Level Up Or Save Candy For Roar Of Time? Pokémon GO Guide

by Natalie Brooks 58 views

Hey Pokémon GO trainers! 👋 We've all been there, right? You've got a fantastic Pokémon, your candy stash is looking healthy, and you're itching to power it up. But then that little voice pops into your head: "What if there's a special move coming soon? Should I save my precious candy?" Today, we're diving deep into this dilemma, specifically focusing on whether you should level up your current Pokémon or hoard those candies for the elusive Roar of Time and other potential future moves.

Understanding the Power-Up Process in Pokémon GO

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of saving candy versus leveling up, let's quickly recap how powering up works in Pokémon GO. When you power up a Pokémon, you're essentially increasing its Combat Power (CP), Hit Points (HP), and overall stats. This makes your Pokémon stronger in battles, whether you're taking on gyms, battling in raids, or facing off against other trainers in the GO Battle League. The higher the CP, the more formidable your Pokémon becomes. To power up a Pokémon, you need two things: candy and stardust. Candy is specific to each Pokémon species (e.g., Pikachu Candy, Charmander Candy), while stardust is a universal resource used for powering up any Pokémon. The amount of candy and stardust required increases as you power up a Pokémon to higher levels. Therefore, you need to make sure your stardust is healthy enough for power up your Pokemons. You can earn candy by catching Pokémon, hatching eggs, transferring Pokémon to the Professor, walking with your buddy Pokémon, and completing research tasks. Stardust is earned through similar activities, such as catching Pokémon, hatching eggs, winning battles, and completing research tasks. Both candy and stardust are valuable resources, and careful management is key to building a strong team.

The Allure of Immediate Power: Why Level Up Now?

There's a definite temptation to level up your Pokémon immediately, and for good reason! A stronger Pokémon provides instant gratification. You'll notice the difference in gym battles and raids right away. Think about it, you're facing a tough gym leader, and your trusty Pokémon is just a few power-ups away from reaching the next CP threshold. Those extra points could be the difference between victory and defeat. Or perhaps you're eager to dominate in the GO Battle League. A powered-up Pokémon can give you a competitive edge, helping you climb the ranks and earn those sweet rewards. Moreover, leveling up your Pokémon can make them more effective in raids. You'll be able to deal more damage, potentially earning you more Premier Balls to catch the raid boss. It's especially tempting to power up Pokémon that are already strong, like your 3 or 4-star IV (Individual Values) Pokémon. Investing in Pokémon with high IVs is generally a good strategy, as they have the potential to reach higher CP levels and perform better in battles. Powering up now also means you can use that Pokémon to its full potential in upcoming events or challenges. Pokémon GO is constantly introducing new events and tasks that require strong Pokémon, so having a powered-up team can help you make the most of these opportunities. However, before you go all-in on powering up, it's crucial to consider the other side of the coin: saving candy for future moves.

The Roar of Time and Exclusive Moves: Why Saving Candy Matters

Now, let's talk about the other side of the coin: saving candy. In Pokémon GO, some Pokémon can learn special, exclusive moves that are only available during specific events or through special items like Elite TMs. These moves can significantly impact a Pokémon's performance, sometimes making them top-tier contenders in battles. One prime example is Dialga's signature move, Roar of Time. Roar of Time is a powerful Dragon-type move that can make Dialga an absolute beast in raids and Master League battles. If you have a Dialga, you might be tempted to power it up immediately. But what if a future event allows Dialga to learn Roar of Time? You'd want to have enough candy on hand to take advantage of that opportunity. This is the core of the dilemma: do you spend your candy now for an immediate boost, or do you save it in case a game-changing move becomes available? This concept extends beyond just Roar of Time. Many other Pokémon have exclusive moves that can dramatically improve their viability. For instance, a Fire-type starter Pokémon might get a Community Day move that makes it a top-tier Fire attacker. Or a Legendary Pokémon might receive a new move that shakes up the raid meta. These moves are often so powerful that they can completely redefine a Pokémon's role in battle. Imagine you've invested a ton of resources into a Pokémon, only for a new move to come out that makes it obsolete. It's a frustrating feeling! Saving candy gives you the flexibility to capitalize on these opportunities. When a new move is announced, you'll be ready to power up your Pokémon and teach them the exclusive move without having to grind for weeks to gather enough candy. Moreover, exclusive moves often come with events that offer increased spawn rates for the Pokémon in question. This means you might be able to catch a Pokémon with better IVs during the event, making your investment even more worthwhile. In short, saving candy is a strategic move that can pay off big time in the long run. It allows you to be prepared for the unexpected and ensure that you're investing in the best possible movesets for your Pokémon.

Weighing the Options: A Strategic Approach

So, how do you decide whether to level up or save candy? It's a tough call, but here’s a strategic approach to help you make the best decision:

  1. Consider the Pokémon:

    • Is it a meta-relevant Pokémon? Meta-relevant Pokémon are those that perform exceptionally well in the current battle landscape. If you have a Pokémon that's already strong and has the potential to be even better with an exclusive move (like Dialga with Roar of Time), saving candy might be the wiser choice. Examples of meta-relevant Pokémon could be legendaries, strong attackers, and Pokémon that are useful in the GO Battle League.
    • What are its current moves? A Pokémon's moveset plays a huge role in its effectiveness. If your Pokémon already has a great moveset, powering it up might be a good idea. However, if its moves are mediocre, saving candy for a potential exclusive move could be the better strategy.
    • What are its IVs? As mentioned earlier, Pokémon with high IVs have the potential to reach higher CP levels. If you have a 3 or 4-star IV Pokémon, it's generally a good investment to power it up, especially if it's meta-relevant. But even with high IVs, consider the potential for future moves.

