In order to optimize my stardust, I capture every Pokemon I see, and release them to maximize the number of candies I earn. I evolve some basic Pokemon for the XP and to handle gyms. So far, that's worked well for me.
I'm currently level 11 and I've been catching some basic Pokemon around 220 CP.
Since you can catch higher CP Pokemon as you level, I want to know what level do you think is "OK" to begin to use stardust and candies on rare Pokemon to keep them near their max CP.
So if you evolve and use stardust too early, you can just catch the same Pokemon later with higher CP and don't use as much stardust. I was thinking that around level 25 is probably when I'd start using stardust to power up my Pokemon. Does this make sense?
Best Answer
Like Samthere said, you can delay indefinitely, however id recommend keeping one Pokemon high to take gyms with. Don't power it up more than you have to but keep it high enough to get at least a few gyms. The extra star dust and coins you get should be worth the candies and stardust you spend to keep just one Pokemon high. I usually get rid of anything with a CP meter under 90%. It's probably good to set a goal like level 25, otherwise you probably will delay it indefinitely. Lastly, go ahead and evolve any Ratatas and Spearows (or other really common ones in your area) you can for the experience. Their evolved forms max out pretty low so they aren't really viable later, otherwise leveling will get really slow unless you are hatching eggs left and right.