The latest update to Niantic's blockbuster game, Pokémon GO has been a low-key affair, with the update rolling out without much fanfare or publicity.
The update titled v0.53.1 has not made any exciting changes or brought any sensational features to the game, but then a closer evaluation of the code proves otherwise.
The new update has specified integrations like an updated Apple Watch interface to view Pokémon eggs obtained through Pokestops, an altered method of distance tracking, to account for GPS drifts and some small text and font fixes.
Silph Road had gone through the gaming code, and clearly, there is more than what meets the eye. The team had found many new features which is embedded into the APK code and these hidden features are bound to excite players across the globe.
New Moves
The APK code displays that several new moves like Counter, Powder Snow, Charge Beam, Volt Switch, Dragon Tail, Infestation and more had been updated to the new moves list. This only happens to be the second instance in the history of the game where new moves have been added to the client list. A total of 38 Quick and Charge moves have been added. The first instance was when Ditto's "Transform" attack got added.
The addition of the move names and graphics has led to the belief that the moves are also going to get integrated into the Pokémon game soon.
Pokémon Forms
Pokémon forms in Gen 2 are being referred to as "UNKNOWN." Form types like "UNKNOWN A" to "UNKNOWN Z" have been mentioned clearly. It is not sure how Niantic will treat its "UNKNOWN" species of Pokémon but it is a clear indication that it is expanding its base and incorporating new species into the gaming environment.
Evolution Items Spawning
The most thrilling aspect of the code that was brought to light was the newly integrated support for Pokémon evolution items. Per the main video games of the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon evolve when they come in contact with certain elements. These items have also been embedded into the APK code with names such as Metal Coat, Kings Rock, Sun Stone, Upgrade and Dragon Scale.
It should however be mentioned, that these items have not yet got their graphics inserted into the code.
New Avatars
Players will be able to customize their characters and modify them, with new items being added to the Glasses, Belts and Necklace ranges. It therefore, enables the player to change the appearance of the character according to their own preference.
News Widget Coming
An overdue feature, The News menu is all set to be installed in the game, where all the news and updates relating to Pokémon GO will be accessible.
Gym Radius Tweaked
Slight changes have been made in the ways in which gym radii function. New upgrades have been installed to handle the gym radius in a smoother way.
New Gender Code And Shinies
The earlier APK versions had mentioned codes for shinies and genders. This patch has been embedded with plenty of codes to implement the features in a manner in which users may be able to receive an update.
Debuggers And Sponsor Types
A revamped system for debugging has been included in the game. Other prominent options includes Species, Gender, Costume, Shiny, Form. It is most likely that these options are set for the final testing stage.
The sponsor type has been a puzzling entry in the APK and the latest patch has specified the following categories - BBQ, PAN and FRYER.
In Conclusion
The latest update patch may seem boring on the outside, but contains many exciting aspects based on the details. As the Pokémon world awaits the arrival of Gen 2 Pokémon and shinies, Niantic has lined up with plenty of other blockbuster announcements and updates for the near future.
Photo: Alton Jefferson II | Flickr