  2. Assess Your Immediate Needs:

    • Do you need a stronger Pokémon right now? If you're struggling in raids, gyms, or the GO Battle League, powering up a Pokémon can provide an immediate boost. If this is the case, leveling up might be your priority.
    • Are there any upcoming events or challenges that require strong Pokémon? Pokémon GO often has events that reward players for using specific types of Pokémon or participating in battles. If there's an event on the horizon that aligns with your Pokémon's type or role, powering it up could be beneficial.

  3. Stay Informed About Future Events and Moves:

    • Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements. Niantic, the game developer, often teases upcoming events and features. This can give you clues about potential exclusive moves or opportunities to catch specific Pokémon.
    • Follow Pokémon GO communities and content creators. There are many dedicated Pokémon GO players who share their insights and predictions about future events and moves. These resources can help you make informed decisions about your candy usage.

  4. Candy Budgeting:

  • Just like budgeting your finances, think about budgeting your candy. Set aside a certain amount of candy for potential future moves, and use the rest for powering up. This gives you flexibility while still allowing you to strengthen your team.
  • Prioritize your Pokémon. Focus on saving candy for those Pokémon that have the greatest potential for improvement with exclusive moves.

Case Studies: Examples in Action

Let's look at a few hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how this strategic approach works:

  • Scenario 1: You have a Dialga with good IVs but no Roar of Time. Dialga is a top-tier Dragon-type attacker, but Roar of Time would make it even more powerful. Recommendation: Save candy for a potential Roar of Time event. In the meantime, you can still use Dialga in battles, but hold off on major power-ups.
  • Scenario 2: You have a strong Fire-type starter Pokémon with its Community Day move. Community Day moves are often very powerful and can significantly improve a Pokémon's performance. Recommendation: Power up this Pokémon! You've already secured the exclusive move, so investing in it is a smart choice.
  • Scenario 3: You're struggling to complete raids and need a strong attacker. You have a few decent attackers, but none are fully powered up. Recommendation: Identify the Pokémon with the highest potential and power it up. This will give you an immediate boost in raids and help you earn more rewards.

Final Thoughts: A Balancing Act

Ultimately, the decision to level up or save candy is a balancing act. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your individual circumstances, your goals in the game, and the specific Pokémon you're dealing with. By considering the factors we've discussed – the Pokémon's potential, your immediate needs, and future events – you can make informed decisions and maximize your effectiveness in Pokémon GO. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Whether you choose to power up now or save for later, enjoy the journey of building your dream team. Happy training, trainers! 🎉 If you guys have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below! Also, what are some of the Pokémon you're currently saving candy for? I'd love to hear your strategies!

FAQs: Level Up or Save Candy for Roar of Time

Should I always save candy for exclusive moves?

Not always. If you need a stronger Pokémon immediately for raids, gyms, or GO Battle League, powering up a Pokémon with a good current moveset can be beneficial. However, for Pokémon with the potential for significant improvement with an exclusive move, saving candy is often the wiser choice.

How do I know if a Pokémon is likely to get an exclusive move?

Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements. Niantic often teases upcoming events and features. Also, follow Pokémon GO communities and content creators for insights and predictions.

What if I power up a Pokémon and then it gets an exclusive move? Will I regret it?

It's possible, but not necessarily. Even if a Pokémon gets an exclusive move, your powered-up Pokémon can still be useful. Additionally, you can use Elite TMs to teach your Pokémon exclusive moves, although these items are rare and valuable.

How much candy should I save for a potential exclusive move?

This depends on the Pokémon and your resources. A good rule of thumb is to save at least 100-200 candy for a Legendary Pokémon and 50-100 candy for other Pokémon. Adjust this based on your candy-collecting rate and your needs.

Is it better to power up a Pokémon with high IVs or save candy for a Pokémon with lower IVs but a potentially better move?

This is a tough question! High IVs are valuable, but a game-changing move can sometimes outweigh them. Consider the specific Pokémon and its potential. If the exclusive move is that good, it might be worth investing in a Pokémon with slightly lower IVs.

What are Elite TMs, and how do they relate to exclusive moves?

Elite TMs are rare items that allow you to teach your Pokémon any move they can learn, including exclusive moves. They're a valuable resource for giving your Pokémon the best possible moveset. If you've powered up a Pokémon and it later gets an exclusive move, you can use an Elite TM to teach it that move.

Are there any Pokémon that I should always save candy for?

Certain Pokémon are known for their potential to receive powerful exclusive moves. Legendary Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina are good examples. Starter Pokémon that have Community Days are also strong candidates for saving candy, as their Community Day moves are often very impactful.

How often do exclusive moves get released in Pokémon GO?

Exclusive moves are often released during special events, such as Community Days, Go Fests, and other celebrations. Niantic typically announces these events in advance, giving you time to prepare.