Pokemon Legends Z-A Rare Candy: Mission Rewards & City Pickups

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Rare Candies are obtained primarily through specific mission rewards and by picking up glowing items scattered around Lumiose City, with a handful of respawning locations. This guide details every known source, how to farm them efficiently, and answers common questions about this valuable item.

Formula

The calculator above gives a rough total of Rare Candies you can expect in a single playthrough day. The formula is simple:

Total = Mission Rewards + City Pickups

• Mission Rewards (t): The number of Rare Candies you have earned from completing main story and side missions. This number varies based on your progress.
• City Pickups (p): The number of Rare Candies you find as glowing items on the ground in Lumiose City. This is an estimate, as some locations respawn daily.

Worked Example

Using the default values: if you have earned 5 Rare Candies from missions and found 3 pickups today, your total is:

Total = 5 + 3 = 8 Rare Candies

This matches the calculator’s output of 8 candies.

Background: How Rare Candies Work in Legends Z-A

Rare Candies have been a staple in Pokémon games since the beginning, instantly raising a Pokémon’s level by one. In Legends: Z-A, they are particularly valuable because the game’s level curve can be steep, especially during the late-game and post-game content. Unlike some previous titles, there is no easy infinite farming method early on, making each candy count. The game also introduces a new mechanic where certain missions (both main story and side quests from NPCs) reward you with Rare Candies for completing specific objectives.

Mission Rewards: The Reliable Source

The most consistent way to get Rare Candies is by completing missions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Main Story Missions: Key story milestones often reward Rare Candies. For example, defeating a major boss or clearing a story chapter might give you 1-3 candies.
• Side Missions: Many NPCs in Lumiose City offer side quests. These range from catching a specific Pokémon to delivering an item. The reward is often a Rare Candy, especially for longer quests.
• Repeatable Missions: Some side missions are repeatable, allowing you to earn Rare Candies multiple times. However, the reward may decrease or change after the first completion.

Always check the mission board in the hotel lobby or talk to NPCs with a yellow speech bubble—they often indicate a mission is available.

City Pickups: The Scavenger Hunt

Lumiose City is huge, and hidden throughout are sparkling items on the ground. These are the “city pickups.” Here’s how they work:

• Locations: Rare Candies can be found in alleys, parks, near fountains, and behind buildings. They are often in out-of-the-way spots that require a bit of exploration.
• Respawn Rate: Most pickups respawn daily (after midnight in real time or after a certain number of steps). A few may respawn only after you leave and re-enter the area.
• Not Guaranteed: The item you find is random. You might find a Rare Candy, but you could also find a Poké Ball, a Potion, or a Nugget. So, pickups are not a guaranteed Rare Candy source.

To maximize your pickups, systematically walk through every district of Lumiose City each day. Use the city map to mark areas you’ve checked.

How to Choose: Missions vs. Pickups

If you need Rare Candies quickly, focus on missions because they are guaranteed. If you are low on time but want to passively collect, do a daily pickup route. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Missions: Guaranteed reward, but may take 15-30 minutes each.
• Pickups: Quick to check, but random reward and limited per day.

For most players, a combination is best: do any available missions first, then spend 10 minutes on a pickup route.

Common Problems & Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Rare Candies are unlimited in the post-game. While there is a way to farm them via the Battle Facility (if it exists in this game), it is not infinite—you are limited to a certain number per day. Another issue is that some players miss pickups because they don’t look carefully. Items can be hidden behind trees, on rooftops (if you can climb), or in water. Always use your Poké Radar or just walk slowly.

Another problem is hoarding. Many players save Rare Candies “for later” and never use them. It’s often better to use them to evolve a Pokémon or to level up a newly caught team member to catch up with your current team.

Comparisons with Other Pokémon Games

In earlier games like Sword/Shield, Rare Candies were primarily obtained from the Digging Duo (random) or from the Wild Area. In Scarlet/Violet, you could find them on the ground and from Tera Raid battles. Legends: Z-A is unique in that it ties Rare Candies heavily to mission completion, making it more structured. The pickup system is similar to Legends: Arceus, where items were scattered around the map, but in Z-A, the city environment makes them easier to miss.

Costs & Efficiency

There is no monetary cost to obtaining Rare Candies through missions or pickups—they are free. However, there is a time cost. If you are trying to level up a Pokémon from level 50 to 60, you need 10 Rare Candies. That could take several hours of mission grinding or a few days of pickups. Alternatively, you could battle wild Pokémon or trainers, which is free but slower in terms of real-world time.

If you are in a hurry, the most efficient method is to focus on missions that give multiple Rare Candies (like those that ask you to catch a rare Pokémon). These are often worth the effort.

Safety & Legitimacy

All methods described here are legitimate and safe—no glitches or exploits are involved. Be wary of any online guide that suggests using a “Rare Candy glitch” or “duplication trick.” These often require precise timing and can corrupt your save file. Stick to the intended methods of missions and pickups.

Alternatives to Rare Candies

If you are running low on Rare Candies, consider these alternatives:

• Exp. Candy: These come in various sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) and give a set amount of experience points. They are often easier to obtain from raids or battles.
• Battle with higher-level Pokémon: Find an area with high-level wild Pokémon and battle them. Use a Pokémon with a type advantage to win quickly.
• Lucky Egg: If you have a Lucky Egg (an item that boosts experience gain), give it to the Pokémon you are leveling up.
• Trainer Battles: Rematch trainers in the city; they often have higher-level teams after you beat the main story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Rare Candies respawn in the same spot every day?

Yes, most pickup locations respawn daily, but the item you get is random. You might get a Rare Candy one day and a Potion the next. It’s still worth checking every spot daily.

Can I get Rare Candies from the Battle Facility?

If the game includes a Battle Tower or similar facility, Rare Candies are often rewards for reaching certain win streaks. However, this is not confirmed for Z-A, and the rewards may be limited to once per day.

Are there any missions that give multiple Rare Candies?

Yes, some main story missions and high-level side missions reward 2-3 Rare Candies. Look for missions that involve catching a legendary or mythical Pokémon, as they tend to give better rewards.

What is the fastest way to get Rare Candies?

The fastest way is to complete side missions that offer Rare Candies as a reward, as they are guaranteed. If you have already done all missions, then your only option is daily pickups, which is slower.

Can I sell Rare Candies for money?

Yes, you can sell Rare Candies at a Poké Mart for a decent amount of money, but it’s almost always better to use them for leveling up. If you are desperate for cash, sell a few, but don’t rely on it as a steady income.

Do Rare Candies work on Pokémon at level 100?

No, Rare Candies cannot be used on a Pokémon that is already at level 100. They are only useful for levels 1-99.

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in t | Rare Candies from missions | count | 5 | 0 | 999
in p | Pickups per day (approx.) | count | 3 | 0 | 50
out total | Total Rare Candies (approx.) | candies | t + p | 0