Niantic's Pokemon Go usually requires players to journey to the outside world to find Pokemon in the streets and join raid battles at certain spots. However, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to stay at home, the developers tweaked the game so fans can still enjoy the game without the risks of getting infected with COVID-19.
Niantic is Continuously Tweaking Pokemon Go
In a blog post, Niantic has shared the changes they are doing for the game, specifically making the game enjoyable to play indoors as it is outside.
Since Pokemon Go's primary goal when it was created was to encourage exercising and social interaction, Niantic is developing ways to still encourage these without risking the players' safety.
So far, Niantic is still exploring ways and continuously tweaking the game to provide better social features for the game and how they could possibly help players explore real-life spots virtually.
Plus, they're also working on how players can participate in the summer events while at home, including the Pokemon Go Fest, despite not knowing what the future holds with regards to the coronavirus pandemic.
There have already been a few changes in the game.
Changes in the Game
According to Polygon, Pokemon trainers should be able to track their steps indoors through Adventure Sync, which allows anyone to use activities like cleaning the house or using the treadmills to count.
Nevertheless, fans are perhaps more excited to know that they can finally stay indoors and still join raid battles, which is one of the few ways to catch a rare Legendary Pokemon that are available for a limited time only, as GameSpot noted.
Although the company has already confirmed it's coming soon, there is still no word as to how it will work and when it will be rolled out to the public.
Additionally, Niantic is working on a new feature called Today View.
This tab allows Pokemon Go players to know ongoing as well as upcoming live events and also personal stats, including what Pokemon you have that are currently defending gyms, as well as daily streaks.
New Legendary and Mythical Pokemon are Coming!
Meanwhile, Niantic is adding a new Legendary Pokemon, Landorus, which is the final Pokemon in the Forces of Nature trio that was originally from the Pokemon Black and White.
Landorus should be available in raid battles from Mar. 31 to Apr. 21.
Apart from five-star raids, Landorus can also be acquired through the Go Battle League as a reward for a limited time only.
Besides Landorus, the Mythical Pokemon Genesect, which initially made an appearance during the most recent Drive to Investigate Special Research event, will also be spawning in EX Raids this April, although there is still no exact date as to when the Pokemon will make an appearance again.
Niantic is also offering 1 PokeCoin bundle in the in-game store, and they have also removed the Go Battle League's walking requirement so players can still take part in the league while they are currently in self-isolation.
Pokemon Go is an Augmented Reality game that is currently available for both Android and iOS smartphones.
