Recent Pokémon games have massively streamlined the process, making leveling up a more inclusive and less grindy affair. This change arguably started with Pokémon X and Y, as the series began to shift towards catering to a newer and younger player base. That said, there are still plenty of ways for you to farm out EXP if you’re so inclined. So I’ve picked out five of the better grinding spots in all of Pokémon X/Y so you can start building up your team as quickly as possible.
5. Victory Road
Yes, yes. I know what you’re thinking. However, for anyone looking for some quick levels before facing the Elite Four, Victory Road is going to be your best bet. It doesn’t really matter what Pokémon you’re fainting here – so long as you don’t plan on leveling up past 40 or so. Victory Road isn’t exactly an EXP farm, but it has been a staple late-game grind spot in the franchise for as long as I can remember.
4. Elite Four
Speaking of the Elite Four, they themselves are an excellent source of EXP – provided you have the means to consistently beat them. In the X and Y post-game, chances are you’re going to have some pretty beefy Pokémon that can make short work of the Pokémon League. Take those ‘mons into a run of the E4 with one or two low-levels critters you’re working on, and watch as you easily gain double digit levels every single battle. In terms of total EXP gain, this is one of the better options on the list. However, it’s only really farmable for end-game players. And it can be time-consuming if you’re not set up for it, hence why I’ve only put it here in my list.
3. Battle Chateau
The Battle Chateau is our first real grindable and farmable EXP method The Chateau is located on Route 7 and scales with your level, meaning you can farm it for EXP regardless of where you are on your journey. The levels of the Pokémon in the Chateau range between 15 and 60, depending on what rank you are. You gain ranks as you beat more and more trainers in the Chateau. The Battle Chateau, as well as being scalable, actually offers the highest level Pokémon for any NPCs in the game when you make it to the final rank with some extra modifiers. If you’re looking for an end-game farm now, it can be time-consuming to rank your Chateau up to the necessary level. For anyone still in the middle of their journey, though, it’s arguably your best option.
2. Restaurant Le Wow
Farming Restaurant Le Wow is my personal EXP farm of choice. It allows you to stack both levels and cash in equal amounts. The restaurant is located in Lumiose City. It’s just in the North-East part called Hibernal Avenue. The levels of the Pokémon you’re going to be facing here are 60+, so make sure you come prepared if you plan on grinding this one out. It also does cost 100,000 Pokédollars to enter the cafe. And for that price, you get access to a number of different trainers that can all be battled in triple or rotation battles, meaning you get to KO an extra Pokémon compared to single or double battles. If you manage to get through the battles without losing any of your ‘mons, you’ll have enough rewards to sell that’ll not only earn all your money back, but even net you a tidy profit as well.
1. Friend Safari Audino
Last but not least, we have this very specific method for gaining levels: Farming Audino in a friend safari. This method isn’t going to be available to everyone. You need to have a friend that has Audino spawning in their safari in order to effectively grind out EXP this way. If you do, though, just throw on a podcast and enjoy the mindless and unbelievably efficient farming you’re going to endure. Audino is the new Chansey. It gives a ludicrous amount of EXP, especially considering how easy it is to knock out. While you might get more EXP for a single battle in Restaurant Le Wow, farming Audino is going to yield you a higher EXP rate over time.
