Whether you’re a long-time fan of Pokémon or just looking for something new to occupy your time during social distancing, Pokémon GO is a great way to get some exercise and explore the world of Pokémon.
I had very little prior knowledge of the Pokémon world before my friends convinced me to download the Pokémon GO app this past summer. But now that social distancing measures have been put in place to combat COVID-19, it’s a bit harder to get out and do the things we used to do, including playing Pokémon. Thankfully, the Pokémon GO team has been hard at work to accommodate the new safety guidelines, making it possible to continue playing the game safely, and even from home! Below are some of the changes they’ve enacted recently.
Note: You can still walk to earn rewards and Buddy Pokémon candies, and can catch Pokémon in the wild. However, for some of us, most of the features of the game (like PokéStops and Gyms) aren't accessible from home. That’s where these changes can come in handy.
Rotating 1 PokéCoin bundles in the Shop
For those of you unfamiliar with the game, PokéCoins are earned by leaving your Pokémon to defend Gyms, which are strategically placed throughout the community. Because it’s hard for a lot of us to put our Pokémon in Gyms right now, it’s now an option to get a bunch of items for only a single PokéCoin. This bundle rotates every week, so players can refresh their stores of PokéBalls and other items.
Daily bonus Field Research tasks
Generally speaking, you must spin a PokéStop in order to receive Field Research tasks, which can be completed for various rewards. Now, all players will receive a bonus task every day, making it easier for people to play from the safety and comfort of their own home.
Remote Raid Passes
In order to complete a raid against a powerful Pokémon right now, all you need to have is a remote raid pass (available in the Shop for 1 PokéCoin). Once you have a remote raid pass, you can join any raid that pops up on your “Nearby Raids” screen—no need to get any closer than that!
Throwback Callenges 2020
As a way to celebrate the world of Pokémon in the month of May, the Pokémon GO team has recently introduced Throwback Challenges, which will focus on each of the regions featured in previous Pokémon games. Each challenge comes with its own specific bonuses, is completely playable from home, and will include an encounter with a Legendary Pokémon originally from that region. The Kanto Region Challenge is almost over (you can see the shiny Mewtwo I caught on the left!), but Johto will start as soon as Kanto ends, meaning you're never without a challenge!
This is just a highlight of what the Pokémon GO team has done in order to make the game accessible, even for those of us stuck at home right now. Be sure to check out their blog for more information on changes, as well as anything new they come up with!
Signing off,
A fellow Pokémon GO enthusiast
