Pokémon Go has been a transformative experience for smartphone users since its release in July 2016, combining augmented reality with the classic world of Pokémon. One of the most engaging features of Pokémon Go is the ability to have a Buddy Pokémon accompany you on your adventures. Unfortunately, many players may encounter issues with this feature, leading to confusion and frustration. In this article, we will explore common reasons why playing with your Buddy in Pokémon Go may not be functioning as expected, along with tips for troubleshooting and maximizing your gameplay experience.
What is the Buddy System in Pokémon Go?
Before diving into the issues surrounding the Buddy feature, it’s essential to understand what it entails. The Buddy system allows players to choose a Pokémon from their collection to walk alongside them in the game. This feature serves multiple functions:
- Accumulate Candy: Players earn Candy for their Buddy Pokémon by walking them. This Candy can be used to evolve or power up Pokémon.
- Adventure Progression: The more you walk with your Buddy, the more benefits you unlock, including special statuses like “Best Buddy,” which improves the Pokémon’s stats.
With these advantages in mind, let’s delve into common problems that may impede your Buddy’s performance.
Common Reasons Why Buddy Play May Not Be Functioning
Despite the engaging features that the Buddy system offers, many players have reported issues with it not working as intended. Here are some of the most common problems experienced by users:
Location Services Disabled
One of the primary reasons Buddy play may not work is that your location services are turned off. Pokémon Go relies heavily on GPS to track your movements and register distance walked with your Buddy. If location services are disabled on your device, the game can’t accurately track your walking progress.
- Make sure your GPS is enabled in your smartphone’s settings.
- Check that GPS signal is strong; being indoors or in areas with poor reception can affect tracking.
Low Battery or Power-Saving Mode
Many smartphones implement a power-saving mode that can restrict background processes, including GPS tracking. If your phone’s battery is low and you have power-saving features activated, it may hinder your ability to walk with your Buddy.
Tips to Avoid Battery Issues
- Keep your Phone Charged: Always try to keep your device charged above 50%.
- Disable Power-Saving Mode: You may want to turn this mode off temporarily while playing.
Game Updates and Bugs
Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon Go, frequently releases updates to enhance gameplay and fix bugs. Occasionally, an update may temporarily disrupt game functionality, leading to issues with the Buddy system.
How to Address Game Bugs
- Update the App: Always ensure you are using the latest version of Pokémon Go, as updates may resolve existing bugs.
- Clear Cache: Sometimes, clearing the app cache can improve performance. On Android, go into your device settings, select Apps, find Pokémon Go, and choose the option to clear cache.
Unexpected Game Interruptions
At times, gameplay can be interrupted due to server issues, which are often out of players’ control. When servers are down or experiencing high traffic, various features, including Buddy play, may not perform as expected.
What to Do During Interruptions
- Check Server Status: Websites like downdetector can provide insights into ongoing server issues with Pokémon Go.
- Be Patient: If the servers are undergoing maintenance or challenges, it may take some time for everything to return to normal.
Optimizing Your Buddy Experience
While it’s essential to troubleshoot issues, maximizing your Buddy Pokémon experience can make your gameplay more enjoyable. Here are some strategies to enhance your interactions with your Buddy:
Choosing the Right Buddy
Selecting the appropriate Buddy Pokémon can significantly impact your experience. Some Pokémon may require more walking to earn Candy, while others contribute to battles better.
Factors to Consider
- Candy Requirements: Choose a Buddy that helps you earn the Candy you need for a Pokémon you wish to evolve.
- Combat Potential: Opt for Buddies that are particularly strong against competitive Pokémon in gym battles.
Utilizing Adventure Sync
Adventure Sync is a feature that allows Pokémon Go to track your walking even when the app is closed. Activating this feature is crucial for leveraging distance walked while working or engaging in other activities.
Steps to Enable Adventure Sync
- Open Pokémon Go.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Find Adventure Sync and turn it on.
- Align it with your phone’s health app for optimal tracking.
Engaging with the Buddy Feature Strategically
Make the most out of the Buddy system by engaging with your Buddy in strategic ways:
- Feeding Your Buddy: Regularly feed your Buddy special treats to increase its happiness level. A happy Buddy provides more benefits, including more frequent Candy rewards.
- Participate in Raids Together: Involving your Buddy in battles and raids can also strengthen your bond.
