Pokémon GO is a very dynamic thing, making sure that new challenges, events, and mechanics are always imposed on players. One of these important decisions is the one of selecting between Candela and Arlo, the two personalities in question. This decision has great importance since it affects certain quest findings, rewards, and even some of the Pokémon battles that you will engage in.
In this article, we will go through some differences between the Team Valor’s leader, Candela of Team GO Rocket fame, versus Arlo. Important features will be consequences of choosing one or the other, what rewards accompany this choice, and what this decision would mean for your Pokémon GO experience.
Candela vs. Arlo: The Consequences of Your Choice in Pokémon GO
Whether you’re a competitive player looking to maximize your rewards or a casual trainer aiming for the best storyline experience, this guide will help you make the right choice.
Who are Candela and Arlo in Pokémon GO?
Candela: The Fiery Leader of Team Valor
Candela has had a helping hand in providing empowering leadership to Team Valor- one of the original three Pokémon GO teams. She is the living embodiment of that fiery spirit that burns within every trainer and their Pokémon ore. For everything may sight a trainer and their Pokémon as an image to follow on the way to betterment through hard work, perseverance, and battling.
Candela, along with a fair number of Pokémon GO events, has served as the physical representation of courage and the search for power; these events really seemed to entice trainers into some lust for skill sharpening.
To pick Candela, therefore, means training strong third against the honor of warfare trainers with wars deserved by sweat and honest toil.
Arlo: The Ruthless Team GO Rocket Leader
The top rank in Team GO Rocket belongs to Arlo, an infamous organization that has abused Shadow Pokémon. He has a unique outlook on things.
Arlo was once a Team Valor member, but by switching to Team GO Rocket, he left that faction behind him. Arlo’s battle strategies are the most ruthless kind, and his methods are often characteristically brutal. He deserts his compassion in the pursuit of victory.
The true deal with Arlo is shadow Pokémon, great battles, and maybe even a darker story in Pokémon GO. For the diehard fans of battling it out against the likes of Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders, this will prove to be worthwhile.
What Happens When You Choose Candela or Arlo?
The choice between Candela and Arlo usually appears during special Pokémon GO events, such as Seasonal Research Tasks, Team GO Rocket Takeovers, or Special Storylines introduced by Niantic. While the exact consequences may vary depending on the event, the key differences in choosing one over the other can be broken down into three main aspects:
- Battle Challenges & Opponents
- Rewards & Pokémon Encounters
- Storyline Progression & Gameplay Experience
Let’s explore each of these in detail.
1. Battle Challenges & Opponents
Choosing Candela – Test of Strength
If you choose Candela, you will typically be given a series of trainer battles where you must prove your skill in fair and honorable Pokémon combat. These battles often involve:
- Facing powerful Gym Leader-style opponents
- Testing different battle strategies
- Using Pokémon with strong movesets and synergy
- Battling under specific conditions (e.g., Fire-type focus)
The goal of this path is to hone your battle skills, making it ideal for trainers who enjoy PvP (Player vs. Player) battles or GO Battle League competitions.
Choosing Arlo – Team GO Rocket Showdown
If you choose Arlo, be prepared for a more aggressive battle experience. You will face multiple Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, and Shadow Pokémon battles, including:
- Tougher AI-controlled opponents
- Shadow Pokémon with boosted attack power
- Unpredictable Team GO Rocket lineups
- Higher difficulty battles requiring strategy and counters
Arlo’s path is best suited for trainers who love battling Team GO Rocket and collecting Shadow Pokémon, as this choice typically leads to more Rocket Radar encounters and potential Shadow Legendary Pokémon battles.
2. Rewards & Pokémon Encounters
Your choice between Candela and Arlo directly affects the rewards and Pokémon encounters you receive at the end of the event.
Candela’s Path Rewards
- Rare Pokémon Encounters: Typically features Pokémon associated with fire, strength, and battle. Past events have included Pokémon like Magmar, Blaziken, or legendary Pokémon like Moltres.
- High Stardust & XP Gains: Candela often rewards trainers with high amounts of Stardust and XP, which is great for leveling up.
- Elite Charged or Fast TM: Occasionally, Candela’s path includes Elite TMs, allowing trainers to unlock legacy moves for their Pokémon.
- Incubators & Raid Passes: Sometimes, trainers may also receive bonus Incubators, Raid Passes, or Rare Candy.
Arlo’s Path Rewards
- Shadow Pokémon Encounters: Choosing Arlo often means encountering rare Shadow Pokémon, sometimes even Shadow Legendaries. Past events have featured Shadow Lugia, Shadow Metagross, and Shadow Mewtwo.
- Rocket Radar Bonuses: Trainers opting for Arlo may receive more Rocket Radars, making it easier to battle other Team GO Rocket Leaders.
- Mysterious Components & Super Rocket Radar: If the storyline involves Giovanni, players choosing Arlo may be given a Super Rocket Radar to track him down and battle him for a chance to catch a Shadow Legendary.
- Dark-Themed Pokémon & Items: Some events include Dark-type Pokémon encounters, special dark-themed avatar items, and unique rewards related to Team GO Rocket.
3. Storyline Progression & Gameplay Experience
One of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of choosing between Candela and Arlo is the way it affects the storyline of the event.
Candela’s Path – The Hero’s Journey
Choosing Candela typically results in a storyline focused on training, teamwork, and defeating powerful opponents honorably. The storyline often includes:
- Encouragement from Professor Willow and fellow trainers
- Encounters with other friendly trainers (Blanche or Spark)
- A climactic battle proving your strength as a trainer
- A final reward celebrating your dedication to fair battles
This path is ideal for trainers who enjoy the classic Pokémon hero experience, where you rise through the ranks and emerge victorious through skill and determination.
Arlo’s Path – The Villain’s Challenge
If you choose Arlo, the storyline takes a darker, more intense turn. This usually involves:
- More aggressive interactions with Team GO Rocket members
- Missions involving infiltrating Rocket Hideouts
- Battling against Team GO Rocket’s strongest Pokémon
- A final showdown with Arlo or even Giovanni himself
This path is great for trainers who love battling against Team GO Rocket and enjoy the edgier, more villain-focused aspects of Pokémon GO.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your playstyle and goals in Pokémon GO.
Choose Candela if:
- You enjoy traditional Pokémon battles and PvP mechanics.
- You want better Stardust, XP, and general rewards.
- You prefer a classic storyline where you train to become stronger.
- You want to prepare for GO Battle League.
Choose Arlo if:
- You love battling Team GO Rocket and collecting Shadow Pokémon.
- You want more Rocket Radars and a chance at a Shadow Legendary.
- You enjoy a more intense, villain-based storyline.
- You prefer strategic battles with unpredictable lineups.
No matter which path you choose, Pokémon GO ensures a rewarding and engaging experience. Whether you follow Candela’s path of honorable battle and training or Arlo’s shadowy world of Team GO Rocket battles, your decision will shape your adventure.
So, which side will you take? Choose wisely, trainer!