Pokémon GO, the augmented reality mobile game that took the world by storm, continues to evolve and introduce new features to keep trainers engaged. One of the most significant additions in recent years is XL Candy, a resource crucial for powering up Pokémon beyond their previous limits. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into XL Candy, explaining what it is, how to obtain it, and how to effectively use it to create formidable Pokémon teams. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a relatively new player, understanding XL Candy is essential for maximizing your potential in battles, raids, and the overall Pokémon GO experience.
What is XL Candy?
XL Candy, short for Extra Large Candy, is a special type of candy introduced to Pokémon GO to allow trainers to power up their Pokémon to higher levels than previously possible. Prior to the introduction of XL Candy, Pokémon could only be powered up to Level 40. With XL Candy, trainers can now power up their Pokémon all the way to Level 50, significantly increasing their Combat Power (CP), Hit Points (HP), and overall stats. This extension of the power-up range has profound implications for competitive gameplay, making the acquisition and strategic use of XL Candy a top priority for serious players.
Unlike regular Candy, which is specific to each Pokémon species, XL Candy is a more universal resource. However, it’s still tied to the Pokémon species in the sense that you need species-specific XL Candy to power up that species. For instance, you’ll need Pikachu XL Candy to power up a Pikachu beyond Level 40. This means you’ll need to catch a lot of the same Pokémon to accumulate the necessary XL Candy. The amount of XL Candy required to power up a Pokémon to Level 50 is substantial, making the process a significant investment of time and resources.
How to Obtain XL Candy
Obtaining XL Candy can be more challenging than acquiring regular Candy, as it’s a rarer resource. However, there are several methods you can employ to increase your chances of obtaining XL Candy:
1. Catching Pokémon
The most common way to obtain XL Candy is by catching Pokémon in the wild. While not guaranteed, there’s a chance that you’ll receive XL Candy in addition to regular Candy when you catch a Pokémon. The chance of receiving XL Candy generally increases with the Pokémon’s level and the difficulty of catching it. Weather-boosted Pokémon and Pokémon found in more challenging encounter scenarios are more likely to yield XL Candy.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from catching:
- Use Pinap Berries: While Pinap Berries don’t directly increase the chance of XL Candy, they double the amount of regular Candy you receive, which can then be converted to XL Candy (more on that later).
- Focus on Event Pokémon: During special events, the spawn rates of certain Pokémon are often increased. Targeting these events allows you to catch more of a specific Pokémon, increasing your chances of getting XL Candy for that species.
- Take advantage of Weather Boost: Weather-boosted Pokémon are more common and higher level, which increases the chance of getting XL Candy.
2. Transferring Pokémon
Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow is another way to obtain XL Candy. Like catching, there’s a chance you’ll receive XL Candy when transferring a Pokémon. The chance of receiving XL Candy is generally higher for Pokémon that are higher level or have been caught more recently. It’s a good practice to regularly transfer unwanted Pokémon to free up storage space and potentially gain XL Candy.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from transferring:
- Transfer higher-level Pokémon: Pokémon caught at higher levels have a slightly better chance of yielding XL Candy when transferred.
- Pay attention to event bonuses: Some events offer increased Candy or XL Candy when transferring Pokémon. Time your transfers to coincide with these events for maximum benefit.
3. Evolving Pokémon
Evolving Pokémon can also grant XL Candy. When you evolve a Pokémon, you have a chance of receiving XL Candy in addition to the regular Candy reward. This is particularly useful for Pokémon that have multiple evolutions, as each evolution can potentially yield XL Candy.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from evolving:
- Focus on Pokémon with multiple evolutions: Pokémon like Eevee, which has multiple possible evolutions, are great candidates for farming XL Candy through evolution.
- Use Lucky Eggs during mass evolutions: Although Lucky Eggs don’t directly affect XL Candy drops, they double the XP you earn, which can help you level up faster and potentially encounter higher-level Pokémon that are more likely to yield XL Candy.
4. Trading Pokémon
Trading Pokémon with friends is another method to potentially acquire XL Candy. When you trade Pokémon, there’s a chance that both trainers will receive XL Candy in addition to the regular Candy reward. The chance of receiving XL Candy increases with the distance between where the Pokémon were caught. Trading Pokémon caught far apart can significantly increase your chances of obtaining XL Candy.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from trading:
- Trade Pokémon caught from different locations: Aim to trade Pokémon caught as far apart as possible to maximize your chances of getting XL Candy.
