In a December blog post, Niantic introduced an all-new feature on their hit AR video game: the Pokémon GO Buddy Adventure. Set to roll out worldwide in 2020, the Buddy Adventure feature lets Trainers explore the Pokémon GO universe side by side with their Buddy Pokémon like never before.
"Since launching Pokémon GO, this might be the most collaborative feature we have had with The Pokémon Company," said Ryuta Hiroi, Niantic's lead product manager on the project. "Even with your phone in your pocket, you'll feel like your buddy is right beside you!"
Lena Verstappen, their tech artist on the project, shared that they created each Pokémon in a "deeply respectful way."
"It's almost as if each Pokémon were a family member!" she said. "How they eat, how they walk, and even where the Best Buddy Ribbon should be placed on each Pokémon's body-all of this and more was taken into account when crafting an as-immersive-as-possible experience."
Buddy Adventure in a Nutshell
In a press release published by the Pokémon GO Team, Buddy Adventure is an elevated bonding experience where Trainers and their chosen buddies can explore the world and grow side by side as they journey in a richer Pokémon world.
Watch the promo video below:
The Buddy Levels
Here are the Buddy Levels you can unlock:
- Good Buddy: On this level, you'll see your buddy on the map following right behind you.
- Great Buddy: On this level, you'll be able to tap your buddy for help, like bringing your items in Pokémon encounters.
- Ultra Buddy: On this level, your buddy can point you to interesting places nearby and bring you Souvenirs.
- Best Buddy: On this level, you and your buddy will have a Best Buddy Ribbon. Your Best Buddy can get a CP boost in combat as long as they're assigned as your Buddy Pokémon.
How to Increase Buddy Levels
For starters, Trainers have to feed their buddies Berries to increase their Buddy Level to Good Buddy. You can increase your Buddy Level by doing the following:
- Playing With Your Buddy Pokémon
- Feeding Your Buddy Pokémon Treats
- Battling and Exploring With Your Buddy Pokémon
How to Unlock Other Buddy Adventure Perks
Your buddy has various moods. When you reach the highest mood (excited), you as a Trainer can unlock the following Perks:
- Cut the Distance It Takes for Your Buddy to Find Candy
- Double the Number of Hearts Earned per Action
- Earn Bonus Hearts
Buddy Adventure Playing Tips
- Feed Your Buddy - To feed and interact with your buddy, click the Play button on the new buddy profile page.
- Play With Your Buddy - Apart from feeding them, you can also play with your buddies. Turn on your AR+ feature to see what your buddy does when you interact with it. Each Pokémon has its own quirks and ways to express itself, so watch closely to get acquainted with their expressions and movements.
- Swap Buddy Pokémon - Swapping Buddy Pokémon no longer resets your progress. Trainers can switch to a new buddy anytime without worrying about the Candies they earned.
- Earn Affection - Earn affection to get closer with your buddy. Affection can be measured by hearts. To earn hearts, feed your buddy, explore, battle, and play with it, and take snapshots of it.
- Enjoy an Upgraded Buddy Profile Page - Apart from seeing your buddy's progress, moods, and daily activities, you can also see the history of your previous Buddy Pokémon.
The best tip of all comes from the Pokémon GO Team themselves: remember that friendship is something you build together. Complete the daily tasks with your buddy to earn more affection and be fast friends!
SEE ALSO: Pokémon GO Holidays 2019 Event: End the Year Strong With These Special Gifts From Niantic
