines offer Rare Candy as completion rewards.
- Field Research Tasks: While less frequent than other methods, some Field Research tasks will reward Rare Candy upon completion.
- GO Battle League: Reaching certain ranks in the GO Battle League rewards players with Rare Candy.
- Timed Research Tasks: These limited-time events often include Rare Candy as part of their rewards.
- Team GO Rocket Battles: Sometimes you can get Rare Candy from defeating Giovanni.
The availability and quantity of Rare Candy vary depending on the event or activity. Keep an eye on in-game news and Pokémon GO communities to stay informed about current opportunities.
The Step-by-Step Process of Using Rare Candy
Using Rare Candy is a straightforward process:
- Select the Pokémon: Open your Pokémon storage and select the Pokémon you want to give Candy to.
- Scroll Down and Locate “Give Candy”: Scroll down the Pokémon’s information page. You should see an option labeled “Give Candy.”
- Tap “Give Candy”: Tapping this option will bring up a prompt asking if you want to use Rare Candy.
- Choose the Number of Rare Candy: Select the number of Rare Candy you want to convert into regular Candy for the selected Pokémon.
- Confirm: Confirm your selection. The Rare Candy will be converted, and the corresponding amount of regular Candy will be added to your Pokémon’s Candy count.
- Power Up or Evolve: Use the acquired Candy to power up or evolve your Pokémon as desired.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using Rare Candy on Common Pokémon: Avoid using Rare Candy on Pokémon that you frequently encounter in the wild. Focus on rarer Pokémon to maximize the item’s value.
- Accidental Conversion: Double-check the Pokémon you’ve selected before converting Rare Candy. It’s easy to accidentally choose the wrong Pokémon.
- Rushing the Decision: Don’t hastily convert Rare Candy without a clear plan. Consider your priorities and which Pokémon would benefit most.
- Neglecting Storage Space: Ensure you have enough Pokémon storage space before completing activities that reward Rare Candy. Overfilled storage can lead to missed rewards.
Strategies for Effective Rare Candy Management
- Prioritize Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: Focus your Rare Candy on Pokémon that are difficult to obtain regular Candy for through standard gameplay.
- Plan for Evolutions: If you’re aiming to evolve a Pokémon that requires a large amount of Candy (e.g., 400 Candy), use Rare Candy to accelerate the process.
- Consider Power-Ups: If you have a strong Pokémon with excellent IVs (Individual Values), consider using Rare Candy to power it up to its full potential.
- Utilize Events: Take advantage of events that offer increased Rare Candy rewards. This is an excellent opportunity to replenish your supply.
Maximizing Your Rare Candy Gains: A Strategic Table
This table provides a quick reference guide on maximizing your Rare Candy intake:
| Activity | Difficulty | Rare Candy Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 5 Raids | High | High | Requires a strong team and coordination. |
| Mega Raids | High | High | Requires a strong team and coordination. |
| Special Research | Medium | Medium | Time-consuming, but guaranteed rewards. |
| GO Battle League | Medium | Medium | Requires skill and strategy. Rewards increase with higher ranks. |
| Timed Research Events | Low | Low-Medium | Easy to complete, but rewards are often limited. |
| Team GO Rocket | Low/Medium | Low | Chance of Rare Candy from Giovanni battles. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I accidentally convert Rare Candy for the wrong Pokémon?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to undo a Rare Candy conversion. Always double-check which Pokémon you have selected before confirming the conversion. This is why careful planning and selection are crucial.
Can I use Rare Candy to evolve shadow Pokémon?
Yes, you can use Rare Candy to evolve Shadow Pokémon. The process is exactly the same as with regular Pokémon. However, remember that purifying a Shadow Pokémon reduces the Candy required for evolution, so consider this before using Rare Candy.
Is there a limit to how many Rare Candy I can carry?
Yes, there is a limit. You can hold a maximum of 999 Rare Candy. Once you reach this limit, you will not be able to receive more Rare Candy until you use some.
Does the amount of Candy given by Rare Candy change depending on the Pokémon?
No, each Rare Candy always converts into one regular Candy for the selected Pokémon, regardless of the Pokémon’s rarity or stage of evolution. It’s always a 1:1 conversion.
Are there any events that increase the amount of Candy gained from Rare Candy?
There are no known events that directly increase the amount of Candy gained from each Rare Candy. However, events may increase the rate at which you acquire Rare Candy through raids or research tasks.
Should I save Rare Candy for Legendary Pokémon only?
While Legendary Pokémon are a good use for Rare Candy due to their scarcity, it’s a matter of personal preference. Consider using it on any Pokémon that is difficult to obtain Candy for, such as rare regionals, or Pokémon needing 400 candy evolutions.
Can I use Rare Candy to evolve Meltan?
Yes, you can use Rare Candy to evolve Meltan into Melmetal. Evolving Meltan requires 400 Meltan Candy, so Rare Candy is extremely helpful. Using the Mystery Box in Pokémon HOME can also get you Meltan candy.
How does using Rare Candy impact the Pokémon’s stats?
Using Rare Candy only impacts the amount of Candy the Pokémon has. It doesn’t affect the Pokémon’s IVs, CP (Combat Power), or other stats directly.
Are there any alternatives to Rare Candy for obtaining Candy quickly?
Yes, other methods exist, though they might not be as efficient. Walking Pokémon as your buddy, using Pinap Berries when catching, and participating in events featuring the desired Pokémon can help. Also, transferring duplicate Pokémon to the Professor provides Candy.
Can I use Rare Candy to level up a Pokémon’s CP?
No. Rare Candy will only give you Candy for that Pokémon. To increase CP (Combat Power) of a Pokemon, you need to use Stardust and Candy of that Pokémon.
How do I know which Pokémon to prioritize when using Rare Candy?
Consider factors like the Pokémon’s usefulness in raids and battles, its IVs (Individual Values), and your personal goals. Research and community resources can help you identify the best Pokémon to invest in. Focus on Pokémon you intend to use frequently.
Are there any Pokémon that are a “waste” of Rare Candy?
Generally, Pokémon that are very common in your local area and easily caught are not the best use of Rare Candy. Concentrate on Pokémon that are rare, Legendary, Mythical, or require large amounts of Candy to evolve. Using it on common Pokémon is inefficient.