In Pokémon GO the PokéStops and Gyms now look a bit different after the update 0.229 than you might be used to. We at MeinMMO have looked into what is behind the visual adjustment and explain it to you.
What are PokéStops and Gyms? The basic concept of Pokémon GO is that trainers go outside and explore their surroundings. Therefore, noteworthy locations, submitted in advance by players, are marked on the map with a PokéStop or a Gym.
Anyone visiting such a location can spin the photo disc of the PokéStop or Gym and receive a small reward in the form of items and Stardust. Gyms also serve the purpose that you can collect coins or battle (legendary) raid bosses there.
Now Niantic has changed the appearance of the PokéStops and Gyms. We explain to you the reason behind it.
What is new about the PokéStops and Gyms?
Those who regularly play Pokémon GO may have noticed some visual changes at the PokéStops today. From a distance, the stops now appear larger and the crossbar starts higher up at the stop.
And the reddit user kodipaws was also surprised when looking at one or another PokéStop. As he writes in a comment, they looked as if they were leveled up, although they were not (via reddit.com). So what is behind the visual changes?
That’s why PokéStops and Gyms look different now
As Niantic has communicated, there was a new update (version 0.229) which brought some changes (via niantic.helpshift.com). In addition to fixing some bugs, like in the postcard book, visual adjustments have also been made in the game. These primarily affect the PokéStops and Gyms.
Distance to Stops and Gyms: The spinning discs of the PokéStops and Gyms are now visually represented differently depending on whether you are within 40 meters, 80 meters, or outside the range of this point.
Niantic decided to permanently increase the interaction range to Stops and Gyms from 40 meters to 80 meters after an open letter from the community in August 2021. With the adjustment of the representation, this distance should now be even more noticeable.
You can read about how this decision came to adapt the range in our related article:
Power-Ups: And another visual distinction has been introduced. Since December, trainers can perform Power-Ups at PokéStops and Gyms in Pokémon GO. This allows them to gain a few bonuses, like items, bonus hearts for their buddy, or additional spawns.
However, this Power-Up is not possible at every point, as the noteworthy object must be scanned 360° for that. This can be easily realized with statues or playgrounds, but less so with a mural, for example.
To visually recognize these PokéStops and Gyms at a glance, Niantic has also made a change here. Thus, places that can be leveled up now look different from stops where a Power-Up is not possible.
How do you find the new visual representation of the Stops and Gyms? Have you already discovered these in the game? Or do you find these visual details rather unimportant? Feel free to share your opinion and experiences here on MeinMMO in the comments and exchange thoughts with other trainers.
In the last months, there have been many new features in Pokémon GO, including the debut of C-Day Classic. We want to know from you in our survey, how you found the Community Day Classic and how often the event should take place in the future.
