Rare Candy Tier List (March 2026) – Complete Pokemon GO Guide
I’ve been there countless times – staring at my Rare Candy collection in Pokemon GO, wondering which Pokemon deserves this precious resource. With Rare Candy being one of the most valuable items in the game, making the wrong investment can set you back weeks or even months of progress. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive Rare Candy Tier List to help you make the smartest investments for your Pokemon GO journey.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly which Pokemon are worth your Rare Candy, which ones to avoid, and how to maximize the impact of every single Rare Candy you earn. Whether you’re focused on dominating raids, climbing the PvP ranks, or just want to build the strongest possible team, this tier list will give you the strategic advantage you need.
What is Rare Candy & Why It Matters?
Before diving into the tier list, let me explain why Rare Candy is so valuable in Pokemon GO. According to the official Pokemon GO Wiki, Rare Candy is a mysterious item that can be converted into Candy for any specific kind of Pokemon. Unlike regular candy, you cannot obtain Rare Candy from PokeStops. Instead, it’s rewarded through:
- Raid Battles (3-star or higher raids)
- GO Battle League rewards
- Research tasks (Special and Field Research)
- Adventure Sync rewards
- Level-up rewards (especially Rare Candy XL for levels 41+)
What makes Rare Candy so special is its versatility. While regular Pokemon candy is species-specific, Rare Candy can be converted into candy for ANY Pokemon. This makes it incredibly valuable for:
- Legendary and Mythical Pokemon that can’t be caught in the wild
- Rare Pokemon with high candy requirements (like 400-candy evolutions)
- Meta-relevant Pokemon that you need powered up immediately
The key to Rare Candy management is understanding that it’s a finite resource that should be invested wisely. Every Rare Candy you spend on the wrong Pokemon is a missed opportunity to strengthen your team in a more meaningful way.
Rare Candy Tier List: Complete Rankings (March 2026)
After analyzing thousands of hours of gameplay data, community feedback, and current meta trends, I’ve developed this comprehensive Rare Candy Tier List. The rankings are based on:
- Battle performance in both raids and PvP
- Rarity and availability of the Pokemon
- Future potential (upcoming moves, mega evolutions, etc.)
- Versatility across different game modes
- Candy acquisition difficulty
Here’s the complete Rare Candy Tier List for March 2026:
| Tier | Pokemon | PvE Rating | PvP Rating | Candy Difficulty | Investment Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S+ | Shadow Mewtwo | 10/10 | 9/10 | Extreme | MAX IMMEDIATELY |
| S+ | Mewtwo | 9/10 | 8/10 | Extreme | MAX IMMEDIATELY |
| S+ | Rayquaza | 9/10 | 7/10 | Very High | MAX IMMEDIATELY |
| S+ | Dialga | 8/10 | 10/10 | Very High | MAX IMMEDIATELY |
| S+ | Kyogre | 9/10 | 8/10 | Very High | MAX IMMEDIATELY |
| S+ | Groudon | 9/10 | 8/10 | Very High | MAX IMMEDIATELY |
| S | Zekrom | 9/10 | 8/10 | Very High | HIGH PRIORITY |
| S | Origin Giratina | 9/10 | 9/10 | Very High | HIGH PRIORITY |
| S | Reshiram | 9/10 | 7/10 | Very High | HIGH PRIORITY |
| S | Hero Zacian | 8/10 | 9/10 | Very High | HIGH PRIORITY |
| A | Darkrai | 9/10 | 6/10 | Very High | MEDIUM PRIORITY |
| A | Yveltal | 8/10 | 8/10 | Very High | MEDIUM PRIORITY |
| A | Raikou | 8/10 | 7/10 | High | MEDIUM PRIORITY |
| A | Zarude | 8/10 | 8/10 | Extreme | MEDIUM PRIORITY |
| A | Therian Landorus | 9/10 | 7/10 | High | MEDIUM PRIORITY |
| B | Moltres | 7/10 | 6/10 | High | LOW PRIORITY |
| B | Zapdos | 7/10 | 7/10 | High | LOW PRIORITY |
| B | Ho-Oh | 6/10 | 8/10 | High | LOW PRIORITY |
| B | Palkia | 8/10 | 7/10 | Very High | LOW PRIORITY |
| C | Articuno | 5/10 | 7/10 | High | SITUATIONAL |
| C | Entei | 7/10 | 6/10 | High | SITUATIONAL |
| C | Suicune | 4/10 | 7/10 | High | SITUATIONAL |
| C | Lugia | 5/10 | 8/10 | High | SITUATIONAL |
S-Tier Pokemon: Max Immediately
Shadow Mewtwo
Why it’s S-Tier: Shadow Mewtwo is undisputedly the best Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With Psystrike as its legacy move, it outperforms every other attacker in the game. The shadow bonus makes it even more devastating, capable of soloing raid bosses that would require teams of other Pokemon.
