Be sure to check your Pokemon Go app today, as Niantic has finally released the buddy update. If you're just catching up, this feature allows you to choose a specific Pokemon as your loyal companion, earning candy for its species and evolutions as you walk around town. Even better, Pokemon masters The Silph Road have broken down exactly how far you'll need to walk to earn said candy, so you can pick and plan your routes. You can see them all below. But, first things first.
How do I choose a buddy Pokemon in Pokemon Go?
Begin by tapping your trainer icon in the lower-left corner of your screen. Then, tap the menu button in the bottom-right corner. You should see "Buddy" as an available option - if you don't, make sure you have the latest update from your phone's app store.
The Pokemon will then appear standing next to your trainer in the trainer screen and appear in a nice little bubble on the bottom left of your map view. You'll also see that buddy logo next to the Pokemon on the screen where you can see all the 'mon you've caught. Excuse Meowth in the below pic. I think it's asleep. We'd walked all the way from my flat after all.
Do I need to have Pokemon Go open on my phone?
Yes, yes and yes. Just like hatching eggs, you'll need to have the app open and running while you walk around. If you want to save your battery you can turn on battery saving mode and your phone will go dark while it's at your side.
Which Pokemon should I choose as my buddy?
This might sound harsh but don't just pick your favourite Pokemon for walks. The Buddy system is ideal for tough-to-catch Pokemon that you want to evolve with candy. Dependent on who you want to level up it's going to take a while but you are guaranteed candy for walking.
For example, the three starters (Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle) are not only relatively rare, but they require a good amount of candy to evolve into their more powerful forms. By setting one of these as your buddy, you'll progress toward evolving them while you're out walking or hunting for other Pokemon. Yay for multitasking!
So, with that information in hand, here's a breakdown of how far you'll need to walk with each Pokemon to earn one candy. Now, no cheating.
If you're looking for more tips, here's the 13 things I wish I'd known before playing Pokemon Go.
How far do I have to walk for each Pokemon in Pokemon Go?
1 KM:
Beedrill
Butterfree
Caterpie
Clefable
Clefairy
Fearow
Geodude
Golbat
Golem
Graveler
Gyarados
Jigglypuff
Kakuna
Magikarp
Metapod
Pidgeot
Pidgeotto
Pidgey
Pikachu
Raichu
Raticate
Rattata
Spearow
Weedle
Wigglytuff
Zubat
3 KM:
Abra
Alakazam
Arbok
Arcanine
Bellsprout
Blastoise
Bulbasaur
Charizard
Charmander
Charmeleon
Cloyster
Cubone
Dewgong
Diglett
Dodrio
Doduo
Drowzee
Dugtrio
Ekans
Exeggcute
Exeggutor
Farfetch'd
Gastly
Gengar
Gloom
Goldeen
Golduck
Grime
Growlithe
Haunter
Horsea
Hypno
Ivysaur
Kadabra
Kangaskhan
Kingler
Koffing
Krabby
Lickitung
Machamp
Machoke
Machop
Magnemite
Magneton
Mankey
Marowak
Meowth
Muk
Nidoking
Nidoqueen
Nidoran (f)
Nidorina
Nidorino
Ninetales
Oddish
Paras
Parasect
Persian
Poliwag
Poliwhirl
Poliwrath
Ponyta
Porygon
Primeape
Psyduck
Rapidash
Rhydon
Rhyhorn
Sandshrew
Sandslash
Seadra
Seaking
Seel
Shellder
Slowbro
Slowpoke
Squirtle
Starmie
Staryu
Tangela
Tauro
Tentacool
Tentacruel
Venomoth
Venonat
Venusaur
Victreebel
Vileplume
Voltorb
Vulpix
Wartortle
Weepinbell
Weezing
5 KM:
Aerodactyl
Chansey
Dragonair
Dragonite
Dratini
Eevee
Electabuzz
Flareon
Hitmonchan
Hitmonlee
Jolteon
Jynx
Kabuto
Kabutops
Lapras
Magmar
Mr. Mim
Omanyte
Omastar
Onix
Pinsir
Scyther
Snorlax
Vaporeon
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