How to get Candy XL & Rare Candy XL in Pokemon Go

Scott Baird
Pokemon Go Candy XL Cover

Candy XL is needed in Pokemon Go to power up a Pokemon beyond a certain level. So if you want to unlock your team’s full potential, here’s how to find and use the Candy XL, as well as the Rare Candy XL.

In Pokemon Go, trainers can use Candy to power up their Pokemon. However, once they reach level 40, they are no longer viable, and players must switch to the elusive Candy XL.

Candy XL was introduced during the Beyond Update and quickly became a key resource for competitive players looking to dominate the Battle Leagues.

Here’s how you can use this rare sweet to strengthen your collection of Pokemon in Niantic’s game.

Contents

pokemon go xl candy

What is Candy XL in Pokemon Go?

Candy XL is a special type of Candy used in Pokemon Go to level up creatures from level 40 to level 50.

As regular Candy, these are charged with Experience Points that will increase your Pokemon’s power, but they can’t be used with every creature, as they are individual to each Pokemon.

How to get Candy XL in Pokemon GO

You won’t be able to unlock Candy XL in Pokemon Go until you hit level 31. This restricts how much you can level a Pokemon before this point, so focus on gaining levels as quickly as possible.

  • Catching Pokemon (from 0 to 3 Candy XL)
  • Catching a Raid Boss (1 Candy XL)
  • Evolving a Pokemon (depends on the Pokemon)
  • Trading Pokemon (from 0 to 1 Candy XL)
  • Hatching Eggs (from 1 to 4 Candy XL)
  • Transferring Pokemon (1 Candy XL)
  • Buddy walking (depends on the Pokemon)
  • Feed berries to a Pokemon (from 0 to 1 Candy XL)

You can also exchange 100 regular Candy for 1 Candy XL. To do this, go to the Pokemon menu, select the ‘mon, hit the menu on the bottom right of the screen with three lines, and select Candy → Candy XL.

Raid battles appearing various Pokemon Go gyms.

How to use Candy XL in Pokemon Go

Candy XL in Pokemon Go is used the same way as regular Candy. It’s linked to a specific family of Pokemon, and the number will appear next to the regular Candy when you visit a ‘mon on the menu. It just won’t appear in the Power Up menu until it becomes relevant.

Once the Pokemon requires Candy XL, it will appear when you select Power Up, alongside the regular Candy and Stardust cost.

It will take you a total of 296 Candy XL to take a Pokemon from level 40 to level 50, as each requires two power-ups:

LEVELCANDY XL REQUIRED
4120 Candy XL
4220 Candy XL
4324 Candy XL
4424 Candy XL
4530 Candy XL
4630 Candy XL
4734 Candy XL
4834 Candy XL
4940 Candy XL
5040 Candy XL

Shadow Pokemon require even more Candy XL to increase their level, while Purified Pokemon will require less.

What is Rare Candy XL in Pokemon Go?

Rare Candy XL works exactly as Rare Candy in Pokemon Go. Unlike the regular kind, they are not bound to a specific Pokemon, so you can assign them to whichever you want to level up and it will convert from Rare Candy XL to that Pokemon’s Candy XL.

Screenshot of Rare Candy XL in Pokemon Go.

How to get Rare Candy XL in Pokemon Go

Rare Candy XL is extremely hard to acquire in Pokemon Go. The only ways to get it include rewards for leveling up after 40, post-level 40 specific Research Tasks, and completing 3-5 Star Raids (but only in person, not remotely).

You can get from 1 to 3 Rare Candy XL per Raid, so make sure to save your Rare Candy XL for when you really need it, like for leveling up Legendaries or Mythical Pokemon.

How to use Rare Candy XL in Pokemon Go

Rare Candy XL is used differently from Candy XL in Pokemon Go. To use it, you need to find it in the Items menu, select it, and then select the Pokemon you want to power up. This will allow you to convert the Rare Candy XL to the relevant Candy XL.

That’s all you need to know about Candy XL and Rare Candy XL. Check out more of our Pokemon Go content to become the best trainer possible:

Best Pokemon in Pokemon Go | Current Raid bosses | How to get Remote Raid Passes | Fastest way to get Best Buddy status | Pokemon Go catching tips