Understanding Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Choosing the right Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO is crucial for enhancing your gameplay experience. With a myriad of Pokémon available, including their varying stats, evolutions, and special abilities, making an informed decision can greatly impact your performance, goals, and overall enjoyment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pick the perfect Buddy Pokémon.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Buddy Pokémon
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Type and Move Sets
Different Pokémon types have distinct strengths, weaknesses, and moves. When picking a Buddy, consider your current team composition and what type advantages are most beneficial for battles. For instance, if your team lacks strong Water-types, selecting a Water Pokémon like Gyarados can fill that gap effectively. Evaluate each Pokémon’s move set to ensure they can perform well in battles, gym defenses, or raids. -
CP and IVs
Pokémon with higher Combat Power (CP) are generally stronger. However, Individual Values (IVs) also play a crucial role in determining how effective a Pokémon will be at maximum potential. It’s recommended to choose a Buddy Pokémon with high IVs in Attack, Defense, or Stamina to maximize battle efficacy. Utilize various IV calculators available online to find Pokémon with preferable stats. -
Candy and Evolution Needs
Choosing a Pokémon that has a lower candy requirement for evolutions can sometimes be more advantageous, especially if you’re low on candies. Pokémon like Dratini, which can evolve into Dragonite, require 25 candies for their first evolution, making them a feasible choice if you’re looking to power up your team quickly. - Distance for Buddied Activities
Each Pokémon has a specific distance for buddy tasks, such as hatching eggs or earning candies. Some Pokémon require less distance; for example, the likes of Pidgey or Magikarp can provide benefits with only 1 km of walking. If you’re planning on using your Buddy to earn candies, pick a Pokemon that has a shorter walking requirement.
The Role of Buddy Pokémon in Various Gameplay Areas
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Raid Battles
In raid battles, using a Buddy with strong type advantages can make a noticeable difference. Pokémon like Salamence and Tyranitar are often favored due to their high CP and versatile move sets. Pay attentions to mega evolutions if they are available, as mega Buddy Pokémon often possess enhanced abilities that can shift the tides in longer, more challenging raids. -
Gym Defense and Offense
If you aim to control gyms, specific Pokémon serve better in defense compared to others. Pokémon like Snorlax and Blissey have significant stamina and can absorb damage, making them excellent choices for defending gyms. In contrast, for an offensive presence, consider Pokémon with high CP and quick charge moves, such as Dragonite or Gardevoir. - PvP Battles (Trainer Battles)
The competitive environment of PvP battles rewards diversity and strategy. For Great League, Pokémon like Altaria and Deoxys (Defense Form) perform exceptionally well due to their unique typings and move sets. Being mindful of your Buddy’s typing can help you design a balanced team that can hold its own against various opponents in Trainer Battles.
Selecting a Team-based Strategy
When considering your Buddy Pokémon, think about how it fits into a larger team strategy. Each Pokémon can serve distinct roles: a tank, a sweeper, or a supporter. Tailor your choice based on what your friends or community might be using, as complementing their Pokemon can provide added synergy in battles.
Utilizing the Buddy System for Extra Candy
For every few kilometers that you walk with your Buddy, you will earn candy related to that Pokémon. This is beneficial for powering them up or evolving them. To make this system more effective:
- Coordinate with Events: Participators in Pokémon GO community days or special events often find increased efficiency in achieving candy goals. Events may offer double candy rewards, making walking with your Buddy Pokémon a high-yield activity.
- Stacking Efforts: If you plan to hatch eggs or participate in raids while walking, ensure that your Buddy Pokémon complements the types of Pokémon you find beneficial or must prep for in those activities.
Notable Pokémon Choices to Consider as Buddies
- Garchomp: A Dragon/Ground Pokémon with high CP, ideal for various raids and PvP.
- Gardevoir: A Psychic/Fairy Pokémon effective in Great and Ultra Leagues with an exceptional move set.
- Snorlax: A ubiquitous choice known for its bulkiness, making it a staple in Gym Defense.
- Charizard: A Fire/Flying type that performs well across different battle formats.
- Machamp: An excellent fighter for gym offenses and raid battles, especially with counter-moves that dominate Fairy-types.
Tracking Progress with Your Buddy Pokémon
The Pokémon GO app allows you to monitor your Buddy’s performance, how many candies you’ve earned, and when they will be able to assist in special activities or evolutions. Use this feature to adjust your strategy, ensuring you are making the most out of your selected Buddy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Buddy Pokémon is as critical as battling itself in Pokémon GO. By integrating your goals, the type advantages, candy requirements, and considering both offensive and defensive potential, you can select a Buddy that enhances your overall experience. Engage regularly with the in-game mechanics, understand the needs of your journey, and adapt your choice of Buddy Pokémon accordingly for optimal results in your Pokémon GO adventure.
