Maximize Your Pokémon GO Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Using XL Candy
Pokémon GO continues to evolve, bringing exciting new features and mechanics to enhance the gameplay experience. One of the most significant additions in recent years is XL Candy, which allows Trainers to power up their Pokémon to previously unattainable levels. Understanding how to acquire and effectively use XL Candy is crucial for competitive battling, raid participation, and overall progress in the game. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps, strategies, and tips to master the art of XL Candy usage in Pokémon GO.
## What is XL Candy?
XL Candy is a special type of Candy introduced to Pokémon GO that enables Trainers to power up Pokémon beyond Level 40, up to a maximum of Level 50. Unlike regular Candy, which is used for powering up Pokémon to Level 40 and evolving them, XL Candy is exclusively used for powering up Pokémon from Level 40 to Level 50. This extension of power levels provides a significant advantage in battles, raids, and other competitive aspects of the game.
## How to Obtain XL Candy
Obtaining XL Candy requires dedication and strategic gameplay. Here are the primary methods for acquiring this valuable resource:
### 1. Catching Pokémon
The most common way to obtain XL Candy is by catching Pokémon. The probability of receiving XL Candy increases as you level up your Trainer level. While it’s possible to receive XL Candy from catching Pokémon at lower levels, the chances are significantly higher at Trainer Level 31 and above. Each Pokémon you catch has a chance of dropping 0 to 3 XL Candies. Weather Boosted Pokémon or during specific events may increase the drop rate.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from catches:**
* **Play during events:** Pokémon GO frequently hosts events that increase the spawn rates of specific Pokémon or boost the rewards for catching Pokémon. Keep an eye on the in-game news and social media channels for announcements of these events, which often include increased XL Candy drop rates.
* **Use Pinap Berries:** While Pinap Berries double the amount of regular Candy you receive, they don’t directly affect XL Candy drops. However, catching more Pokémon in general increases your chances of obtaining XL Candy, so using Pinap Berries strategically can indirectly boost your XL Candy gains.
* **Utilize Quick Catch:** Quick Catch allows you to skip the catch animation and catch more Pokémon in a shorter period, maximizing your overall chances of receiving XL Candy.
### 2. Transferring Pokémon
Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow is another method for obtaining XL Candy. While the chance is not guaranteed, transferring Pokémon provides a small chance of receiving 1 XL Candy. Transferring Pokémon during special events may increase the chance of obtaining XL Candy.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from transfers:**
* **Mass Transfer:** Save up a large number of Pokémon and transfer them all at once. This increases your chances of getting XL Candy from the transfers.
* **Event Bonuses:** Look out for events that offer increased XL Candy from transferring Pokémon. These events are a great opportunity to clean out your Pokémon storage and potentially gain some valuable XL Candy.
### 3. Hatching Eggs
Hatching Eggs is a reliable method for obtaining XL Candy. The higher the kilometer distance of the Egg, the greater the chance and amount of XL Candy received upon hatching. For example, 12 km Eggs typically yield more XL Candy compared to 2 km Eggs.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from egg hatching:**
* **Focus on higher distance eggs:** Prioritize hatching 10 km and 12 km Eggs, as they offer the highest chance of yielding XL Candy.
* **Use Super Incubators:** Super Incubators reduce the distance required to hatch Eggs, allowing you to hatch more Eggs in a shorter amount of time, thus increasing your XL Candy gains.
* **Event bonuses:** Keep an eye out for events that reduce the hatch distance of Eggs or increase the rewards for hatching Eggs. These events are ideal for accumulating XL Candy.
### 4. Trading Pokémon
Trading Pokémon with friends can also yield XL Candy. The farther the distance between the locations where the Pokémon were originally caught, the higher the chance of receiving XL Candy from the trade. Trading Pokémon caught at least 100 km apart significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining XL Candy.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from trades:**
* **Trade with distant friends:** Coordinate trades with friends who have traveled to different regions or who have Pokémon caught in distant locations. This significantly increases the chance of receiving XL Candy.
