How to Level Up Fast in Pokémon: A Complete Guide – Leveling up your Pokémon quickly is essential to becoming a strong and competitive trainer in the Pokémon world. Whether you’re playing Pokémon GO, the main series games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, or the latest entries like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, this guide will help you maximize your experience points (XP) and get your Pokémon to higher levels faster.

Leveling System on Pokémon

Before diving into the strategies, it’s important to understand how leveling works in Pokémon games. Experience Points (XP) are gained through various activities such as battling, catching Pokémon, and completing tasks. As your Pokémon accumulate XP, they level up, becoming stronger and often evolving into more powerful forms.

How to Level Up Fast in Pokémon: A Complete Guide

Pokémon Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet

1. Battling Wild Pokémon and Trainers

Battling is the most straightforward way to gain XP. Here are some tips to maximize XP from battles:

Target Higher-Level Pokémon: Battling Pokémon that are higher level than your own yields more XP. Visit areas with strong wild Pokémon or seek out high-level trainers.
Utilize Exp. Share: The Exp. Share item distributes XP to all Pokémon in your party, not just the ones participating in battle. This is crucial for leveling up multiple Pokémon simultaneously.
Max Raid Battles: In Sword and Shield, participate in Max Raid Battles. These battles against Dynamax Pokémon reward substantial XP and rare items like Exp. Candies, which can be used to instantly boost XP.

2. Use of Exp. Candies and Rare Candies

Exp. Candies and Rare Candies are special items that provide immediate XP boosts:

Exp. Candies: These come in different sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) and give varying amounts of XP. You can earn them from Max Raid Battles and use them to level up your Pokémon quickly.
Rare Candies: These items increase a Pokémon’s level by one, regardless of its current level. Use Rare Candies strategically, preferably on Pokémon that require large amounts of XP to level up.

3. Participating in Battles and Tournaments

Participate in battles at the Battle Tower and other in-game tournaments. These battles are not only fun and challenging but also provide XP and other valuable rewards.

4. Catching Pokémon

Catching Pokémon grants XP to your entire party. Catching higher-level Pokémon or using techniques like “Excellent” throws in Pokémon GO can significantly boost the XP earned.

Pokémon GO

1. Catching Pokémon

Curveballs and Throws: Use curveballs and aim for Nice, Great, or Excellent throws to earn bonus XP. Excellent throws provide the highest bonus.
Catch Combos: Catching Pokémon in quick succession builds a catch combo, which increases the amount of XP earned per catch.
Use Incense and Lures: These items attract more Pokémon to your location, giving you more opportunities to catch and earn XP.

2. Participating in Raids and Gym Battles

Raids: Participating in Raid Battles, especially 5-star and Mega Raids, grants significant XP. Join as many raids as possible to maximize your gains.
Gym Battles: Battling and defeating Pokémon in gyms also provides XP. Focus on gyms with high-level Pokémon for better rewards.

3. Completing Field Research and Special Research Tasks

Field Research: Complete daily Field Research tasks to earn XP. These tasks can be as simple as catching a certain number of Pokémon or spinning PokéStops.
Special Research: These are storyline-driven tasks provided by Professor Willow. Completing Special Research tasks often rewards substantial XP and rare items.

4. Hatching Eggs

Hatching Pokémon from eggs is another excellent way to earn XP. The longer the distance required to hatch the egg (2km, 5km, 7km, or 10km), the more XP you’ll receive upon hatching.

General Tips Across All Pokémon Games

1. Use Lucky Eggs (Pokémon GO)

Lucky Eggs double the XP you earn for 30 minutes. Use them strategically during events, community days, or when you’re about to complete multiple high-XP activities.

2. Join In-Game Events

Participate in in-game events which often feature double XP bonuses, special tasks, and other opportunities to earn additional XP.

3. Trading Pokémon

Trading Pokémon with friends can yield XP. In Pokémon GO, the XP earned increases if the trade is a new Pokédex entry or if it occurs during a special event.

4. Focus on Evolution

Evolving Pokémon gives a significant amount of XP. Stock up on Pokémon ready to evolve and use a Lucky Egg to double the XP during a mass evolution session.

5. Daily and Weekly Bonuses

Log in daily and complete the available daily tasks to earn consistent XP. Weekly streaks and bonuses also provide additional XP.

Maximizing Efficiency

1. Plan Your Playtime

Maximize your XP gains by planning your playtime around events, special research tasks, and other high-XP activities. Use items like Lucky Eggs during these periods to double your XP.

2. Multitask

Combine activities whenever possible. For example, walk while using Incense to attract Pokémon, hatch eggs, and complete research tasks simultaneously.

3. Join a Community

Being part of a Pokémon community, whether online or in-person, can provide valuable tips, support, and opportunities to participate in group activities like raids and battles.

Advanced Strategies

1. Buddy System (Pokémon GO)

Use the buddy system to walk with your Pokémon and earn candies. While this doesn’t directly give XP, it helps evolve Pokémon, which grants XP.

2. Elite Four and Champion Rematches (Main Series)

In main series games like Sword and Shield, rematching the Elite Four and the Champion can provide a hefty amount of XP. These battles are challenging but rewarding.

3. EXP Farming Spots

In main series games, certain areas are better for XP farming. Research and identify these spots to maximize your leveling efficiency.

Conclusion

Leveling up fast in Pokémon games requires a mix of strategy, planning, and consistent play. By focusing on battles, utilizing special items like Exp. Candies and Lucky Eggs, participating in events, and completing research tasks, you can significantly boost your XP gains. Remember, the key to leveling up quickly is to combine multiple methods and take advantage of every opportunity to earn XP. Happy training, and may you become the Pokémon Master you aspire to be!