Gaming
ByJames DornLast Update on
As an avid Pokemon Go player, one of the most common questions I see popped up is whether or not best buddy status – the highest friendship tier in the buddy system – is permanent. The short answer is no, it is not. But understanding the mechanics behind buddies and their boosts is key to optimizing your gameplay.
What Happens When You Reach Best Buddy Status
Reaching best buddy status with a Pokemon is no easy feat. According to analysis from Pokémon Go Hub, it requires 300 total buddy hearts and around 65-70 interactions. That translates to 65-70 berries or poffins fed, battles fought together, snapshots taken, etc. It typically takes 3-4 weeks for a casual player.
Buddy Level | Hearts Required | Approx. Interactions | Reward |
Good Buddy | 70 | 30-35 | Button on map, souvenirs |
Great Buddy | 150 | 50-60 | + Catch assist |
Ultra Buddy | 300 | 65-70 | Walking around map |
Best Buddy | 300+ | 65-70+ | CP boost in battle |
So what do you actually get for all that hard work? A few prime perks:
A CP boost that powers up your best buddy as if 2 additional levels in combat. This can make a huge difference in Raid and PvP battle performance.
The ability for that Pokémon to walk around on the overworld map with you – a small but cute bonus.
Occasional gift-bearing when they find interesting items during your journeys together.
You also get to show off your gold best buddy medal on your profile. But the CP boost is by far the most beneficial aspect in my opinion as an avid Raider and Battle League enthusiast.
Maintaining Best Buddy Status
Here‘s the catch though – your Pokémon only keeps this best buddy CP boost and other perks while they remain actively designated as your buddy. The second you swap and choose another Pokémon for your buddy slot, the previous best buddy loses all its special boosts and functions like any normal Pokémon again.
Fortunately, Niantic does let you change your designated buddy up to 20 times per day. So it is feasible to cycle different Pokémon into your best buddy slot and take advantage with all of them. But it does require strategically maximizing candy output to re-earn best status repeatedly.
Top Pokémon Worth the Best Buddy Boost
In my opinion from heavy PvP and raid gameplay, the Pokémon that benefit most from the combat CP boost include:
- Dialga, Giratina in Master League
- Medicham, Sableye for Great League
- Azumarill, Gunfisk in Ultra League
- Mewtwo, Shadow Metagross as raid attackers
Figure out your own top battle monsters and make them best buddy priorities.
Efficiency Tips
Here are some key tips to quickly raise buddies to best status with minimal wasted effort:
- Only feed Pokémon Pinap berries for the first few candy levels. Switch to Poffins to accelerate friendship gains once they start taking longer.
- Mega evolve your best buddy for an additional CP percentage boost!
- Swap your buddy whenever they bring a souvenir back to keep leveling a new Pokémon.
Follow those simple rules, and you‘ll have a rotating squad of combat beasts at peak power levels through best buddy CP assistance!
So in summary, no best buddy is not a one-and-done permanent perk. But used properly, it might as well be with the right effort and optimization. Let me know if this guide helps you maximize buddies more successfully!
James Dorn
James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.
As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.
My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."
Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.