Does visiting a new Power Spot earn you a Buddy Heart in Pokemon GO?
Power Spots are the latest additions to Pokemon GO, serving an identical purpose to Max Dens in the main series games. When Dynamax Pokemon arrive in the mobile game, trainers can expect to find them in these locations. However, some players may be wondering if these areas contribute towards collecting hearts for their Buddy Pokemon.
Unlike gyms or Pokestops, Buddy Pokemon do not grant hearts upon being brought to Power Spots. However, this could be fixed in the future, as Niantic might build upon these landmarks when they become more relevant.
How to get Buddy Hearts in Pokemon GO
Many players may assume that visiting a Pokestop may count towards the "Visit a new place" category under Buddy Activities. However, to complete this activity, players have to spin the Photo Disk of a place they have never been to before with their Buddy. Since Power Spots do not have Photo Disks, they don't count towards that goal.
Players can walk with their Buddy to earn hearts. Walking two kilometers will grant trainers a heart. This can be done three times per day.
A heart is also generated whenever players give their Buddy a treat. This can also be done three times per day. This limitation is reset every day at midnight in the trainer's local time.
Additionally, playing with a Buddy grants a heart. Players can use the AR or Quick Treat mechanics to pet the Buddy by rubbing the screen.
Trainers can also earn three hearts per day by using their Buddy in any kind of battle in the game. These can be Team GO Rocket battles, raids, or PvP fights, but they must be completed to obtain the heart.
One of the newest activities players can do to earn hearts is completing a route. Routes are paths trainers can generate for others to find and travel.
Completing one of these routes can net some great rewards. However, players can only earn hearts through this method once per day.
What are Buddy Hearts for in Pokemon GO?
Buddy Hearts are gathered to earn progress towards a creature's Buddy Level. This is similar to how players' friendships can be developed for more benefits.
As the trainer and their Buddy Pokemon's bond grows, the critter earns a variety of benefits, like more candy from walking, the chance to find special items for the player, and much more.
The biggest draw is the extra level a Pokemon unlocks when its friendship level is maxed out. This boost is only applied if the creature with this max level is registered as the player's current Buddy Pokemon. Many high-level trainers use this mechanic to overpower their main pick for Pokemon GO Raid Battles.
For more information on Pokemon GO, check out our other articles:
- Ditto disguises
- Sierra counters
- Cliff counters
- Arlo counters
- Giovanni counters
- Team GO Rocket Grunts