‘Shelter In Place’ Sparks More Extreme Changes To ‘Pokémon GO’

Pokemon GO

Niantic

While video game production may be in turmoil with entire studios working from home, actually playing video games is one of the only things many stuck-inside quarantiners can do as state after state, country after country issues “shelter in place” orders where you essentially can’t go anywhere except the pharmacy or grocery store.

One of the only games this directly impacts is Niantic’s Pokémon GO, a game that relies on being outside, playing with other people in close proximity and visiting popular landmarks. This has always been one of its most unique appeals, as so few games are this outdoorsy and social, but now in a global pandemic, it’s a huge detriment to the core concept.

Niantic has already tried a few things to encourage continued Pokémon GO gameplay, increased spawns and such, but now they’re going a step further with a slew of new changes and additions to the game meant to inspire players to stay indoors as much as possible.

Pokemon GO

Niantic

Here’s what’s changing:

There’s now 3x XP and Stardust from your first catch of the day. This bonus stacks with Star Pieces and Lucky Eggs.

There is now a 1 PokeCoin bundle (essentially free) that gives you 100 Pokeballs, which is meant to combat the problem that most people cannot (or at least should not) go to Pokestops for a fresh supply. These bundles will change each week to new items, and there’s already another one that’s 1 coin for 30 incense so you actually have something to catch.

You can now carry 20 gifts in your inventory and open 30 daily, as this is an aspect of the game that relies on having friends that you don’t actually have to see in person. Gifts will now contain more Pokeballs than usual.

These will likely not be the last changes to the game. I have heard a common request from players about the potential for a “plantable” PokeStop that you could say, place on your home to get items from, though that may just be wishful thinking (rural players have been requesting something like that for years).

I do not envy Niantic trying to figure out how to keep people playing a game designed to be social and outdoors in a global pandemic, but they’re doing their best. More to come.

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