Rare Candy is one of the most coveted items in Pokémon GO, prized by trainers for its versatility in powering up and evolving Pokémon. As a long-time Pokémon GO player and strategy expert, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about obtaining and using Rare Candy effectively. This comprehensive guide will cover all the methods to acquire Rare Candy, along with expert tips to maximize your collection and use it wisely.
What is Rare Candy in Pokémon GO?
Rare Candy is a special item in Pokémon GO that can be converted into candy for any Pokémon species. This flexibility makes it invaluable for evolving and powering up Pokémon, especially rare or legendary ones that are difficult to obtain candy for through normal gameplay.
There are two types of Rare Candy in Pokémon GO:
- Standard Rare Candy: Used for powering up and evolving Pokémon up to level 40.
- Rare Candy XL: Used for powering up Pokémon beyond level 40, up to the maximum level 50.
The importance of Rare Candy cannot be overstated, as it allows trainers to strengthen their Pokémon without the need to catch or walk with specific species to earn candy.
Primary Methods to Obtain Rare Candy
Raid Battles
Participating in Raid Battles is one of the most reliable ways to obtain Rare Candy in Pokémon GO. Here’s what you need to know:
- Raid Battles involve teaming up with other trainers to defeat powerful Raid Boss Pokémon at Gyms.
- The chance of receiving Rare Candy increases with the difficulty of the raid.
- Typically, you can earn 1-3 Rare Candies per successful raid, with higher-tier raids offering better odds.
- Legendary raids (5-star) provide the best chance for multiple Rare Candies.
Pro Tip: Focus on participating in higher-tier raids (3-star and above) to maximize your Rare Candy rewards. Coordinate with local players or use remote raid passes to join more challenging raids.
Research Tasks
Completing various research tasks is another excellent way to earn Rare Candy:
- Field Research tasks: Obtained by spinning PokéStops, these daily tasks sometimes reward Rare Candy upon completion.
- Special Research tasks: Story-driven quests given by Professor Willow often include Rare Candy as milestone rewards.
- Event Research tasks: Available during special events, these often offer increased chances for Rare Candy rewards.
Examples of tasks that may reward Rare Candy include:
- Make 3 Excellent Throws in a row
- Win a raid
- Catch a Dragon-type Pokémon
Pro Tip: Check resources like The Silph Road or Leek Duck for up-to-date lists of research tasks that reward Rare Candy, and prioritize completing these tasks.
GO Battle League
The GO Battle League, Pokémon GO’s competitive PvP system, offers Rare Candy as rewards for winning battles:
- Basic Reward Tier: Win at least 4 out of 5 battles to receive 3 Rare Candies.
- Premium Reward Tier: Win at least 2 out of 5 battles to receive 3 Rare Candies, with additional candies for more wins.
Strategy: To maximize your Rare Candy earnings, aim to consistently win at least 4 out of 5 battles in each set. If you’re confident in your battling skills, consider using Premium Battle Passes for even more rewards.
Additional Ways to Get Rare Candy
Adventure Sync Rewards
Enable Adventure Sync in your game settings to earn weekly rewards based on your walking distance:
- Walk 25km in a week for a chance at 3 Rare Candies
- Walk 50km in a week for a chance at 5 Rare Candies
Tip: Keep your egg slots full when receiving Adventure Sync rewards to increase your chances of getting Rare Candy instead of eggs. If you’re experiencing issues with Adventure Sync, check out our troubleshooting guide for Adventure Sync not working.
Trainer Battles
Battling other trainers outside of the GO Battle League can also yield Rare Candy:
- You have a 15% chance of receiving a Rare Candy up to three times per day from trainer battles.
- This is separate from GO Battle League rewards.
Team Leader Training
Training with team leaders once per day offers a small chance of Rare Candy:
- Great League training: 1% chance
- Ultra League training: 3% chance
- Master League training: 5% chance
While the odds are low, it’s a consistent daily opportunity for potential Rare Candy.
Rare Candy XL: Powering Up Beyond Level 40
Rare Candy XL is crucial for trainers looking to max out their Pokémon’s potential:
- Obtained as rewards when leveling up from level 41 to 50
- 1 Rare Candy XL per level-up, with 2 awarded at levels 45 and 50
- Also available through some high-level Special Research tasks
Expert Advice: Save your Rare Candy XL for Legendary or extremely rare Pokémon that are powerful in the current meta. These candies are extremely scarce, so use them wisely.
Strategic Tips for Using Rare Candy
To make the most of your Rare Candy:
- Prioritize Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: These are the hardest to obtain candy for through normal gameplay.
- Focus on meta-relevant Pokémon: Use Rare Candy on Pokémon that are strong in raids or PvP battles.
- Consider evolution requirements: Some Pokémon need large amounts of candy to evolve fully. Rare Candy can help speed up this process.
- Balance immediate needs with long-term goals: While it’s tempting to use Rare Candy right away, sometimes it’s better to save for future legendary Pokémon or meta shifts.
Advanced Strategies for Pokémon GO Players
Mastering Ditto Catches
While not directly related to Rare Candy, catching Ditto can be a fun challenge that often comes with special research tasks. Learn the best techniques for catching Ditto in Pokémon GO to complete these tasks more efficiently.
Understanding Nest Migrations
Pokémon nests can be a great source of candy for specific species. Familiarize yourself with Pokémon GO nest migrations to take advantage of local spawns and potentially save your Rare Candy for rarer Pokémon.
Ethical Gameplay
While some players may be tempted by techniques like Pokémon GO sniping, it’s important to note that these methods violate the game’s terms of service and can result in penalties. Always play fairly and ethically to ensure a positive experience for all trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Rare Candies on any Pokémon? Yes, Rare Candies can be converted into candy for any Pokémon species.
- How many Rare Candies should I save before using them? There’s no fixed number, but many experienced players suggest saving at least 100 before using them, to have enough for significant power-ups or evolutions.
- Is it worth using Rare Candy on non-legendary Pokémon? It can be, especially for rare Pokémon or those that are currently strong in the meta. However, legendaries are generally the priority.
- Can I get Rare Candy XL from raids? Currently, Rare Candy XL is not available as a raid reward. It’s primarily obtained through leveling up past level 40.
- What’s the fastest way to accumulate Rare Candy? Consistently participating in high-level raids and performing well in the GO Battle League are the most reliable methods for acquiring Rare Candy quickly.
Conclusion
Rare Candy is a powerful resource in Pokémon GO that can significantly accelerate your progress in powering up and evolving Pokémon. By focusing on high-level raids, research tasks, and GO Battle League performance, you can steadily accumulate this valuable item. Remember to use your Rare Candy strategically, prioritizing Legendary Pokémon and those that will have the biggest impact on your gameplay. With these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a formidable team of powered-up Pokémon!
Fun Fact: For collectors interested in other rare items beyond Pokémon GO, check out our guide on rare Transformers toys. Who knows, you might find some parallels between collecting rare Pokémon and rare toys!