* **Special Trades:** Remember that you can only conduct one Special Trade per day (unless during specific events). Use this opportunity to trade Pokémon that are likely to yield XL Candy due to distance.
* **Event Bonuses:** Some events may increase the XL Candy received from trades. Take advantage of these events to maximize your XL Candy gains.
### 5. Walking with your Buddy Pokémon
Walking with your Buddy Pokémon and earning Candy can also reward you with XL Candy, especially if your Buddy Pokémon is at a higher level or has walked a significant distance with you. This method is not guaranteed, but it provides a passive way to potentially earn XL Candy while playing the game.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from buddy walking:**
* **Best Buddy:** Having a Best Buddy Pokémon increases the likelihood of receiving XL Candy when earning Candy by walking.
* **Walking Distance:** Walk with your Buddy Pokémon as much as possible to increase the chances of finding XL Candy.
* **Poffins:** Using Poffins to keep your Buddy Pokémon excited can increase the rate at which you earn Candy and potentially XL Candy.
### 6. Rare Candy XL Conversion
One of the most direct methods of obtaining XL Candy is through converting regular Rare Candy into Rare Candy XL. This conversion becomes available at Trainer Level 31. The conversion rate is typically 100 regular Rare Candy for 1 Rare Candy XL, which can then be converted into the corresponding Pokémon’s XL Candy.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from Rare Candy conversion:**
* **Save Rare Candy:** Accumulate as much regular Rare Candy as possible through raids, research tasks, and other in-game activities.
* **Strategic Conversion:** Convert Rare Candy into Rare Candy XL only for Pokémon that you plan to power up significantly, as the conversion rate is relatively high.
* **Events and Bonuses:** Watch for events that might offer reduced conversion rates or increased rewards for using Rare Candy.
### 7. Completing Research Tasks and Raids
Participating in Research Tasks, especially those associated with events, can occasionally reward you with XL Candy. Similarly, completing high-level Raids, particularly Mega Raids and Legendary Raids, offers a chance to obtain XL Candy as a reward. Higher difficulty raids tend to offer better chances of XL Candy rewards.
**Tips for maximizing XL Candy from research and raids:**
* **Prioritize Event Research:** Focus on completing event-specific Research Tasks, as they often provide valuable rewards, including XL Candy.
* **Participate in High-Level Raids:** Challenge yourself to participate in Mega Raids and Legendary Raids, as they offer the highest chance of obtaining XL Candy.
* **Raid Events:** Keep an eye out for special Raid events that may increase the rewards for completing Raids, including increased XL Candy drops.
## How to Use XL Candy Effectively
Once you have accumulated a sufficient amount of XL Candy, it’s important to use it strategically to maximize its impact. Here’s how to effectively use XL Candy:
### 1. Identify Priority Pokémon
Not all Pokémon are created equal, and some are more valuable for powering up than others. Identify the Pokémon that will have the greatest impact on your gameplay, such as those that excel in PvP battles, Raids, or Gym defense. Prioritize using your XL Candy on these Pokémon.
**Criteria for prioritizing Pokémon:**
* **Meta Relevance:** Focus on Pokémon that are highly ranked in the current meta for PvP battles and Raids. These Pokémon will provide the greatest competitive advantage.
* **IVs and Stats:** Prioritize Pokémon with high IVs (Individual Values) and favorable stats. Pokémon with near-perfect IVs will perform better at higher levels.
* **Type Coverage:** Consider Pokémon that provide valuable type coverage for your team, allowing you to effectively counter a wide range of opponents.
### 2. Understand Power-Up Costs
The cost of powering up a Pokémon with XL Candy increases as you reach higher levels. Be aware of the XL Candy and Stardust costs required for each power-up and plan accordingly. It’s often more efficient to fully power up a smaller number of priority Pokémon rather than partially powering up a larger number of Pokémon.
