Almost exactly on Pokémon GO’s first anniversary, Niantic is releasing its biggest update in months. Raids, a search function, items, new gym functions and more should persuade you to hit the road again.
Pokémon GO Raids update now available
If you open the App Store today, Pokémon GO version 1.37.1 will be waiting for you. The biggest update to date, with a whole load of improvements and features not included in the popular game until today. As the update is rolling out gradually, some features are not yet active. These will be turned on very soon so that everyone can get started with them.
1. Raiden with other players
Pokémon GO is more fun than ever to play with others. The update introduces Raids; group battles against a very powerful Pokémon. Every day you get a Raid Pass with which you can participate in such a boss fight.
If you defeat this monster, all participants will have the opportunity to add an extra rare Pokémon to their collection. By teaming up with other players you will earn new Rare Candies and Technical Machines; an item that gives your monsters new attacks.
2. Expansion for gyms with badges
Niantic wants to make it fun again to have a gym fight. New rules mean there are six spots for Pokémon, and you can’t put two of the same monsters in a gym. To encourage you to compete, you can now also earn badges by beating other teams. By continuing to collect rewards, you can also improve these badges even further. Enough reason to make your current team with Pokémon extra strong.
Also read: 1 year of Pokémon GO: the game had this impact
3. Legendary Pokémon, Finally!
The raid function seems to add something else according to some observant players. The update code reveals that we will soon be getting special Legendary Raids that will finally allow you to catch Legendary Pokémon. As it looks now, you do need a Legendary Raid ticket for this. How to unlock it is not yet clear, although we will undoubtedly find out in the course of the summer.
4. Motivation meter
When you place a Pokémon in a gym, it gets a new motivation meter. It decreases every time it is defeated. When the meter is finished, the animal returns to your collection. By checking this meter regularly, you can replenish it in time by feeding your Pokémon berries.