- Coordinate with friends: Regularly coordinate trades with friends to benefit from the distance bonus and increase your overall XL Candy gains.
5. Raids and Research Tasks
Participating in raids and completing research tasks can also reward you with XL Candy. Certain raid bosses and research tasks offer XL Candy as a reward for completion. These are often more challenging than other methods, but they can be a reliable source of XL Candy for specific Pokémon.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from raids and research:
- Focus on raids featuring desirable Pokémon: Prioritize raids featuring Pokémon that you want to power up to Level 50.
- Complete research tasks that offer XL Candy: Keep an eye out for research tasks that explicitly reward XL Candy. These are often limited-time events, so be sure to take advantage of them.
- Legendary and Mythical Raids: These raids often have an increased chance to drop XL Candy, making them highly valuable for acquiring XL Candy for powerful Pokemon.
6. Walking with your Buddy Pokémon
Making a Pokémon your buddy can also lead to obtaining XL Candy. As you walk with your buddy, they will find candy based on their species. Occasionally, they may also find XL candy, especially if they are at a higher friendship level. The higher the buddy level (Good Buddy, Great Buddy, Ultra Buddy, Best Buddy), the more benefits you receive, and the higher the chance of finding XL Candy.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from your buddy:
- Choose a rare or desirable buddy: Select a Pokémon that you want to power up but is difficult to find in the wild.
- Maximize buddy level: Increase your buddy level by interacting with your buddy daily (feeding, playing, taking snapshots, battling together). A higher buddy level increases the chance of finding XL Candy.
- Walk consistently: The more you walk with your buddy, the more candy and XL candy they will find.
7. Converting Candy to XL Candy
Once you reach Trainer Level 40, you unlock the ability to convert regular Candy into XL Candy. This is a valuable way to utilize the abundance of regular Candy you likely have accumulated. The conversion rate is typically quite high (e.g., 100 Candy for 1 XL Candy), so it’s important to consider whether the conversion is worthwhile. However, if you have a surplus of Candy for a particular Pokémon and are actively trying to power it up to Level 50, this is a viable option.
Strategies to maximize XL Candy from conversion:
- Save surplus Candy: Don’t waste regular Candy on unnecessary power-ups. Save it for converting into XL Candy when you reach Trainer Level 40.
- Prioritize rare Pokémon: Focus on converting Candy for rare or difficult-to-find Pokémon, as it may be harder to obtain XL Candy through other methods.
- Consider event bonuses: Some events may offer reduced conversion rates, making it more efficient to convert Candy into XL Candy during those times.
How to Use XL Candy Effectively
Once you’ve accumulated a decent supply of XL Candy, it’s time to put it to use. Here are some tips for using XL Candy effectively:
1. Prioritize Pokémon for Competitive Use
Not all Pokémon are created equal, and some are far more effective in battles, raids, and the GO Battle League than others. Focus your XL Candy investments on Pokémon that are known to be strong performers in these competitive scenarios. This will give you the greatest return on your investment and increase your chances of success.
Examples of Pokémon to prioritize:
- Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: Pokémon like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and Giratina are consistently strong in raids and the Master League.
- Meta-Relevant Pokémon: Pokémon like Togekiss, Swampert, and Garchomp are frequently used in various leagues and raids due to their strong movesets and typings.
- Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage than their regular counterparts, making them excellent choices for raids and battles, despite being glass cannons. Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Salamence, and Shadow Metagross are highly sought after.
2. Consider the Cost-Benefit Ratio
Powering up a Pokémon to Level 50 requires a substantial amount of XL Candy and Stardust. Before committing to powering up a Pokémon, consider the cost-benefit ratio. Is the Pokémon already strong? Will the power-up significantly improve its performance? Are there other Pokémon that would benefit more from the XL Candy?
Factors to consider:
- IVs (Individual Values): Higher IVs generally result in better performance. Prioritize Pokémon with high IVs for XL Candy investments. A 100% IV (“hundo”) is the ideal candidate.
- Moveset: Ensure the Pokémon has a strong moveset that complements its typing and role. Use TMs (Technical Machines) to teach the Pokémon the best moves if necessary.
- Alternative Options: Consider whether there are other Pokémon that fill a similar role but are easier to power up. Sometimes, a slightly weaker Pokémon that’s easier to obtain and power up can be a more practical choice.
