Niantic's Pokémon GO continues to add to its immensely popular augmented reality mobile experience with new post-pandemic gameplay bonuses and incentives. With these updates, players will be able to get better exploration-based rewards. This is just one of a few recent Pokémon GO updates implemented to encourage long-time fans and newcomers to play the game.

As an augmented reality game, Pokémon GO's gameplay consists primarily of moving throughout the real world and interacting with in-game elements simultaneously. With the worldwide COVID-19 virus and subsequent lockdowns, the game's many social aspects, such as gyms and PokéStops, became less attractive as players understandably got warier of public spaces, or were prevented from visiting them at all by regional lockdowns. While the game has remained popular, Niantic is hoping to bring it back to its pre-pandemic glory with these new additions.

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In an official statement, Niantic outlined some of the limited-time gameplay bonuses on the way, as well as announcing the removal of Pokémon GO's pandemic gameplay modifiers. Among the upcoming perks are a 10X experience multiplier when spinning a PokéStop for the first time, increased effectiveness of incense (an item that attracts Pokémon) when on the move, and guaranteed gifts from PokéStop visits. Bonuses implemented during the pandemic, such as increased incense effectiveness while at home, will be removed following this year's Pokémon GO Fest. The statement also noted that some features introduced during the pandemic, including the first catch of the day bonus and increased incense duration, will remain in the game indefinitely. These changes will take effect at the end of July and remain in effect until September 2021 (note that this timeframe applies to players in the U.S. and New Zealand only, with other countries receiving the update on a separate, undisclosed schedule).

While many games saw increased popularity during the pandemic, a game like Pokémon GO, with its unorthodox style of hybrid AR gameplay, was bound to take a hit while people spent more time than ever at home. With this update, Niantic is effectively trying to get the game back to its original design philosophy: an experience centered around real-world interaction and social engagement. Two central pillars of this philosophy are exploration and movement, so rewarding players with gifts and increased chances for Pokémon encounters should have a positive impact on overall engagement.

Considering the combination of Pokémon GO's enduring fanbase and the loosening of pandemic-era restrictions, these new additions might not be necessary to guarantee the game's continued success. However, they could end up making Pokémon GO more popular than ever before, putting Niantic's COVID-era fears to rest.

Next: Pokémon GO Fest 2021: Where & How To Get Tickets

Pokémon GO is currently available on iOS and Android, with the upcoming update available at the end of July 2021 for U.S. and New Zealand players.

Source: Pokemon GO, Pokemon GO/Twitter