**Power-Up Considerations:**
* **Stardust Management:** Stardust is a precious resource in Pokémon GO, so be mindful of your Stardust balance when powering up Pokémon with XL Candy. Save Stardust for your top-priority Pokémon.
* **Incremental Power-Ups:** Consider powering up your Pokémon incrementally, focusing on reaching key breakpoints in their stats. This can help you optimize your Stardust and XL Candy usage.
### 3. Strategic Power-Up Timing
Timing your power-ups can be crucial for maximizing your effectiveness in battles and Raids. Consider the following factors when deciding when to power up your Pokémon:
**Timing Considerations:**
* **Upcoming Events:** Power up your Pokémon in anticipation of upcoming events, such as Community Days, Raid Days, or special PvP tournaments. This will give you a competitive edge.
* **Team Composition:** Power up Pokémon that complement your existing team composition, filling any gaps in type coverage or strategic roles.
* **Personal Goals:** Power up Pokémon that align with your personal goals in the game, whether it’s reaching a higher rank in PvP battles, defeating a challenging Raid boss, or completing a specific research task.
### 4. Utilizing XL Candy for PvP Battles
XL Candy plays a significant role in PvP battles, allowing you to power up your Pokémon to higher levels and compete more effectively against other Trainers. Here’s how to strategically use XL Candy for PvP battles:
**PvP Battle Strategies:**
* **Great League and Ultra League:** In the Great League and Ultra League, where CP limits are in place, using XL Candy can allow you to maximize the stats of your Pokémon while staying within the CP limits. This can provide a significant advantage over opponents who have not powered up their Pokémon with XL Candy.
* **Master League:** In the Master League, where there are no CP limits, XL Candy is essential for powering up your Pokémon to their full potential. Use XL Candy to maximize the stats of your top-tier Master League Pokémon.
* **Team Composition:** Select a balanced team of Pokémon that covers a wide range of types and strategic roles. Power up these Pokémon with XL Candy to maximize their effectiveness in battles.
### 5. Utilizing XL Candy for Raids and Gyms
XL Candy can also enhance your performance in Raids and Gym battles. Powering up your Pokémon with XL Candy increases their damage output and survivability, allowing you to contribute more effectively to Raid teams and hold Gyms for longer periods.
**Raid and Gym Strategies:**
* **Raid Counters:** Focus on powering up Pokémon that are effective counters against specific Raid bosses. This will allow you to deal more damage and increase your chances of defeating the Raid boss.
* **Gym Defenders:** Power up Pokémon that are difficult to defeat in Gyms, such as those with high HP and strong defensive movesets. This will make it harder for opposing Trainers to take down your Gym.
* **Type Advantages:** Utilize Pokémon with type advantages against the Pokémon you expect to encounter in Raids and Gyms. Power up these Pokémon with XL Candy to maximize their effectiveness.
### 6. Conserving XL Candy
XL Candy can be challenging to obtain, so it’s important to conserve it whenever possible. Avoid using XL Candy on Pokémon that are not essential to your gameplay or that have low IVs. Focus on investing your XL Candy in your top-priority Pokémon.
**Conservation Tips:**
* **Evaluate IVs:** Before investing XL Candy in a Pokémon, carefully evaluate its IVs to ensure that it has the potential to become a top-tier contender. Use IV checking tools or apps to assess the IVs of your Pokémon.
* **Strategic Power-Ups:** Only power up your Pokémon to the levels necessary to achieve your goals. Avoid over-powering your Pokémon unnecessarily, as this can waste valuable XL Candy.
* **Event Bonuses:** Take advantage of events that offer increased XL Candy rewards to stock up on this valuable resource. Use these events to power up your Pokémon more efficiently.
## Advanced Strategies for XL Candy Usage
For Trainers who are looking to take their XL Candy usage to the next level, here are some advanced strategies to consider:
### 1. Shadow Pokémon vs. Regular Pokémon
Shadow Pokémon often have higher attack stats compared to their regular counterparts, making them valuable for Raids and PvP battles. However, Shadow Pokémon also take more damage, which can reduce their survivability. Consider the trade-offs when deciding whether to invest XL Candy in a Shadow Pokémon.