3. Focus on Pokémon for Specific Roles
Different Pokémon excel in different roles. Some are best suited for attacking in raids, while others are more effective in defending gyms or battling in the GO Battle League. Focus your XL Candy investments on Pokémon that excel in the roles you prioritize. For example, if you primarily focus on raids, prioritize Pokémon with high attack stats and strong offensive movesets.
Examples of role-specific Pokémon:
- Raid Attackers: Pokémon like Rayquaza, Mewtwo, and Shadow Salamence are excellent raid attackers due to their high attack stats and powerful moves.
- Gym Defenders: Pokémon like Blissey, Chansey, and Snorlax are effective gym defenders due to their high HP and defensive stats.
- GO Battle League Competitors: Pokémon like Azumarill, Altaria, and Registeel are popular choices in the Great League due to their balanced stats and strong movesets.
4. Take Advantage of Events and Bonuses
Pokémon GO frequently hosts events that offer bonuses related to XL Candy. These events can significantly increase your chances of obtaining XL Candy, reduce the cost of converting Candy to XL Candy, or provide other benefits that make it easier to power up your Pokémon. Keep an eye on the in-game news and social media channels to stay informed about upcoming events and bonuses.
Examples of event bonuses:
- Increased XL Candy from catching Pokémon.
- Increased XL Candy from transferring Pokémon.
- Reduced Candy conversion rates.
- Special research tasks that reward XL Candy.
5. Patience and Consistency
Obtaining and using XL Candy effectively requires patience and consistency. It’s a long-term investment that requires time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep catching Pokémon, participating in raids, trading with friends, and walking with your buddy. Over time, you’ll accumulate a significant supply of XL Candy and be able to power up your Pokémon to new heights.
Specific Pokémon Examples and XL Candy Usage
Let’s consider a few specific Pokémon examples and how to best utilize XL Candy for them:
1. Mewtwo
Mewtwo is one of the most powerful Psychic-type Pokémon in the game. Powered up to Level 50 with XL Candy, it becomes an absolute force in raids and the Master League. Focus on obtaining Mewtwo XL Candy through raids and rare spawns during events. Invest in a Mewtwo with high IVs and teach it powerful moves like Psystrike and Shadow Ball. Shadow Mewtwo is even more potent but requires even more resources.
2. Rayquaza
Rayquaza is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon with incredible attack power. It’s a top-tier raid attacker and a valuable asset in the Master League. Acquire Rayquaza XL Candy through raids and special events. Prioritize Rayquaza with high IVs and equip it with moves like Dragon Tail and Outrage. Shadow Rayquaza significantly outperforms the regular version.
3. Togekiss
Togekiss is a Fairy/Flying-type Pokémon that excels in the Master League and is useful in raids. Its Fairy typing makes it a strong counter to Dragon-type Pokémon. Obtain Togekiss XL Candy by catching and evolving Togepi. Focus on Togekiss with good IVs and teach it moves like Charm and Dazzling Gleam.
4. Swampert
Swampert is a Water/Ground-type Pokémon that is highly effective in the Master League and Ultra League. Its dual typing provides excellent coverage against a wide range of opponents. Acquire Swampert XL Candy by catching and evolving Mudkip. Focus on Swampert with optimal IVs (often lower attack for Great/Ultra League) and teach it moves like Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon (Community Day move).
5. Melmetal
Melmetal is a powerful Steel-type Pokémon obtained through Mystery Boxes from Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon HOME. It is extremely bulky and deals great damage. Obtain Melmetal XL Candy by catching Meltan through opening the Mystery Box, and then evolving it. Melmetal with good IVs and teach it moves like Rock Slide and Superpower is deadly.
Conclusion
XL Candy is a game-changing resource in Pokémon GO that allows trainers to power up their Pokémon to unprecedented levels. By understanding how to obtain XL Candy and how to use it effectively, you can significantly enhance your Pokémon team and dominate in battles, raids, and the GO Battle League. Remember to prioritize Pokémon for competitive use, consider the cost-benefit ratio, focus on Pokémon for specific roles, take advantage of events and bonuses, and exercise patience and consistency. With dedication and strategic planning, you can unlock the full potential of your Pokémon and become a true Pokémon GO master.
The journey to Level 50 is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and celebrate your progress along the way. Good luck, trainers, and may your XL Candy yields be plentiful!