What to Do with XL Candy in Pokémon GO? Mastering the Art of Leveling Up
XL Candy in Pokémon GO is primarily used to power up your Pokémon beyond level 40, significantly boosting their CP and stats. The best uses involve investing in top-tier Pokémon for Master League PvP, powering up legendary Pokémon for raids, and enhancing rare or shiny Pokémon for personal enjoyment.
Introduction to XL Candy
Pokémon GO introduced XL Candy as a vital resource for trainers looking to maximize the potential of their Pokémon. Unlike regular Candy, which is used to evolve and power up Pokémon up to level 40, XL Candy is specifically designed for pushing your Pokémon to level 50. This represents a significant investment of time and resources but can provide a crucial edge in battles. Understanding how to efficiently acquire and strategically use XL Candy is crucial for any serious Pokémon GO player.
The Benefits of XL Candy
The advantages of powering up your Pokémon with XL Candy are substantial:
- Increased CP: Raising a Pokémon to level 50 drastically increases its Combat Power (CP), making it a more formidable opponent.
- Enhanced Stats: Higher levels lead to improvements in Attack, Defense, and HP, enhancing overall performance in battles.
- Competitive Advantage: In Master League PvP and challenging raids, level 50 Pokémon can make the difference between victory and defeat.
- Raid Performance: A team of powerful, level 50 Pokémon significantly improves your effectiveness in Raids, allowing you to tackle harder bosses and deal more damage.
How to Obtain XL Candy
Acquiring XL Candy requires dedication and consistent gameplay. Here are the primary methods:
- Catching Pokémon: Every Pokémon caught has a chance to award XL Candy, with higher-level Pokémon and evolved forms having a higher probability.
- Transferring Pokémon: Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow offers a chance to gain XL Candy. Mass transferring is a common strategy.
- Walking with your Buddy: Earning Candy by walking with your buddy Pokémon also has a chance to award XL Candy.
- Trading Pokémon: Trading Pokémon with friends offers a chance for both players to receive XL Candy. Higher distances increase the odds.
- Special Events: Pokémon GO events often feature increased XL Candy drops for specific Pokémon or activities.
- Rare Candy XL: A very rare type of candy that can be converted to XL Candy of any specific Pokemon (can be obtained through research tasks).
Prioritizing Your XL Candy Investments
Due to the rarity of XL Candy, strategic investment is crucial. Consider these factors:
- Meta-Relevant Pokémon: Focus on Pokémon that consistently perform well in PvP (Master League) or PvE (Raids). Websites like PvPoke.com and GamePress provide excellent tier lists.
- Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: Legendaries often possess high base stats, making them ideal candidates for XL Candy investment.
- Pokémon with Good IVs: Prioritize Pokémon with high IVs (Individual Values), as they have the highest potential when powered up.
- Personal Favorites: While competitive advantage is important, don’t neglect Pokémon you enjoy using. A strong, beloved Pokémon can be very rewarding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hasty Investments: Don’t immediately power up every Pokémon that drops XL Candy. Analyze its stats and meta relevance first.
- Ignoring IVs: Investing in Pokémon with poor IVs can be a waste of resources. Use IV checkers to assess potential.
- Lack of Planning: Before committing to a specific Pokémon, calculate the total XL Candy and Stardust required to reach level 50.
- Trading from too Close Distances: If you trade a Pokemon and receive no XL candy at all, you traded from less than 100km away.
XL Candy Conversion
Pokémon GO allows you to convert regular Candy into XL Candy, but at a considerable cost. This is generally considered a last resort due to the expense.
| Regular Candy | XL Candy |
|---|---|
| 100 | 1 |
Resources for Planning
- PvPoke.com: A comprehensive resource for PvP rankings, move set recommendations, and team building.
- GamePress: Provides detailed information on Pokémon stats, moves, and raid counters.
- IV Checkers: Apps and websites that analyze Pokémon IVs to assess their potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most efficient way to farm XL Candy?
The most effective method is generally to catch as many Pokémon of the species you need as possible, especially during events that boost XL Candy drops. Combine this with transferring excess Pokémon and walking with your buddy Pokémon. Trading with someone over 100km is also a great way to get more XL Candy.
How many XL Candy does it take to max out a Pokémon?
It takes a significant amount of XL Candy to power a Pokémon from level 40 to level 50. Specifically, it requires 296 XL Candy and a substantial amount of Stardust to reach level 50 from level 40.
Does the Pokémon’s level affect the XL Candy drop rate?
Yes, Pokémon that are higher level in the wild generally have a higher chance of dropping XL Candy when caught. Look for weather-boosted Pokémon for an increased drop rate.
Is it worth converting regular Candy to XL Candy?
Generally, no. The conversion rate is very inefficient (100 regular Candy for 1 XL Candy). It’s typically better to focus on catching, transferring, and trading to acquire XL Candy. Only use conversion as a last resort when you’re very close to maxing out a Pokemon.
Which Pokémon should I prioritize for XL Candy investment?
Prioritize Pokémon that are meta-relevant in Master League PvP or are strong raid attackers, such as legendary Pokémon with high stats and good movesets. Examples include Mewtwo, Dialga, and Giratina.
Do Shiny Pokémon have a higher chance of dropping XL Candy?
No, Shiny Pokémon do not inherently have a higher chance of dropping XL Candy compared to their regular counterparts. The drop rate is mainly influenced by the Pokémon’s level and species.
What is the benefit of walking with a Buddy Pokémon for XL Candy?
Walking with a buddy allows you to earn regular Candy and also provides a chance for XL Candy to drop when you earn regular candy. This is especially beneficial for rare Pokémon that are difficult to find in the wild.
How does trading impact XL Candy drops?
Trading Pokémon increases your chances of getting XL Candy. The further apart the locations where the Pokémon were caught (at least 100km), the greater the chance of receiving XL Candy.
What are the best events for farming XL Candy?
Community Days and Spotlight Hours, which feature increased spawn rates and bonuses, can be ideal for farming XL Candy of specific species. Pay attention to event announcements for specific details.
Can I get XL Candy from Remote Raids?
Yes, you can get XL Candy from Remote Raids, just like regular Raids. The chance is dependent on the Pokémon species.
Is there a level requirement to start receiving XL Candy?
Yes, you need to be at least level 31 to start receiving XL Candy. Before that level, XL Candy will not drop.
Does the “Lucky” status of a Pokemon affect the amount of XL Candy you get?
No, a Pokémon’s Lucky status does not affect the amount of XL Candy you receive when catching or transferring it. Lucky Pokemon are generally more affordable to power up.