Hey there, Pokémon GO enthusiasts! Ever felt stuck with a Magikarp that just won't evolve into a Gyarados, or a Swablu that dreams of becoming an Altaria? The secret sauce is candies, my friends! Candies are essential for evolving and powering up your Pokémon, making them stronger for battles and raids. Sometimes, gathering these sweet treats can feel like a tedious task, but don't worry! I'm here to share some quick and easy ways to get candies in Pokémon GO, so you can finally evolve those Pokémon and build the ultimate team. So, let’s dive into the sugary world of Pokémon GO candies!
Understanding the Importance of Candies in Pokémon GO
First off, let's chat about why candies are so crucial in Pokémon GO. Think of candies as the fuel for your Pokémon’s growth. Every Pokémon species has its own specific candy, like Pikachu Candy for Pikachu, Charmander Candy for Charmander, and so on. You need these candies to evolve your Pokémon into their next forms, making them stronger and unlocking new moves. For example, that humble Magikarp requires a whopping 400 Magikarp Candies to evolve into the mighty Gyarados – a true test of patience and dedication! Besides evolution, candies are also used to power up your Pokémon, increasing their CP (Combat Power) and HP (Hit Points). A powered-up Pokémon can withstand more damage in battles and dish out some serious attacks, making them invaluable for gym battles, raids, and even trainer battles. So, whether you're aiming to complete your Pokédex, dominate in battles, or simply have the strongest Pokémon around, understanding how to efficiently collect candies is key to your success in Pokémon GO. We'll explore the various methods in detail, from catching Pokémon to utilizing Pinap Berries, participating in events, and trading with friends. Get ready to level up your candy-collecting game!
Catching Pokémon: The Primary Source of Candies
The most straightforward way to get candies in Pokémon GO is, of course, by catching Pokémon. Each time you successfully catch a Pokémon, you receive a set number of candies specific to that Pokémon species. Generally, you'll get three candies for a standard wild Pokémon catch. However, there are ways to boost this amount. Using a Pinap Berry before catching a Pokémon will double the number of candies you receive, turning those three candies into a sweet six! This is particularly useful when you're trying to collect candies for a rarer Pokémon or one that requires a lot of candies to evolve. Keep an eye out for Pokémon that you need candies for and make sure to use those Pinap Berries wisely! Weather boosts can also play a role in catching Pokémon. Certain Pokémon types are more likely to appear in specific weather conditions, and catching them during these boosts can help you amass candies faster. For instance, Water-type Pokémon are more common when it’s raining, so if you're aiming to evolve a Water-type, grab your umbrella and head out! Maximize your catches by using items like Incense and Lure Modules, which attract more Pokémon to your location. This not only increases your chances of finding the Pokémon you need but also helps you accumulate candies more quickly. Remember, consistent catching is the backbone of your candy collection strategy.
Using Pinap Berries: Doubling Your Candy Rewards
Speaking of Pinap Berries, let's dive deeper into how these little wonders can significantly boost your candy stash. As mentioned earlier, using a Pinap Berry before catching a Pokémon doubles the number of candies you receive. This is a game-changer, especially when you're targeting Pokémon that require a large number of candies to evolve, like the aforementioned Magikarp or other Pokémon like Swablu, Wailmer, and more. Pinap Berries are relatively common and can be obtained from spinning PokéStops, completing research tasks, and opening gifts from friends. It’s a good habit to stock up on these berries whenever you can, so you’re always prepared when a valuable candy-yielding opportunity arises. The strategy here is to identify which Pokémon you desperately need candies for and then use Pinap Berries on every encounter with that Pokémon. This might mean saving your Pinap Berries for specific species, rather than using them indiscriminately. For example, if you see a rare spawn that you know requires 100 or 400 candies to evolve, that’s the perfect time to use a Pinap Berry. Also, keep an eye out for events that offer bonuses on candy, as these can stack with the Pinap Berry bonus, resulting in an even greater candy haul. Remember, the key to effective Pinap Berry usage is planning and prioritization.
