Pokemon GO's latest major update totally overhauled the mobile AR game's buddy system. Buddies used to only be used to earn a little bit of extra candy, but now there is much more to do with the companion Pokemon. That means there are a lot of new mechanics and strategies for trainers to study and master.
Part of Pokemon GO's new buddy system involves leveling up your loyalty with your companion by completing certain activities and helping your buddy reach a certain excitement threshold. This can be done easily using Poffins, but most trainers will want to find an alternative way to help their buddy reach the excitement level each day without burning through those items.
Luckily, the Pokemon GO community has experimented with the new buddy system enough to confirm there are ways to get your buddy excited reliably without using a Poffin. Trainers simply need to follow the outlined rules and complete the related activities listed below.
The Rules
You will need 32 Points per day to reach Excited mood for your Buddy
Each Activity you do has a 30 minute cooldown, except Walk 2 KM per day
You need to do these activities three times per day, as you can earn 14 Points from completing all of them
Activities That Award Excitement Points
Visit a new location - 1 point
Walk 2 km - 3 points
Feed your Buddy - 1 point
Play with your Buddy - 1 point
Take a Snapshot of the Buddy - 1 point
Open a Souvenir / Present (requires Great Buddy) - 3 points
Visit a Location highlighted by your Buddy - 3 points
Most of these activities are pretty easy to accomplish simply by playing the game for a bit of time each day. Visiting a new location will be particularly tough for rural players, but the rest are pretty doable on a regular basis without going out of the way very much.
For now, players may want to keep hunting down the best Unova Pokemon in the game if improving their Battle Raid rosters is their primary goal. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO Hub