08 Feb 2024 4:58 PM +00:00 UTC

How to get XP fast in Pokémon Go

Niantic's augmented reality success, Pokemon Go, offers a plethora of strategies to get XP fast. These include capturing pocket creatures in the wild to Raid Battles. Although confusing at times, and purposely hard, Pokemon Go becomes easier with more experience as you level up and get more Pokemon to fight your battles.

If you are struggling to level up or just want to up your game, you are in the right place as we will cover some of the most practical methods with a few insightful tips to get XP fast in Pokemon Go. Sometimes all you need to do is just catch a Pokémon, but there are plenty of other ways to get XP.

Best ways to earn XP fast in Pokemon Go

Catch Pokemon for XP

Catching Pokémon is the bedrock of your Trainer journey. Each catch brings a new creature into your collection and valuable XP.

Catch Pokemon: Every successful catch rewards you with 100 XP. Keep your Poke Balls stocked.
Catch a new Pokemon: Encounter and catch a Pokemon you haven't captured before to earn 500 XP.
Registering Pokemon in Pokedex: Completing your Pokedex by registering a new Pokemon adds 1000 XP to your Trainer profile.
Curve Ball: Adding a spin to your throw with a Curve Ball earns you an additional 20 XP.
Nice Throw/Great Throw/Excellent Throw: Perfecting your throwing skills brings varying XP rewards.
First Throw: The initial throw during a Pokemon encounter grants 50 XP.
Catch a Pokemon in AR mode: Augmented Reality (AR) mode captures earn you an extra 300 XP.
Catch a Pokemon for the 100th time: Your centennial catch will get you an additional 100 XP.

Hatch Pokemon eggs for XP

Hatching Pokemon Eggs introduces an element of anticipation and offers substantial XP rewards. Make your journey more exciting with these tips:

Hatch 2km Egg: Walking 2 kilometers to hatch an egg rewards you with 500 XP.
Hatch 5km Egg: For longer walks, a 5km egg brings 1000 XP upon hatching.
Hatch 7km Egg: Eggs acquired from Gifts often require 7 kilometres to hatch, earning you 1500 XP.
Hatch 10km Egg: Rare and valuable Pokemon can hatch from 10km eggs, along with a generous 1000 XP reward.
Hatch 12km Egg: The most elusive eggs, obtained from Team GO Rocket leaders, offer a whopping 4000 XP upon hatching.

Evolve Pokemon for XP

Evolution is not just a means to improve your Pokemon; it also can be used for XP gains.

Evolving a Pokemon: Each evolution gives 1000 XP. Save your candies for a mass evolution spree, ideally during Spotlight Hour events for a 2x XP boost.

Spin PhotoDiscs for XP

Spinning PokeStops and Gyms is a routine activity, but it's also a consistent source of XP.

Spin a PokeStop: Every spin rewards you with 100 XP. Regularly spin Stops as you move through your environment.
Spin a new PokeStop: Encountering and spinning a new PokéStop grants an additional 300 XP as a bonus. Explore new areas for new PokeStops.
Spin 10 unique PokéStops in 30 minutes: Rapidly spinning ten unique PokeStops within 30 minutes results in a bonus of 100 XP. Plan your route during this bonus period for full gains.
Spin an enemy/neutral Gym (Gold): Interact with the enemy or neutral Gyms with a Gold badge for 100 XP. You should focus on earning Gold badges at Gyms for consistent rewards.
Spin a Friendly Gym (Gold): Similarly, spinning a Gym with a Gold badge on the friendly team earns you 125 XP.

Win raids for XP

Participating in Raid Battles is a thrilling and rewarding experience. Delve into the XP rewards and strategies for successful Raid Battles.

Win Tier 1 Raid: Successfully defeating a Tier 1 Raid Boss awards 3500 XP.
Win Tier 3 or 4 Raid: Higher-tier Raids offer more XP, with 5000 XP for Tier 3 or 4 Raid victories. Assemble a strong team for these challenges.
Win Tier 5 (Legendary) Raid: Legendary Pokemon Raids provide a substantial 10,000 XP reward. Work with fellow Trainers to conquer these formidable foes.
Win Elite Raid: Elite Raids offer an impressive 12,000 XP for victorious Trainers.
Win Mega Legendary Raid: Mega Legendary Raids bring the highest XP reward, with 13,000 XP for successful battles.

Increase friendship for XP

Pokemon Go Friendship level — Pokemon Go friendship level

In Pokemon Go, building and strengthening friendships is not just a social endeavour. It also awards XP.

Gift a Friend: Sending a gift to a friend earns you 200 XP. Regularly exchange gifts for consistent XP gains.
Become Good Friends: Good Friends status brings a generous 3,000 XP reward. You can engage in mutual activities to progress to this level.
Become Great Friends: Great Friends status increases your XP gain, offering 10,000 XP. Regular interactions and battles can improve your friendship.
Become Ultra Friends: Ultra Friends status results in a significant 50,000 XP reward. Do trades, go into battles, and other shared activities to strengthen your bond.
Become Best Friends: Best Friends status, is rewarded with an impressive 100,000 XP.

Double XP with Lucky Eggs

Pokemon Lucky Eggs — Pokemon Go Lucky Eggs

Lucky Eggs provide a temporary but powerful boost to your XP gains.

Activate Lucky Egg: Activating a Lucky Egg doubles your XP gains for 30 minutes. Use Lucky Eggs during high XP-earning events, such as Community Day and Spotlight Hour.

There are plenty more things to do in the augmented world of Pokemon Go, but these are set to be the most successful ones if you want to get XP fast. If you're after even more Pokemon Go guides, check out how to get coins or how to share your referral code.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Pokémon GO page.