Candy XL: Powering Up Your Pokémon Beyond Limits in Pokémon Go
Candy XL is a crucial resource in Pokémon Go, enabling trainers to power up their Pokémon past the traditional level 40 cap, unlocking significantly higher Combat Power (CP) and improved performance in battles. It’s the key to maximizing your Pokémon’s potential and dominating in Master League and raids.
Introduction: The Need for XL Candy
Pokémon Go introduced Candy XL to address a long-standing request from dedicated players: the ability to push their best Pokémon beyond the existing limits. Before Candy XL, once a Pokémon reached level 40, its CP was capped, limiting its competitive edge. This made it difficult to stand toe-to-toe with other high-level trainers or tackle the most challenging raid bosses. Candy XL revolutionized the game, providing a new layer of progression and strategic depth. Now, dedicated trainers can invest in their Pokémon and continue to strengthen them all the way up to level 50. This system keeps the game engaging and offers long-term goals for players.
Acquiring Candy XL: A Detailed Process
Earning Candy XL requires effort and strategy. It’s not as simple as catching Pokémon and transferring them. Here’s a breakdown of the key methods:
- Catching Pokémon: This is the most common method. Catching Pokémon directly awards a small amount of Candy XL. The higher the Pokémon’s level and rarity, the greater the chance of receiving Candy XL. Weather boost conditions can influence the availability of higher-level wild Pokémon.
- Transferring Pokémon: Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow can yield Candy XL. While the drop rate isn’t guaranteed, it’s a consistent method. Event periods often increase the likelihood of receiving Candy XL from transfers.
- Hatching Eggs: Hatching Eggs can award Candy XL related to the species that hatches. Higher kilometer eggs have a greater probability of awarding larger amounts of Candy XL. Incubator events can boost the amount received.
- Walking Pokémon: Walking your buddy Pokémon provides Candy XL for Pokémon that are best buddies and at least level 31. This is a reliable method for building up Candy XL for specific species.
- Rare Candy XL: Rare Candy XL can be converted from regular Rare Candy (100 Rare Candy = 1 Rare Candy XL). These are extremely rare and typically found in high-level raids or from research tasks. This is generally not advised unless absolutely necessary due to its scarcity.
Utilizing Candy XL: Powering Up and Level Caps
Candy XL is specifically used to power up Pokémon beyond level 40. The amount of Candy XL required increases exponentially as you approach level 50. Along with Candy XL, trainers still need regular Candy and Stardust to power up their Pokémon. Here’s a table illustrating the approximate Candy XL cost for specific levels:
| Pokémon Level | Approximate Candy XL Cost |
|---|---|
| 40 to 41 | 10 |
| 41 to 42 | 12 |
| 42 to 43 | 15 |
| 43 to 44 | 20 |
| 44 to 45 | 25 |
| 45 to 46 | 30 |
| 46 to 47 | 35 |
| 47 to 48 | 40 |
| 48 to 49 | 45 |
| 49 to 50 | 50 |
Important Note: The exact amount of Candy XL required can vary slightly depending on the Pokémon species.
Common Mistakes and Optimization Tips
Many trainers struggle to efficiently collect and utilize Candy XL. Here are a few common mistakes and tips for maximizing your efforts:
- Not focusing on high-level Pokémon: Prioritize catching Pokémon that are already at a high level in the wild. These are more likely to drop Candy XL.
- Ignoring weather boosts: Utilize weather boost conditions to find higher-level Pokémon of specific types more easily.
- Wasting Rare Candy XL: Avoid using Rare Candy XL unless absolutely necessary. Focus on earning species-specific Candy XL through gameplay.
- Not walking your buddy: Make sure your buddy Pokémon is one you need Candy XL for and that you’re walking it regularly.
Best Practices for Candy XL Management
- Plan your investments: Carefully choose which Pokémon to invest Candy XL into. Focus on Pokémon that are viable in Master League PvP or excel in raids.
- Participate in events: Take advantage of events that offer increased Candy XL drop rates or other bonuses.
- Trade for XL Candy: Trading can improve your chances of getting XL candy, and is particularly useful for Pokémon that are rare or that don’t spawn often.
- Utilize Mega Evolutions: Certain Mega evolutions provide boosts to candy XL drop rates while catching Pokémon of matching typing.
FAQs: Demystifying Candy XL
What level does a Pokémon need to be to start using Candy XL?
A Pokémon must be at least level 40 before you can begin powering it up with Candy XL. Reaching level 40 is a prerequisite for accessing the Candy XL system.
Can I transfer Candy XL to another Pokémon species?
No, Candy XL is specific to the Pokémon species for which it was earned. You cannot convert or transfer it to another Pokémon.
Is there a guaranteed way to get Candy XL?
While there’s no single guaranteed method, catching high-level Pokémon and walking your buddy Pokémon are the most reliable ways to acquire Candy XL consistently.
How much Candy XL does it take to fully power up a Pokémon to level 50?
The total amount of Candy XL required to power up a Pokémon from level 40 to level 50 is approximately 296 Candy XL.
Does a Pokémon’s size affect the chance of getting Candy XL?
There has been speculation about size impacting drop rates, but there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that a Pokémon’s size (XS or XL) directly influences the chance of obtaining Candy XL.
Do Community Day events boost Candy XL drops?
Community Day events often include bonuses that can increase the chances of obtaining Candy XL, such as increased catch XP, which helps players level up faster and encounter more Pokémon. Some Community Days have specific Candy XL bonuses.
Does my trainer level affect my ability to get Candy XL?
Yes, trainers must reach level 31 before they can start receiving Candy XL. This requirement ensures that players have a solid understanding of the game before engaging with this advanced mechanic.
Is it better to power up a Shadow Pokémon or a regular Pokémon with Candy XL?
The answer depends on your goals. Shadow Pokémon generally deal more damage but are glass cannons. Regular Pokémon are more durable. Evaluate your team composition and desired playstyle.
How does trading influence Candy XL accumulation?
Trading Pokémon can occasionally award Candy XL to both trainers involved, making it a beneficial strategy, especially when trading Pokémon caught far apart.
Are there any Pokémon that are NOT worth investing Candy XL into?
Yes. Consider investing Candy XL into powerful meta-relevant Pokémon for raids, PvP or gym defense. Avoid investing Candy XL into weak, non-meta Pokémon.
What are Rare Candy XL and how can I obtain them?
Rare Candy XL are a rare resource used to power up any Pokémon species past level 40. They are primarily obtained through high-level raids and special research tasks. They can also be created from Rare Candy.
Can I use Candy XL earned before the level cap increase?
No, Candy XL was introduced simultaneously with the level cap increase. Older candies cannot be converted to XL candy.