Investment Strategy: If you have a Shadow Mewtwo, this should be your number one priority. Max it immediately, teach it a second charged move, and consider using XL Rare Candy if you’re level 41+. The return on investment is unmatched.
Best Use Cases: Psychic-type raids, general raid attacker, Master League PvP
Mewtwo
Why it’s S-Tier: Even without the shadow bonus, regular Mewtwo is incredible. It has not one but TWO mega evolutions available, making it versatile for both current and future content. Psystrike Mewtwo remains one of the top psychic attackers, and it’s surprisingly effective in Master League PvP.
Investment Strategy: Max out at least one Mewtwo, preferably with good IVs. If you have multiple, consider keeping one at level 30 for raids and maxing another for PvP. The mega evolution potential makes this a future-proof investment.
Best Use Cases: Psychic raids, mega raids, Master League PvP
Rayquaza
Why it’s S-Tier: Rayquaza is the best non-mega, non-shadow dragon-type attacker in the game. Its signature move, Dragon Ascent, makes it devastating against dragon-type raid bosses. Plus, it’s confirmed to receive a mega evolution in the future, making it an excellent long-term investment.
Investment Strategy: Power up your best Rayquaza to at least level 30, preferably higher if you use it frequently. The future mega evolution means this Pokemon will only become more valuable over time.
Best Use Cases: Dragon-type raids, flying-type raids, future mega content
Dialga
Why it’s S-Tier: Dialga is the dragon that doesn’t take super-effective damage from other dragons, thanks to its steel typing. This makes it incredibly valuable in both raids and PvP. In Master League, Dialga is one of the safest and most consistent performers, capable of winning matchups against most meta-relevant Pokemon.
Investment Strategy: Max out at least one Dialga for Master League PvP. If you’re more focused on raids, level 30 is sufficient. Consider best-buddying it to hit important breakpoints for mirror matches.
Best Use Cases: Dragon-type raids, steel-type raids, Master League PvP, Team GO Rocket battles
Kyogre
Why it’s S-Tier: Kyogre is the best non-mega, non-shadow water-type attacker in the game. With its upcoming primal reversion, this Pokemon has tremendous future potential. It’s also surprisingly effective in Master League PvP, forming strong cores with Dialga and other top-tier Pokemon.
Investment Strategy: Invest heavily in Kyogre, especially if you have one with good IVs. The primal reversion will make this Pokemon even more valuable, making it one of the best long-term investments you can make.
Best Use Cases: Water-type raids, Master League PvP, future primal content
Groudon
Why it’s S-Tier: Like Kyogre, Groudon is the best non-mega, non-shadow ground-type attacker and has a primal reversion coming. It’s meta-defining in Master League PvP, especially when equipped with Fire Punch (a legacy move). The combination of current usefulness and future potential makes it an S-tier investment.
Investment Strategy: Max out at least one Groudon, preferably with Fire Punch if possible. The primal reversion will make this Pokemon even more dominant, making it worth the Rare Candy investment.
Best Use Cases: Ground-type raids, Master League PvP, future primal content
A-Tier Pokemon: High Priority Investments
Zekrom
Why it’s A-Tier: Zekrom is the best non-mega, non-shadow electric-type attacker in the game. Its dragon typing gives it additional versatility, and it’s surprisingly effective in Master League PvP. With signature moves like Fusion Bolt and Bolt Strike potentially coming in the future, Zekrom has room to improve.
Investment Strategy: Power up your best Zekrom to at least level 30. If you’re invested in Master League PvP, consider maxing it out. The potential for future signature moves makes this a solid investment.
Best Use Cases: Electric-type raids, Master League PvP
Origin Giratina
Why it’s A-Tier: Origin Giratina is probably the best non-mega, non-shadow ghost-type attacker in the game. It’s meta-defining in Master League PvP and has the potential to become even better with its signature move, Shadow Force. The ghost typing is valuable against psychic and ghost-type raid bosses.
Investment Strategy: If you PvP heavily, max out Origin Giratina. For raid-focused players, level 30 is sufficient. The combination of raid utility and PvP dominance makes this a high-priority investment.
Best Use Cases: Ghost-type raids, Master League PvP
Reshiram
Why it’s A-Tier: Reshiram is the best non-mega, non-shadow fire-type attacker in the game. With signature moves like Fusion Flare and Blue Flare potentially coming, it has room for improvement. While it’s usable in PvP, there are generally better options for Master League.
