In this guide, we explain how Buddy Pokémon work in Pokémon GO.
The latest update for Pokémon GO introduces a feature that the developers announced a few days ago. The Buddy System is meant to strengthen the bond between trainers and Pokémon. Additionally, there are rewards for using the system. To receive these rewards, you just need to select a Buddy Pokémon that will accompany you on your adventures. For example, you will receive candies specifically for that Pokémon.
Selecting or changing a Buddy Pokémon
To make the best use of the Buddy System, you should not only choose a Buddy Pokémon based on which Pokémon you like, but also which one you need candies for. If you choose a Pidgey as your Buddy, you will only receive Pidgey candies as a reward. However, Pidgey are quite common for most trainers, so you can simply catch more if you need candies for this Pokémon. Choosing a rare Dragonite or a Pikachu as a Buddy would be more sensible in many situations, for example.
After you have traveled a certain distance, you will be rewarded with candies. The Pokémon are categorized based on how far you must go to receive a reward. You will learn more about which categories the Pokémon are divided into later in the text.
- If you choose a Pikachu as a companion, it will sit on your shoulder after a certain amount of time.
If you are unhappy with your choice and would prefer a different Pokémon as your Buddy, you can easily change it at any time. This will reset the traveled distance and not save it. The best time to switch a Buddy Pokémon is shortly after you have received a reward.
Once you have installed Update 0.37.0 on Android or 1.7.0 on iOS, the Buddy feature will be available to you. Click on your player portrait in the lower left corner of the screen. Then click on the menu button in the bottom right corner. Next, click on the Buddy option, which is now located between Journal and Customize. Now you just need to choose a Buddy Pokémon.
Buddy Pokémon Distance Categories
As mentioned earlier, various Pokémon are categorized based on distance. You must walk this distance with your Buddy Pokémon to receive 1 candy for that Pokémon. In rare cases, you may even receive 2 candies as a reward. The system works similarly to hatching Pokémon Eggs.
Tip: If you are looking for specific Pokémon in the following categories, open the search in your browser (Ctrl+F) and enter the name of the desired Pokémon.
Rewards after 1 kilometer are available for the following Pokémon:
- Wurmple, Silcoon, Beautifly, Caterpie, Kakuna, Beedrill, Pidgey, Pidgeotto, Pidgeot, Rattata, Raticate, Spearow, Fearow, Pikachu, Raichu, Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Zubat, Golbat, Geodude, Graveler, Golem, Magikarp, and Gyarados
Rewards after 3 kilometers are available for the following Pokémon:
- Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Ekans, Arbok, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Nidoran M and F, Nidorino, Nidorina, Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Vulpix, Ninetales, Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume, Paras, Parasect, Venonat, Venomoth, Diglett, Dugtrio, Meowth, Persian, Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, Machop, Machoke, Machamp, Bellflower, Weepinbell, Victreebel, Tentacool, Tentacruel, Ponyta, Rapidash, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Magnemite, Magneton, Farfetch’d, Doduo, Dodrio, Jynx, Seel, Dewgong, Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Drowzee, Hypno, Krabby, Kingler, Voltorb, Electrode, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Aerodactyl, Snorlax, Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite
Rewards after 5 kilometers are available for the following Pokémon:
- Onix, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Chansey, Porygon, Scyther, Rosalia, Electabuzz, Magmar, Pinsir, Lapras, Eevee, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Aerodactyl, Snorlax, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, and Mew
According to TheSilphRoad, some Pokémon that are not yet in the game already have distance values present in the code. This information about which Pokémon belongs to which category comes from this subreddit. Currently, there is various information regarding the 3 and 5 kilometer categories, so this list will be updated in the coming days.
