How to get Best Buddy status fast in Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go’s Buddy system gives players a way to get closer to their favorite Pokemon, but obtaining Best Buddy status isn’t an easy feat.

Trainers can develop their relationship with their Buddy by earning Hearts, reaching new friendship levels as they go. Ranging from Good Buddy to Best Buddy, the bonus rewards you’ll get from reaching Best Buddy status can be extremely helpful.

But what are the different Buddy levels, and more importantly, what’s the fastest way to make a Pokemon your Best Buddy in the game?

Obtaining Best Buddy status

The easiest way to quickly earn Hearts with a Buddy Pokemon is to give them a Poffin, as doing so will automatically fill their hunger meter and change their mood to Excited, allowing you to easily earn more Hearts.

However, Poffins do not appear as regular rewards and need to be purchased from the Pokemon Go Shop, for 100 PokeCoins each.

An infographic from g47onik provides a method of making a Pokemon your Best Buddy, getting them Excited without having to use a Poffin. As of October 2024, this method is reported to still work well.

Here’s what you have to do:

1. Feed your Buddy 3 berries.
2. Play with your Buddy.
3. Take a snapshot of your Buddy.
4. Finish 3 battles with Buddy in your party (PvP, Gym Battle, Training).

Once you’ve done this, you have to repeat the following process three times:

1. Take a 2km walk or wait 30 minutes.
2. Feed your Buddy one berry.
3. Play with your Buddy.
4. Take a snapshot of your Buddy.
5. Finish one battle with Buddy in your party (PvP, Gym Battle, Training).

According to g47onik, after completing 1-4 steps, your Buddy in Pokemon Go will be Excited, allowing you to earn a second batch of hearts in one day.

How many hearts for Best Buddy in Pokemon Go?

To earn Best Buddy with your chosen ‘mon, you’ll need to earn 300 Hearts. Completing the above process each day for 12-13 days will allow you to reach Best Buddy status, providing you also spin new PokeStops.

All Buddy level rewards

As mentioned before, you’ll earn extra rewards based on your Buddy’s friendship level. Here are the levels, requirements, and rewards for each Buddy level:

Buddy Status	Requirements	Reward
Good Buddy	1 Heart	Readable Mood, ability to adventure with your Buddy, earning Candy.
Great Buddy	70 Hearts	Your Buddy will find presents for you! Buddies can also help with catch assists.
Ultra Buddy	150 Hearts	Your Buddy will bring you Souvenirs and highlight PokeStops for you.
Best Buddy	300 Hearts	CP boost for your Buddy in combat, improving its effectiveness in Raids! Wears a ribbon displaying their Best Buddy status.

It’s worth working with your Buddy for a few days to reach Best Buddy status because the rewards could come in incredibly handy. This infographic from Pokemon Go Hub shows everything you need to know.

Even better, do this with some of your strongest Pokemon and they’ll become an even more valuable asset in battles and, more importantly, Raids. Using the quick system above, you could be in for some seriously handy rewards.

Now that you know all there is to know about getting your favorite ‘mon to Best Buddy, check out how to play Pokemon Go if you’re a new or returning player, the latest promo codes, what’s in the Shop this week, and the best Attackers and Defenders.