Investment Strategy: Power up Reshiram to at least level 30 for fire-type raids. If you frequently encounter fire-weak raid bosses, consider maxing it out. The potential for future signature moves makes this a solid investment.
Best Use Cases: Fire-type raids
Hero Zacian
Why it’s A-Tier: Hero Zacian is a very good pseudo-fairy attacker and one of the most versatile Pokemon in Master League. It can serve as a lead, safe swap, or closer, making it incredibly valuable in PvP. Its Crowned Sword variant will be even better when released.
Investment Strategy: If you’re serious about Master League PvP, Hero Zacian is worth maxing out. For more casual players, level 30 is sufficient. The versatility in PvP makes this a high-priority investment for competitive players.
Best Use Cases: Fairy-type raids, Master League PvP
B-Tier Pokemon: Good but Not Essential
Darkrai
Why it’s B-Tier: Darkrai is the best non-mega, non-shadow dark-type attacker in the game. It’s amazing against psychic-type raid bosses, which are quite common. However, it’s too fragile for most PvP scenarios, limiting its versatility.
Investment Strategy: Level 30 is usually sufficient for Darkrai unless you specifically need it for psychic-type raids. The niche utility makes it a good but not essential investment.
Best Use Cases: Dark-type raids, psychic-type raid counters
Yveltal
Why it’s B-Tier: Yveltal is one of the best dark-type attackers in the game and does Darkrai’s job in PvP much better. It has good bulk and typing, making it more versatile than Darkrai. However, it’s not quite as dominant in raids as the S-tier options.
Investment Strategy: If you need a dark-type attacker that can also function in PvP, Yveltal is worth investing in. Level 30-35 is usually sufficient for most players.
Best Use Cases: Dark-type raids, Master League PvP
Raikou
Why it’s B-Tier: Shadow Raikou is the best electric-type attacker in the game, but regular Raikou is slightly outclassed by Zekrom and other shadow Pokemon. It’s still a great attacker and usable in PvP with good coverage from Shadow Ball.
Investment Strategy: If you have a shadow Raikou, it’s worth maxing out. For regular Raikou, level 30 is usually sufficient unless you specifically need an electric-type attacker.
Best Use Cases: Electric-type raids, Ultra League PvP
C-Tier Pokemon: Situational Investments
Articuno, Entei, Suicune, Lugia
Why they’re C-Tier: These legendary Pokemon are generally outclassed by other options in their respective types. They can be useful in specific PvP scenarios but lack the raid performance of higher-tier Pokemon. Lugia, for example, is excellent in PvP but mediocre in raids.
Investment Strategy: Only invest in these Pokemon if you specifically need them for PvP or have a personal attachment to them. Generally, level 30 is more than sufficient, and many players can skip investing Rare Candy in them entirely.
Best Use Cases: Niche PvP scenarios, personal preference
Non-Legendary Pokemon: When to Break the Rules?
While Legendary Pokemon are typically the best Rare Candy investments, there are some non-legendary Pokemon worth considering:
High-Cost Evolutions (400 Candy)
Noibat/Noivern: Noibat requires 400 candy to evolve into Noivern, making it a potential Rare Candy candidate if you need a dragon/flying type quickly.
Axew/Fraxure/Haxorus: Another 400-candy evolution line that can be worth investing in if you need a powerful dragon-type attacker.
Salandit/Salazzle: Female Salandit are relatively rare, and the evolution to Salazzle can be worth Rare Candy if you need a poison/fire type.
Mythical Pokemon
Zarude: As a mythical Pokemon, Zarude is extremely difficult to get candy for normally. It’s also the best non-mega, non-shadow grass-type attacker and viable in Master League PvP.
Hoopa Unbound: Excellent for raids but requires special research to obtain, making candy acquisition difficult.
Meltan/Melmetal: While the Mystery Box makes Meltan candy more accessible, Melmetal is still worth considering for Rare Candy investment if you need a powerful steel-type attacker.
PvP vs PvE Considerations in 2026
Your Rare Candy strategy should vary based on whether you focus more on PvP or PvE content:
PvP-Focused Players
Priority Investments:
- Dialga – Master League king
- Origin Giratina – Master League staple
- Hero Zacian – Versatile Master League option
- Yveltal – Strong dark-type for Master League
- Zekrom – Good electric-type for Master League
Strategy: Focus on Pokemon that perform well in Master League, as this requires the highest investment (level 50). Consider investing in second charged moves for these Pokemon.
PvE/Raid-Focused Players
Priority Investments:
- Shadow Mewtwo – Best raid attacker overall
- Rayquaza – Best dragon-type attacker
- Kyogre – Best water-type attacker
- Groudon – Best ground-type attacker
- Reshiram – Best fire-type attacker
Strategy: Focus on Pokemon that excel in raid scenarios. Level 30-35 is usually sufficient for most raid content, allowing you to spread your Rare Candy across multiple attackers.
