When many states and countries around the world are sheltering in place during the global coronavirus pandemic, playing a game the requires walking around outside is probably not a great idea. To adjust to this new normal, Pokémon GO is adding several changes that make the AR mobile game easier to play without leaving your own home.
First, everyone will receive one daily bonus Field Research task. Every day at midnight you’ll receive a bonus task without having to spin a PokéStop. The tasks will focus on activities you can do at home.
Buddy pokémon will send gifts to you from PokéStops if you’re running low. You can then send these gifts to friends online.
The Remote Raid Pass will allow you to join any raid on the Nearby screen, without having to physically be near the raid site. The number of Remote Raid Passes that can be used in a raid is currently limited.
In the future, when it’s safe to get together again, the power level of remote users will be reduced. Remote Raid Passes can be purchased for 100 PokéCoins. As an initial bonus, a special 1 PokéCoin bundle also includes Remote Raid Passes.
Finally, pokémon can be powered up faster using candy and stardust, and items will overlap to add their duration. The XP-granting Lucky Egg normally lasts for 30-minutes at a time. Soon you can activate up to 24-hours worth of Lucky Eggs. Watch that phone battery!
Niantic has not announced when these changes will go live. More new updates, such as improved battle screens, are also coming soon. Pokémon GO is free-to-download on mobile devices.
