Palkia Vs. Eternatus: Rare Candy Showdown In Pokémon GO

Hey Pokémon GO trainers! Let's dive into a classic dilemma that pops up for all of us: Where do you spend your precious Rare Candies? This time, the spotlight is on whether to power up a Palkia or hold off for the arrival of Eternatus. This is a tough decision, so let's break it down to see what's the best move for your team!

Understanding the Value of Rare Candies in Pokémon GO

Okay, first things first: Rare Candies are Gold! They're the ultimate resource in Pokémon GO for leveling up your Pokémon. You can get them from raids, research tasks, and even some events, so they're always in high demand. When you get a Rare Candy, you can use it to give a Pokémon a level up, and they are super useful for leveling up Legendary and Mythical Pokémon that you can't easily get candies for. The catch? They are precious, and you need to use them wisely. You don't want to be regretting your choices later. So, when you're thinking about who to invest in, you have to think long-term and how they'll fit into your team and your game style.

How Rare Candies work

  • Leveling Up: Each Rare Candy gives a Pokémon one candy, no matter what Pokémon. This is key for Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. Because they are hard to come by, you need to make sure to invest in the right one. Your main method for leveling up Pokémon should always be to catch them, then use Pinap Berries for double the candy. This is not always possible, especially for Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. This is where Rare Candies are invaluable. Think of them as the shortcut to leveling up. They help you bypass the usual grinding and get your Pokémon ready for battle sooner.
  • Resource Management: Remember, Rare Candies are a limited resource. Every one you use is one that you won't have to invest in another Pokémon. So, you need to think about which Pokémon will give you the most bang for your buck. This means thinking about the Pokémon's potential, its role in your team, and how often you'll use it. The more strategic you are, the better.

The Strategic Choice: Palkia vs. Eternatus

Now, to the main event: Palkia versus Eternatus! This is where the real decision-making starts. The first thing to do is look at both of their stats and then look at what they excel at in the game. Then, think about what you need from your team.

  • Palkia: This is a Water/Dragon type Pokémon with some pretty good stats. Palkia's high stats make it a strong attacker in raids and gyms, so it is a versatile choice. It's been in the game for a while, so we know how it works and how it stacks up against other Pokémon. This makes it an easier choice, since we know its performance. It's the safer bet of the two, since we already know its strengths. But is it the best choice?
  • Eternatus: The star of the show. This is a Poison/Dragon type Pokémon that brings a different flavor to the game. Eternatus comes from a newer generation, so it might have unique moves and stats. This brings a sense of anticipation. The unknown makes it exciting. Will it shake up the meta? Could it be a top-tier attacker? If the stats are right, it could be the best option to use your Rare Candies on. But, you also need to wait for it to come out and see its performance. That will be the tricky part.

Evaluating Palkia: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Performance

Palkia, the Spatial Pokémon, is a powerful Legendary that has been a staple in the Pokémon GO meta. Understanding Palkia's strengths and weaknesses is key before deciding to invest your Rare Candies.

Palkia's Attributes: A Closer Look

  • Typing: Palkia is a Water/Dragon type. This typing gives it some unique advantages. Its Water typing makes it strong against Rock, Ground, and Fire-type Pokémon. Its Dragon typing adds more options against other Dragon types. However, it also means it's vulnerable to Dragon and Fairy moves, which are common in the meta.
  • Stats: Palkia has impressive stats, with a high attack stat that makes it a strong damage dealer. Its decent bulk makes it capable of taking some hits, too. This combo is what makes it such a versatile pick for your team. It can be a solid attacker in raids and a good defender in gyms.
  • Movepool: Palkia has access to a range of moves, which is really important. Being able to change up its moves can make it more useful, depending on your situation. It gets access to Dragon Tail and Hydro Pump as its best moves. These moves give Palkia a high damage output.

Palkia in Battle: Raid and Gym Performance

  • Raids: Palkia is a solid attacker in raids. Its high attack stat and powerful moves allow it to deal a lot of damage quickly. It's especially effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type raid bosses.
  • Gyms: While it's not the best gym defender, Palkia can still hold its own. Its typing and stats make it hard for opponents to take down. This means it can be a good option to put in a gym if you need to hold it.

Palkia's Place in the Meta: Is It Worth It?

