In Pokémon GO players are reporting new bans due to an exploit that netted some trainers a lot of XL candies. What was going on?
The exploit is related to the new routes feature. Players could utilize the routes through an exploit to get a lot of XL candies for their buddy Pokémon.
Partly, as players report in the subreddit TheSilphRoad regarding Pokémon GO, trainers were able to grab thousands of candies that were not intended to be available.
What is Niantic doing now? Apparently, initial bans are now being issued to players who exploited the system and hoarded XL candies. User milotic03 shared relevant screenshots in the subreddit, reporting bans that can range from 30 to 230 days.
Additionally, further exploitation of the exploit could lead to permanent bans.
Problems with routes in Pokémon GO
How the community is reacting: Generally, players are reacting positively in the comments about the bans, as hoarding XL candies is a significant advantage when leveling Pokémon for PvP, for instance. Especially for rare monsters, it is very challenging to obtain the necessary candies for a high level in the Master League.
At the same time, the exploit with the routes joins a series of problems that players have with the feature. Some emphasize in the comments that they do not find any routes at all, while others apparently exploit them in unintended ways:
I haven’t even found a route, and I live in a city with almost a million inhabitants
, writes user toki_goes_to_jupiter (via reddit).
Others emphasize that the Zygarde cells on the routes are still causing trouble, or are partially difficult to play because they are simply not properly laid out.
Jesus, people are already exploiting routes and the only one I’ve found nearby goes straight through a house of a little kid
, comments user AlternatieNet8931 (via reddit).
Overall, some users are reporting that they still see problems with the routes – aside from the exploit that brings in XL candies. Developer Niantic seems to at least have this on their radar now and is taking action against cheaters.
What do you think of the routes so far? Let us know in the comments!
Otherwise, the next season of Pokémon GO is coming up soon.