Conclusion
The Buddy feature in Pokémon Go is rich with potential for enhancing the gameplay experience, from earning Candy to gaining advantages in battles. However, it can also be subject to issues that impede its optimal functioning. Understanding the common causes of malfunction—such as location services, battery management, game updates, and server interruptions—can equip players to troubleshoot effectively.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can enhance your experience with the Buddy system and ensure that it works as intended. Selecting the right Buddy, utilizing Adventure Sync, and engaging with your Buddy thoughtfully can vastly improve your journey in the Pokémon Go world.
Whether you’re a veteran trainer or new to the game, the Buddy system adds an enriching layer to your Pokémon adventure. So gear up, choose your Buddy wisely, and make the most of your time in Pokémon Go!
What is Buddy Play in Pokémon Go?
Buddy Play is a feature in Pokémon Go that allows players to choose a Pokémon to accompany them on their adventures. This buddy can help players earn candies through walking, which can be used for evolving or powering up Pokémon. The system encourages interaction with your chosen Pokémon, as they can find items and provide bonuses based on their buddy level.
Players can also conduct various activities with their buddy, like feeding and playing with them. This engagement not only strengthens the bond with the Pokémon but also enhances the overall gameplay experience. However, there may be instances where players find that Buddy Play isn’t functioning as expected.
Why is my buddy not earning candies?
If your buddy Pokémon isn’t earning candies, it could be due to the minimum distance requirement not being met. Players need to walk a certain distance before gaining a candy, which varies based on the buddy Pokémon’s type. If you’ve recently changed your buddy or have not been active enough, checking the distance walked is a good first step.
Additionally, keep in mind that the maximum candy earned per day is capped. If you’ve already reached that limit, you won’t earn further candies until the next day. Monitoring both the distance traveled and your daily candy cap can help you understand why your buddy isn’t earning candies as expected.
What should I do if my buddy isn’t responding?
If your Pokémon buddy is not responding to interactions such as play or feeding, it may be a temporary glitch within the game. Restarting the app is often a simple yet effective solution to address minor bugs. Additionally, ensure that your game is updated to the latest version, as developers frequently release patches to fix known issues.
In some cases, network connectivity problems may hinder the interaction with your buddy. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection; a poor signal might prevent the game from recognizing your actions. Resetting your connection or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data can sometimes resolve these issues.
Is there a specific distance I need to walk for Buddy Play to work?
Yes, there is a specific distance required for your buddy Pokémon to earn candies, which typically ranges from 1 km to 20 km, depending on the Pokémon’s rarity and type. Each buddy Pokémon has a set distance that must be walked to receive candies; for example, Pikachu requires 1 km, while more unique Pokémon might need more. Keeping track of your walking distance can ensure that you are maximizing your buddy’s candy earning potential.
Additionally, if you have just changed your buddy Pokémon, keep in mind that the distance requirement starts anew. You will need to walk the full required distance again for that new buddy to begin earning candies. Continuous gameplay and consistent walking can significantly enhance your experience with Buddy Play.
Why is the Buddy feature not available for certain Pokémon?
Not all Pokémon can participate in Buddy Play due to some design choices made by the game developers. Pokémon that are classified as “Special” or “mythical,” like Mew or Celebi, cannot be assigned as buddies. This design aims to maintain balance within the game and encourages players to explore a variety of Pokémon types.
Moreover, there might be temporary restrictions based on events or seasons. During promotional events, some Pokémon may be limited to specific activities, impacting their availability as buddy options. To maximize your Buddy Play experience, focus on standard Pokémon options that are fully available for this feature.
What could be causing my app to freeze or crash during Buddy Play?
If your app is freezing or crashing while using Buddy Play, it may be due to insufficient device memory or processing capability. Older devices or those with numerous applications running in the background may struggle to maintain performance during the game. Closing other applications or restarting your device could help free up memory and stabilize the app.
Another reason for crashes could be server issues or game updates. Niantic frequently updates the Pokémon Go app, and server maintenance can create temporary disruptions in gameplay. Checking the developer’s official social media pages or forums can provide updates on any ongoing issues that might be affecting the Buddy Play feature.
How can I troubleshoot Buddy Play issues effectively?
To troubleshoot Buddy Play issues effectively, start by checking your internet connection. A stable and strong connection is vital for the game to register your actions, especially for live features like Buddy Play. If your connection is weak, consider moving to an area with better coverage or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
If connectivity isn’t the issue, try updating the app and restarting your device, as this can eliminate many glitches. Clearing the app cache is also recommended, as accumulated data may cause performance issues over time. Following these steps often resolves most common problems associated with Buddy Play and enhances your overall gaming experience.