What are XXL Pokemon and Why Do They Matter?

Hi fellow trainer! Have you come across any XXL or XXS Pokémon during your journeys and wondered what the deal is with them? As a passionate Pokémon GO player and data analyst myself, I‘ve done some digging into this special feature. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about these oversized and tiny Pokémon!

A Brief History of Sizes in Pokémon GO

Back in November 2020, Niantic first introduced the ability to catch Pokémon with XXS and XXL size variations in Pokémon GO. At launch, this feature only applied to certain Pokémon species like Magikarp, Pikachu, and more.

Over time, Niantic expanded the roster of Pokémon able to appear in special sizes. In December 2021, all Pokémon became eligible to spawn as XXS or XXL versions! However, these size variants remain very rare. You might go months without seeing one.

Based on data gathered by the Silph Research Group, the chance of catching an XXS or XXL Pokémon is around 1 in 500 in the wild. For perspective, shinies have an approximate 1 in 500 chance. So it‘s fair to say these unusually big and small Pokémon are uncommon finds.

Do XXS or XXL Pokémon Have Any Competitive Advantage?

Nope! Niantic has confirmed that beyond visual differences, XXS and XXL Pokémon function identically in battle compared to normal sized versions. Their stats, moves, CP, and performance are unchanged.

This means you don‘t have to fret about missing out if you don‘t manage to catch that XXL Gyarados or XXS Bulbasaur you‘ve been chasing. Aside from looking bigger or smaller on the catch screen and in your Pokémon storage, their battle viability is identical.

The One Gameplay Perk: Size Medal Bonuses!

There is one gameplay perk for hunting down XXS and XXL Pokémon however – size medals!

Currently, there are two medals connected to catching large and small Pokémon:

• Youngster – Catch 30 XXS Rattata
• Fisherman – Catch 30 XXL Magikarp

When you earn the Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers for these medals, you‘ll get a permanent XP bonus applied to all catches. At Gold tier it‘s a 1.25x bonus!

So capturing those tiny Rattatas and jumbo Magikarps has a practical purpose after all. Plus it‘s fun to show off the brag-worthy gold medals.

Introducing XL Candy – A True Power Boost for Pokémon

Now let‘s talk about XL Candy, which is an entirely different beast from XXS/XXL sizes. XL Candy was also added to Pokémon GO in late 2020.

This special candy resource enables you to increase a Pokémon‘s level past the old cap at 40, all the way up to 50! The higher max level translates into dramatically increased Combat Power (CP).

For example, a perfect IV Shadow Mewtwo at Level 40 maxes out around 4774 CP. At Level 50, that same Shadow Mewtwo can hit over 5500 CP! That‘s a huge difference.

Just How Rare is XL Candy?

But XL Candy does not come easy. As of February 2022, there were only 31 total XL Rare Candies available through level up rewards in the entire game! And you need hundreds to max out a Pokémon.

Some reliable ways to get XL Candy include:

• Catching Pokémon rewards (random chance)
• Hatching eggs
• Participating in raids
• Converting 100 regular candy to 1 XL candy
• Trading Pokémon
• Weekly Adventure Sync rewards

Certain events may also reward bonus XL Candy, so be sure to capitalize during those times!

Which Pokémon Are Worth the Investment?

With how scarce XL Candy is, you‘ll want to be selective in which Pokémon you choose to power up past 40. Focus on your highest IV legends and pseudo-legends first.

Some great XL Candy candidates include:

• Mewtwo
• Rayquaza
• Dialga
• Giratina
• Kyogre
• Groudon
• Melmetal
• Zacian
• Zamazenta
• Any other personal favorites!

I recently used my stockpile to take my 98% Shadow Mewtwo to level 50. It was so satisfying to see it surpass 4700 CP and hit harder than ever!

Wisely Invest Your XL Candy as a Limited Resource

Here are some tips to make the most of your XL candy as a newer or casual player:

• Be selective – only use it on your 4 or high 3 Pokemon first
• Focus on legendaries and meta-relevant Pokémon
• Max our your best raid counters to optimize your overall team
• Don‘t worry about hitting the new level 50 cap right away, take your time!
• Use rare XL candy very sparingly and only on favorites
• Trade unwanted Pokémon for a chance at XL candy

Closing Thoughts on Special Sizes and XL Power Ups

And there you have it – an in-depth look at the XXS, XXL size feature and game-changing XL candies! While oversized Pokémon are just cosmetic, XL power ups grant a real competitive edge.

I hope this guide gave you insight into these special size variations and XL candy mechanics. Let me know if you have any other questions. And as always, happy hunting! Your fellow Pokémon pal truly appreciates you taking the time to read.