  • Current Meta: Palkia has been in the game for a while, and it's a well-understood Pokémon. It has a known performance, which makes it an easy choice. You know it is good, but not great. There are other options available that might be even better, so that is something to think about.
  • Availability: Palkia is available in raids from time to time. So, you may have already caught a few. That makes it easier to level up, if you want to get it stronger.
  • Investment: Investing in Palkia is a safe bet. It's a solid Pokémon, but it may not be the most exciting choice. If you need a strong attacker and have limited Rare Candies, it's a good choice, but maybe not the best.

Anticipating Eternatus: Potential and Uncertainties

Now, let's talk about Eternatus. This Pokémon is a wildcard because it is still new. It has potential, but its performance is all speculation. Let's talk about the hype, and what might make it a good pick for your Rare Candies.

Eternatus's Potential: What We Know and What We Don't

  • Typing: Eternatus is a Poison/Dragon type. This is a cool type combination. It opens up new possibilities for its moves. Poison is a very versatile type, and its Dragon typing gives it even more coverage. This can make it good in different situations.
  • Stats: We don't know for sure what Eternatus's stats will be, but it could be impressive. It comes from a newer generation, so it could have something new. If its stats are right, it could change the game.
  • Movepool: The moves will be something to look out for. If it has access to strong moves, it could be a top attacker. Its possible moves can change how you look at this Pokémon.

The Risk and Reward of Eternatus

  • Uncertainty: The biggest thing to understand is that Eternatus is unknown. You don't know how it will perform. You are taking a risk by investing Rare Candies in it before it's released, and you might be disappointed.
  • Potential: There's also a lot of potential. If Eternatus is good, it could become a top choice. It could be better than Palkia, and it would be nice to have it leveled up and ready to go. So, there is that risk/reward feeling with Eternatus.
  • Long-Term Strategy: This is where you need to decide what you want to do. Are you okay with taking the risk for a better reward? Or do you want the safe choice?

Making the Decision: Factors to Consider

Now, it's decision time! To make the right choice, you'll want to think about a couple of things before you invest your Rare Candies. Let's go over them.

Your Team Needs

  • Coverage: What do you need? Are you looking for a strong Water-type attacker for the raids? Or do you need to fill a slot with a cool Dragon-type Pokémon? Or do you have a gap in your team that one of these Pokémon can fill?
  • Current Pokémon: Have you already got a good roster of attackers? Do you have a Pokémon that does what Palkia does? Maybe a better choice would be Eternatus if you need something different.
  • Versatility: How important is it for you to be able to use your Pokémon in different situations? Palkia is more versatile. Eternatus is unknown. Think about how often you use Pokémon in raids, gyms, and PVP. This will affect your decision.

Resource Management

  • Candy Availability: How many candies do you have? Can you get more? Remember, Rare Candies are not the only thing to consider. If you are okay with grinding to catch more, maybe you can wait for Eternatus and get some of its candy.
  • Long-Term Planning: How many Rare Candies do you have? Make sure you have enough for a second Pokémon. If you have a lot, then you can invest in both, but make sure you can maintain your Pokémon team.

Personal Preference

  • Excitement: Which Pokémon excites you more? Which one do you think you'd enjoy using more? It is a game, after all. Pick the Pokémon that will be fun for you to use.
  • Meta: Do you want to try something different? Eternatus could be the top pick in the future. Investing in it now could give you an advantage when it comes out. If you are a big fan of the meta, it is important to choose the one you think is better.

Conclusion: Powering Up Your Pokémon

So, who to choose? It depends! If you want a safe, strong choice and have a need for a Water/Dragon type, then Palkia is a good bet. It's a solid choice. If you like taking risks, are a huge fan of Dragon-types, and are willing to wait and see, Eternatus could be your best pick. It could be amazing.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your playstyle, your team's needs, and your love for Pokémon GO. Good luck, and happy hunting! Let me know what you decide, guys! I hope this guide helped you in your decision to choose. Don't forget to get out there and catch them all.

Photo of Mr. Loba Loba

Mr. Loba Loba

A journalist with more than 5 years of experience ·

A seasoned journalist with more than five years of reporting across technology, business, and culture. Experienced in conducting expert interviews, crafting long-form features, and verifying claims through primary sources and public records. Committed to clear writing, rigorous fact-checking, and transparent citations to help readers make informed decisions.