Unraveling the Mystery of Buddy Duration in Pokemon Go
Since its release in 2016, Pokemon Go has continued to captivate players worldwide, offering them an immersive augmented reality experience that blends the world of Pokemon with real-world exploration. One of the key features that have kept trainers engaged is the “Buddy System,” where you can assign a Pokemon as your buddy to earn rewards and improve your gameplay. But have you ever wondered how the buddy duration works in Pokemon Go? In this article, we will explore the mechanics behind buddy duration, its benefits, and some troubleshooting tips for making the most of this exciting feature.
What is the Buddy System in Pokemon Go?
Before diving into buddy duration, it’s important to understand what the Buddy System entails. In Pokemon Go, the Buddy System allows players to select a Pokemon that follows them as a companion. As your buddy walks with you, you can earn various rewards, such as candies, XP, and other in-game items. The buddy feature is essential for evolving certain Pokemon and gathering resources, so understanding how the buddy duration works is crucial to maximizing its potential.
How Buddy Duration Works in Pokemon Go
Buddy duration refers to the amount of time a Pokemon stays with you as your active buddy, and how long it takes to earn rewards like candy. There are different factors that influence buddy duration, including the Pokemon’s type, how far you walk with them, and special conditions like weather boosts.
Types of Buddy Rewards
Each Pokemon can be assigned as a buddy, but different Pokemon have different requirements and rewards for the buddy system. Some of the rewards include:
- Buddy Candies – Walking with your buddy helps you earn candies, which are essential for evolution and powering up your Pokemon.
- Buddy Hearts – Gaining hearts with your buddy helps to strengthen your bond, and the more hearts you earn, the better rewards you can receive.
- Special Photo Ops – Some Pokemon will allow you to take a special photo with them, offering a unique in-game experience.
- Buddy Bonuses – Certain buddies offer additional bonuses such as increased XP, stardust, or more effective battle performance.
Step-by-Step Process to Maximize Buddy Duration
Now that we understand the general concept of the Buddy System, let’s look at the steps involved in maximizing your buddy duration in Pokemon Go:
- Select Your Buddy – To begin, choose a Pokemon that you want to have as your buddy. This can be done by going to your Pokemon list and selecting a Pokemon to “Set as Buddy.”
- Walk with Your Buddy – Once your buddy is selected, the key to earning rewards lies in walking with your Pokemon. Each Pokemon has a specific distance required to earn candies, ranging from 1km to 20km or more. The further you walk, the more rewards you earn!
- Earn Buddy Hearts – To increase your bond with your buddy, interact with them by feeding them berries, playing with them, and sending them gifts. Every time you do this, you earn hearts, which strengthens your relationship and unlocks more rewards.
- Check for Special Events – Keep an eye out for special events that increase buddy duration and rewards. Niantic often runs events where buddy Pokémon can earn rewards faster, or more candies are rewarded for walking short distances. Make sure you take advantage of these limited-time offers.
How Long Does It Take to Get Buddy Rewards?
The time it takes to receive buddy rewards depends on various factors, including:
- Pokemon’s Type – Different Pokemon types require different distances to earn rewards. For example, walking with a buddy like Bulbasaur will reward you with a candy after a shorter distance compared to a buddy like Snorlax, which will need more distance.
- Buddy Level – The more hearts you earn, the higher your buddy’s level will rise. As your buddy’s level increases, the rewards become more valuable.
- Weather Conditions – Certain weather conditions in Pokemon Go will impact your buddy’s candy rewards. For example, walking with a buddy during sunny weather will help you earn extra candies for certain Pokemon.
Troubleshooting Buddy Duration Issues
While the Buddy System in Pokemon Go is generally easy to use, some players have encountered issues with buddy duration or rewards. If you’re having trouble, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Make Sure You’re Actively Walking – Your buddy will only earn candies while you are actively walking. If you are standing still or using a bike, the distance may not count toward your total walking distance.
- Restart the App – If your buddy progress is not updating, try restarting the app. Sometimes, the system may not sync your progress immediately.
- Check for Updates – Ensure that you are using the latest version of Pokemon Go by checking your app store for updates. Niantic regularly releases patches and improvements that can fix issues with the buddy system.
- Confirm the Distance – Double-check that the Pokemon you have chosen is appropriate for your goals. Some Pokemon may need more time to bond and may require additional steps before they provide maximum rewards.
- Ensure You Have the Necessary Items – In some cases, you may need items like berries or special food to maintain or increase your buddy’s affection. If you’re running low, visit PokéStops to replenish your supply.
Popular Buddy Pokemon and Their Duration Rewards
While most Pokemon can be chosen as your buddy, some are more beneficial for specific purposes. Here are some popular buddy Pokemon and the benefits they offer:
- Pikachu – A classic favorite, Pikachu offers easy candy rewards for short walking distances and is perfect for trainers starting out.
- Magikarp – Known for its 1km buddy distance requirement, Magikarp is a great Pokemon to choose if you want to earn candies quickly for evolving it into Gyarados.
- Snorlax – Snorlax requires a 20km walk, but the reward is worthwhile with a large candy bonus and significant combat power.
- Charizard – With a moderate buddy distance, Charizard offers excellent bonuses, including the potential for high battle effectiveness.
Conclusion
In summary, the buddy duration system in Pokemon Go plays a significant role in your overall gameplay experience. By understanding how buddy duration works, following the best practices to maximize rewards, and troubleshooting common issues, you can take full advantage of this exciting feature. Whether you’re walking your buddy for candies or leveling up your bond to unlock powerful rewards, the Buddy System adds another layer of depth and enjoyment to Pokemon Go.
For more tips on improving your Pokemon Go experience, check out our guide on advanced gameplay strategies!
Additionally, if you’re interested in reading more about upcoming Pokemon Go updates and events, make sure to visit the official Pokemon Go website for the latest news.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team