In Pokémon GO, a buddy Pokémon accompanies you on your journey and gains Candy when you walk specific distances measured in the in-app journal. This guide explains how buddy distances work, lists Pokémon by requirements, and explains how to track progress so you can plan walks efficiently. Whether you aim to earn Candy faster, hatch eggs, or optimize walking routes, knowing each buddy’s distance requirement helps you make the most of every step.
How Buddy Walking Distances Work
Each buddy Pokémon requires you to walk a set distance in the real world to earn one Candy. The in-game journal displays a progress bar with the current step count and total needed. Steps are measured using motion sensors and GPS and only count when you move with the app actively open or, in some cases, running in the background at a reasonable pace. Distances are fixed and do not change with events or individual player progress.
Distance Categories and Expectations
Buddy distances commonly fall into five groups: 1 km, 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 20 km. Shorter distances are typically assigned to common or low-evolution Pokémon, while rarer, more powerful species require longer walks. These distances are tied to each specific Pokémon species; forms that differ visually but share a species name usually share the same requirement. Walking is cumulative, so multiple short walks during the day can add up to the needed total.
Buddy Distance Chart
Use the table below as a quick reference for standard walking requirements by species. Note that event‑specific forms and regional variants can have different distances and should be checked in‑game.
| Distance (km) | Representative Pokémon | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pidgey, Rattata, Zubat | Common early-game choices; easy to complete during daily routines |
| 3 | Oddish, Gastly, Machop | Mid-tier requirements; often found near parks or trails |
| 5 | Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle (starter buddies) | Popular for new players; balanced effort vs reward |
| 10 | Tauros, Scyther, Lapras | Longer walks reward with higher‑rarity Candy |
| 20 | Tyranitar, Snorlax, Dragonite | Rare and high‑CP species; best suited for commutes or dedicated walking sessions |
Managing Multiple Buddies
You can assign a different buddy for each of your three available Buddy Slots, which lets you rotate species based on where you walk and which Candy you need most. One active buddy contributes toward its Candy goal; the others remain paused. Choosing a buddy that lives near your home, workplace, or regular walking route reduces the time needed to complete the distance and increases consistency.
Tracking Progress and Staying Consistent
Open the Pokémon’s summary page to see the exact meters walked and the remaining distance in plain numbers. The journal logs each walk session and the timestamp of every step. To reach your goal reliably, aim for small daily targets that fit your routine, such as 1–3 km per day for shorter-distance buddies or a fixed route that meets a 10 km target a few times per week. Consistent short walks are often more sustainable than occasional long hikes.
Special Cases and Variations
Regional exclusives, event forms, and Spotlight Hours can introduce temporary distance differences for certain species. When an event changes a Pokémon’s form, check the buddy distance in the journal because it may differ from the standard chart. Eggs obtained from PokéStops hatch into Pokémon that typically walk 5 km or 10 km, but the specific species is random and should be verified in-game after incubation.
Strategic Benefits of Using the Buddy System
Walking buddies helps you earn Candy for evolution without using items, discover new Pokémon through encounters along the way, and hatch Eggs by covering distance in your incubator. Selecting the right buddy for your regular routes turns routine travel into steady progress, especially in urban areas where 1 km and 3 km goals can be completed during short trips. Planning longer walks a few times a week makes 10 km and 20 km species attainable without disrupting your schedule.