Hatching Eggs: A Rewarding Way to Earn Candies
Another fantastic method to accumulate candies is by hatching Eggs. Pokémon Eggs, obtained from PokéStops and gifts, contain a variety of Pokémon, and hatching them not only gives you a Pokémon but also a generous amount of candies. The number of candies you receive from hatching an Egg is generally higher than what you get from catching a wild Pokémon, making it a very rewarding way to boost your candy collection. Different types of Eggs (2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, and 12km) contain different Pokémon and offer varying amounts of candies. Generally, Eggs that require longer distances to hatch (like 10km and 12km Eggs) tend to yield more candies and rarer Pokémon. To hatch Eggs, you need to place them in an Incubator and walk the required distance. You start with one ∞ Incubator that can be used an unlimited number of times, but you can also purchase or earn additional Incubators that break after a few uses. It’s often worth using multiple Incubators simultaneously to hatch more Eggs at once, maximizing your candy gains. Keep an eye out for events that offer bonuses on Egg hatching, such as reduced walking distances or increased candy rewards. These events are prime opportunities to hatch a bunch of Eggs and stock up on candies. Prioritize hatching Eggs that are likely to contain Pokémon you need candies for, and you’ll be well on your way to evolving your favorites!
Transferring Pokémon: Don't Underestimate This Method
While it might seem counterintuitive to get candies by getting rid of Pokémon, transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow is a crucial part of candy collection. Each time you transfer a Pokémon, you receive one candy specific to that Pokémon’s species. This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up over time, especially when you’re catching a lot of the same Pokémon. The key here is to regularly assess your Pokémon storage and transfer any duplicates or Pokémon with low stats that you don’t plan on using for battles or trades. It's a good practice to keep only the Pokémon with the best stats (high IVs) and transfer the rest. This not only frees up space in your storage but also provides a steady stream of candies. Maximize your transfers by waiting for events that offer bonus candy for transferring Pokémon. These events can significantly increase the number of candies you receive, making it the perfect time to clear out your storage. Also, be mindful when transferring Pokémon that can have multiple evolutions, as you’ll need a lot of candies to fully evolve them. Regular transfers are an easy and consistent way to boost your candy supply, so don’t overlook this simple yet effective method.
Walking Your Buddy Pokémon: A Sweet Partnership
Another awesome way to earn candies is by walking your Buddy Pokémon. In Pokémon GO, you can select a Pokémon to be your Buddy, and as you walk around with your Buddy, it will find candies for you. The distance you need to walk to earn a candy depends on the Pokémon’s species. Some Pokémon require you to walk 1km per candy, while others need 3km or 5km. Choosing the right Buddy Pokémon can be a strategic way to collect candies for rarer Pokémon or those that require a lot of candies to evolve. For example, if you’re trying to evolve a Pokémon that needs 400 candies, making it your Buddy and walking with it regularly can be a game-changer. To optimize your Buddy walking, try to integrate it into your daily routine. Walking to work or school, taking a stroll during lunch breaks, or even just walking around your neighborhood can all contribute to your candy collection. Also, keep an eye on your Buddy’s mood. A happy Buddy will find candies more frequently. You can keep your Buddy happy by feeding it berries, playing with it, and battling with it. Remember to switch your Buddy Pokémon strategically based on your candy needs. If you’ve collected enough candies for one Pokémon, switch to another that needs more love (and candies!). Walking your Buddy is a fun and active way to earn candies while exploring the world around you.
