The latest Pokémon Go event, "Beloved Buddies" presents trainers with a crucial decision: Should you align with Candela or Arlo? This choice will determine your research tasks, rewards, and the Pokémon you encounter. Let’s break down the benefits of each path to help you decide.

Candela’s Path: PvP and Social Play

If you favor PvP battles and enjoy engaging with other players, Candela’s path may be the right choice for you. Here’s what you get:

PvP-relevant rewards: Dunsparce, a viable pick for Great League battles.
Social tasks: Requires adding a friend and trading Pokémon.
Poffins: Ideal for maximizing your buddy’s affection.

However, if you’re a solo player or don’t have active friends in-game, the social requirements might make completing the research more difficult.

Arlo’s Path: PvE and Rocket Battles

For those more interested in battling Team Go Rocket and PvE content, Arlo’s path is a solid option

• Rocket Radar: A must-have if you’re hunting Giovanni or Team Go Rocket leaders.
• PvE-friendly Pokémon: Cubone (which evolves into Marowak) and Scizor (which can Mega Evolve for strong bug-type attacks).
• Easier tasks: No need to add friends or trade Pokémon, making it a better pick for solo players.

Research Steps and Rewards

Regardless of the path, all trainers must complete the first step before choosing Candela or Arlo. Here’s a quick look at the tasks and rewards:

Step 1 (Same for Both Paths)

• Catch 15 Pokémon - 5 Ultra Balls
• Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms - Remoraid encounter
• Explore 2 km - Mantine encounter
• Rewards: 1,000 Stardust, 1,000 XP

Step 2: Candela’s Tasks & Rewards

• Earn 10 hearts with your buddy - 500 Stardust
• Earn a candy exploring with your buddy - Luvdisc encounter
• Make a new friend - 2 Poffins
• Final Rewards: Dunsparce encounter, 2,000 XP

Step 2: Arlo’s Tasks & Rewards

• Catch 15 Pokémon - 500 Stardust
• Transfer 5 Pokémon - Cubone encounter
• Defeat 3 Team Go Rocket Grunts - 1 Rocket Radar
• Final Rewards: Shadow Diglett encounter, 2,000 XP

Step 3: Candela’s Tasks & Rewards

• Play with your buddy 5 times - 10 Ultra Balls
• Send 3 gifts to friends - 500 Stardust
• Trade a Pokémon - Shellder encounter
• Final Rewards: Rapidash encounter, 3,000 XP, 2,000 Stardust

Step 3: Arlo’s Tasks & Rewards

• Catch 25 Pokémon - 10 Ultra Balls
• Transfer 15 Pokémon - 500 Stardust
• Defeat Team Go Rocket Arlo - Slowpoke encounter
• Final Rewards: Scizor encounter, 3,000 XP, 2,000 Stardust

Which Path is Best?

• Choose Candela if you want PvP rewards and don’t mind social tasks.
• Choose Arlo if you prefer battling Team Go Rocket and need a Rocket Radar.
• For solo players, Arlo is the easier option since Candela requires trading and making friends.

Whichever path you pick, complete all steps before February 15 at 8 p.m. local time to claim your rewards. Good luck, trainers!