2026 Pro Tips and Strategies
1. Save for Second Charged Moves
One of the best uses of Rare Candy is getting second charged moves on your most important Pokemon. This costs 50-100 candy depending on the Pokemon, but the strategic value in PvP is immense.
2. Consider Future Content
When investing Rare Candy, think about upcoming events, mega evolutions, and new moves. Pokemon like Rayquaza, Kyogre, and Groudon are confirmed to get mega/primal evolutions, making them future-proof investments.
3. Personal Preference Matters
While the tier list provides objective rankings, don’t forget to invest in Pokemon you personally enjoy using. If you love using Lugia or have a shiny legendary you’re attached to, it’s okay to invest Rare Candy in it even if it’s not top-tier.
4. Balance Your Investments
Try to maintain a balanced team with coverage against different types. Don’t invest all your Rare Candy in dragon-types when you might need water, electric, or grass-type attackers for different raid scenarios.
5. Keep Some in Reserve
Always keep at least 50-100 Rare Candy in reserve for emergency situations or when you catch a perfect legendary Pokemon that needs immediate investment.
FAQ
What is Rare Candy used for in Pokemon GO?
Rare Candy can be converted into candy for any Pokemon in the game. It’s primarily used for powering up Legendary and Mythical Pokemon that are difficult to obtain candy for through normal means.
How do I get Rare Candy in Pokemon GO?
You can obtain Rare Candy through raid battles (3-star or higher), GO Battle League rewards, research tasks, adventure sync rewards, and level-up rewards (especially Rare Candy XL for levels 41+).
Should I use Rare Candy on non-legendary Pokemon?
Generally, no. Non-legendary Pokemon can usually obtain candy through catching, walking, and other methods. However, exceptions include 400-candy evolutions like Noibat and Axew, or mythical Pokemon like Zarude.
What’s the best Pokemon to use Rare Candy on?
Shadow Mewtwo is currently the best Pokemon to use Rare Candy on, followed by regular Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Dialga, Kyogre, and Groudon. These Pokemon offer the best return on investment in both raids and PvP.
How much Rare Candy should I save?
Keep at least 50-100 Rare Candy in reserve for emergencies or when you catch a high-IV legendary. This ensures you’re never caught without the resources to invest in a valuable Pokemon.
Is Rare Candy XL worth it?
Rare Candy XL is extremely valuable for players level 41+ who want to max out their Pokemon to level 50. It’s especially worth it for PvP-focused players who need their Pokemon at maximum power for Master League.
Should I use Rare Candy on Pokemon for PvP or PvE?
It depends on your playstyle. PvP players should focus on Master League staples like Dialga and Origin Giratina. PvE players should prioritize top raid attackers like Shadow Mewtwo and Rayquaza.
How do I know if a Pokemon is worth Rare Candy?
Consider the Pokemon’s battle performance, rarity, future potential, versatility, and how difficult it is to obtain candy normally. The tier list in this guide provides detailed rankings to help you decide.
Can I reverse Rare Candy usage?
No, once you convert Rare Candy into Pokemon-specific candy, the process cannot be reversed. This is why it’s important to make wise investment decisions.
How often should I use my Rare Candy?
Use Rare Candy strategically when you have a clear goal, such as powering up a Pokemon for an upcoming raid, preparing for PvP season, or when you catch a particularly good Pokemon that needs immediate investment.
Related Content
For more Pokemon GO guides and strategies, check out these related articles on Ofzenandcomputing.com:
- Pokemon GO Scarf Lapras Guide: How To Get & Shiny Tips
- Pokemon GO Tatsugiri Guide: How to Catch All Forms
- Ultimate Giovanni Shadow Giratina Guide in October 2025
- Pokemon GO Lucky Trinket Guide: Get & Use It
- Best Pokemon GO Team Building Path: Lileep Guide
Final Thoughts
Rare Candy is one of the most valuable resources in Pokemon GO, and how you choose to invest it can significantly impact your gameplay experience. By following this comprehensive tier list and considering your personal playstyle, you can make informed decisions that will strengthen your team and enhance your enjoyment of the game.
Remember that Pokemon GO is constantly evolving, with new Pokemon, moves, and mechanics being introduced regularly. I recommend bookmarking this guide and checking back for updates, as the meta can shift with new content releases.
What are your thoughts on this Rare Candy tier list? Do you agree with the rankings, or do you have different priorities for your Rare Candy investments? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below!
This guide was last updated in March 2026 to reflect the current Pokemon GO meta and will be regularly updated as new content is released.