Is It Worth Making Raikou Your Buddy for Candy in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, the decision to make Raikou your buddy for earning candy is a strategic one, influenced by various factors. This article explores the pros and cons of this decision to help you make an informed choice based on your goals in the game.
Pros of Making Raikou Your Buddy
Even though Raikou has an exceptionally high candy requirement, making him your buddy can still be worthwhile. Here are the benefits:
High Combat Power (CP)
As an Electric-type Pokémon with significant combat power (CP), Raikou is well-suited for battling against Water- and Flying-type Pokémon. This makes him valuable in both battles and raids, enhancing your overall effectiveness in competitive play.
Raids and Gyms
Raikou can be a crucial asset in raids and gym battles. His Electric-type status can be particularly advantageous when facing opposing Pokémon from the same type. Investing in Raikou as your buddy can provide a significant tactical advantage in these scenarios.
Unique Move Sets
Another benefit is the potential to unlock exclusive moves by evolving or powering up Raikou while he is your buddy. This can enhance his overall utility and make him more valuable in the long run.
Cons of Making Raikou Your Buddy
Despite the advantages, there are several drawbacks to consider:
High Candy Requirement
The candy requirement for Raikou is indeed much higher than for Pokémon like Magikarp. This means it will take significantly longer to earn candy and power him up, extending the time and effort required for your training.
Buddy Distance
Raikou requires 20 kilometers to earn a candy, which is substantial compared to other Pokémon with lower distances. This makes the process less efficient for quick candy farming, potentially slowing down your progress.
Alternatives and Considerations
If your primary goal is to earn candy quickly, you might want to consider other Pokémon with lower candy requirements. Magikarp, for instance, can earn you 20 candies in a single 20-kilometer walk, making it a more efficient choice for candy farming.
Strategic Considerations
However, if you already have a high CP or plan to use Raikou in specific battles, the investment might be justified despite the higher candy requirement. Additionally, there are now quests, events, and challenges that can help you earn candy more effectively, making the process less tedious.
Leveraging Other Strategies
You can also consider making other Pokémon with lower candy requirements your buddy to help farm candy for your primary legendary Pokémon. Once you capture more of these Pokémon, you can use their candies to power up your highest CP legendary or use Rare Candies during raids to optimize your resource allocation.
Conclusion
If your primary goal is to strengthen Raikou for competitive play or in raids, making him your buddy can be worthwhile. However, if you’re focused on maximizing candy efficiency, choosing a different buddy may be more practical in the short term.
Ultimately, the decision to make Raikou your buddy depends on your specific goals and how you plan to use him in the game. Evaluate your needs and make the choice that best serves your strategy in Pokémon GO.