Participating in Raids and Special Research: High-Yield Candy Opportunities
Participating in Raids and Special Research tasks are excellent ways to earn significant amounts of candies. Raids, especially, can be a goldmine for candies. When you defeat a Raid Boss, you get the chance to catch it, and catching a Raid Boss Pokémon typically rewards you with a higher number of candies compared to catching wild Pokémon. Additionally, Raid Bosses are often rarer Pokémon, so this is a great way to collect candies for species that are harder to find in the wild. Special Research tasks, which are story-driven quests offered in the game, often have candy rewards as part of their completion bonuses. These tasks can range from catching specific Pokémon to completing certain challenges, and the rewards can be substantial. Keep an eye on the Today View in the game for new Special Research tasks and make sure to complete them to earn those sweet candies. Maximize your Raid and Special Research participation by prioritizing events that offer increased candy rewards or bonus encounters. Community Days, Research Days, and other special events often feature Pokémon that can be caught in Raids or are part of Special Research tasks, and these events frequently come with boosted candy rewards. Raids and Special Research not only provide candies but also offer other valuable rewards like Rare Candy, which can be used to substitute candies for any Pokémon. So, get out there, battle those Raid Bosses, complete those Special Research tasks, and watch your candy stash grow!
Trading Pokémon: A Smart Way to Gain Candies
Trading Pokémon with friends is another smart method to accumulate candies, especially for Pokémon that are rare in your local area. When you trade a Pokémon, both you and your trading partner receive a candy for the Pokémon you traded away. This is particularly useful for Pokémon that you might have an abundance of, but your friend might need, or vice versa. The distance between the locations where the traded Pokémon were caught also plays a role in the number of candies you receive. The further apart the catch locations, the higher the candy bonus, with a maximum of three candies per trade. This incentivizes trading Pokémon caught in different regions or during travel. Trading can be especially beneficial during Community Days or other events where specific Pokémon are featured. You can trade these Pokémon with friends to help each other collect candies more efficiently. Keep in mind that trades cost Stardust, so you'll want to manage your Stardust wisely. Special Trades, which include trading Legendary or Shiny Pokémon, cost more Stardust but can be worth it if you’re trying to collect candies for a particularly rare Pokémon. Coordinate with your friends to plan your trades effectively and maximize your candy gains. Trading is not just about candies; it's also a fun way to connect with other trainers and help each other complete your Pokédexes.
Special Events and Community Days: Candy Bonanzas
Last but definitely not least, Special Events and Community Days are absolute bonanzas when it comes to candy collection in Pokémon GO. Niantic, the game developer, regularly hosts events that offer various bonuses, including increased candy rewards for catching, hatching, and transferring Pokémon. Community Days, in particular, are fantastic opportunities to stock up on candies for a specific Pokémon species. During Community Days, a featured Pokémon spawns much more frequently in the wild, making it easier to catch a large number of them. Additionally, Community Days often include bonuses like double or triple catch candy, increased spawn rates for Shiny Pokémon, and special moves that can be learned by evolving the featured Pokémon during the event. These events are the perfect time to use Pinap Berries and make the most of the increased candy rewards. Other special events, such as those celebrating holidays or game anniversaries, may also offer candy bonuses, so it’s always a good idea to stay informed about upcoming events. Check the in-game News section, social media, and Pokémon GO community websites to stay up-to-date on the latest event announcements. Plan ahead for these events, clear your schedule, and get ready to catch, hatch, and trade your way to a mountain of candies. Special Events and Community Days are not just about candy; they're also a great way to meet other trainers, participate in Raids, and enjoy the Pokémon GO community!
Conclusion: Becoming a Candy Collecting Master
So there you have it, trainers! A comprehensive guide on how to get candies in Pokémon GO. From the basics of catching Pokémon and using Pinap Berries to the more strategic methods of hatching Eggs, walking your Buddy, participating in Raids and Special Research, trading with friends, and taking advantage of Special Events and Community Days, there are numerous ways to build up your candy stash. Remember, candies are the key to evolving and powering up your Pokémon, so mastering the art of candy collection is essential for success in Pokémon GO. Be patient, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to try different strategies to see what works best for you. Optimize your gameplay by combining these methods and tailoring them to your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex, dominate in battles, or simply have the strongest Pokémon around, a well-stocked candy supply will help you achieve your dreams. So, get out there, catch ‘em all, and evolve your way to victory! Happy candy collecting, and may your Pokémon always be powered up and ready for action!