**Shadow Pokémon Considerations:**
* **Attack Power:** Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage, making them ideal for dealing high damage in Raids and PvP battles.
* **Durability:** Shadow Pokémon take more damage, so they may not be as effective in situations where survivability is crucial.
* **Cost:** Purifying Shadow Pokémon removes the attack bonus but lowers the Stardust and Candy costs for powering up. Decide if the purified version is still worth investing in.
### 2. Lucky Pokémon
Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up, making them a cost-effective option for investing XL Candy. Trading Pokémon with friends can result in Lucky Pokémon, so take advantage of this mechanic to reduce your Stardust costs.
**Lucky Pokémon Considerations:**
* **Stardust Savings:** Lucky Pokémon require significantly less Stardust to power up, making them a great option for saving resources.
* **Trading Strategy:** Trade Pokémon with friends to increase your chances of obtaining Lucky Pokémon. Focus on trading Pokémon with high IVs.
### 3. Best Buddy Boost
Making a Pokémon your Best Buddy provides a CP boost that can enhance its performance in battles. The Best Buddy boost can be particularly valuable in the Great League and Ultra League, where CP limits are in place.
**Best Buddy Considerations:**
* **CP Boost:** The Best Buddy boost increases the CP of your Pokémon, potentially allowing it to reach higher levels while staying within the CP limits of the Great League and Ultra League.
* **Buddy Activities:** Engage in Buddy activities, such as feeding your Buddy, playing with it, and battling with it, to increase its Buddy Level and unlock the Best Buddy boost.
### 4. Community Day Moves
Community Day events often feature exclusive moves that can significantly enhance the performance of specific Pokémon. If you have a Pokémon that benefits from a Community Day move, consider waiting for the next Community Day event to evolve or power up your Pokémon.
**Community Day Considerations:**
* **Exclusive Moves:** Community Day moves can significantly enhance the performance of specific Pokémon, making them more valuable in battles and Raids.
* **Event Timing:** Keep an eye on the in-game news and social media channels for announcements of upcoming Community Day events. Plan your evolutions and power-ups accordingly.
### 5. Second Charged Moves
Teaching your Pokémon a second Charged Move can provide valuable type coverage and strategic options in battles. Consider investing Stardust and Candy to unlock a second Charged Move for your top-priority Pokémon.
**Second Charged Move Considerations:**
* **Type Coverage:** Choose a second Charged Move that provides coverage against types that your primary Charged Move is weak against.
* **Strategic Options:** Select a second Charged Move that offers strategic advantages, such as faster energy generation or greater damage output.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using XL Candy effectively requires careful planning and execution. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
* **Investing in Low IV Pokémon:** Avoid investing XL Candy in Pokémon with low IVs, as they will not perform as well as Pokémon with high IVs.
* **Over-Powering Pokémon:** Avoid over-powering your Pokémon unnecessarily, as this can waste valuable XL Candy.
* **Ignoring Type Matchups:** Pay attention to type matchups when selecting Pokémon for battles and Raids. Avoid using Pokémon that are weak against the opponent’s types.
* **Neglecting Stardust Management:** Stardust is a precious resource in Pokémon GO, so be mindful of your Stardust balance when powering up Pokémon with XL Candy. Save Stardust for your top-priority Pokémon.
* **Ignoring Event Bonuses:** Take advantage of events that offer increased XL Candy rewards to stock up on this valuable resource. Use these events to power up your Pokémon more efficiently.
## Conclusion
XL Candy is a game-changing feature in Pokémon GO that allows Trainers to power up their Pokémon to unprecedented levels. By understanding how to obtain XL Candy, how to use it effectively, and which mistakes to avoid, you can maximize your potential in battles, Raids, and Gyms. Use this comprehensive guide to master the art of XL Candy usage and elevate your Pokémon GO gameplay to new heights. Happy training!