Anyone looking to explore interesting places in Pokémon GO can use the PokéStops and gyms on the map as a guide. These show particularly noteworthy points and, on top of that, provide trainers with essential items for the game. Now, there is the possibility to upgrade these stops in certain regions. We will show you what that looks like.
What kind of feature is it? As Pokémon GO announced on their official Twitter account late on October 13, 2021, there will be some new features in the game. Among them is a new PokéStop function that is planned to be tested in certain regions over the coming months (via twitter.com).
For several months, the PokeMiners have repeatedly found hints that there would soon be PowerUps at PokéStops in Pokémon GO. Now, this feature has been enabled in the first regions, and trainers can try out the new function.
They are sharing their experiences with the new PokéStop feature on social media, such as on Reddit. We have looked at these reports and will show you what this new function is and how it looks in the game.
The PokeMiners are a group of data miners who regularly search for new information in the code of Pokémon GO. They then make this available to other trainers publicly. This way, they can show what will happen in the game even before an actual release. However, this information is not official, and functions can be changed by Niantic at any time.
This is the PowerUps function in Pokémon GO
What changes? According to reports from trainers, you will soon be able to initiate a power-up of a PokéStop or a gym with the help of AR scans. In total, aside from the normal form of the stop, there will be 3 additional, different evolution stages. These are temporary, lasting only for a certain period.
Depending on what stage a stop or a gym has reached, you will receive corresponding bonuses.
As you can see in the following image from the PokeMiners, these range from a bonus for spinning the photo disc, bonus hearts for your buddy, to premium raid balls and special spawns.
To level up a stop, a certain number of points must be achieved. According to the PokeMiners, these points are likely related to the AR scans. Each evolution stage of the PokéStop or the gym lasts between 12 and 48 hours.
This is what the new feature looks like: Trainer BoltexGaming was able to test the new PowerUps function. He leveled up a gym.
He captured his impressions in the following video and shared it on Reddit:
He can retrieve the gym’s level via a “+” button located in the bottom right corner of the photo disc. In his case, the gym is at level 1. Above the photo disc, you can also see a countdown that indicates the remaining time.
Furthermore, BoltexGaming noted in his post that the ring indicator of the gym appears larger when viewed from above.
As Niantic stated, these changes will initially be tested in selected parts of the world. It is still unknown when this function will be available in Germany. If there are new updates on this, you will find out here on MeinMMO.
What new features are still planned for PoGO?
As Niantic stated on the Pokémon GO blog, several other changes are also planned for the game alongside the new PokéStop feature (via pokemongolive.com). These are also intended to be initially tested regionally in the coming months. Among other things, they include:
- Tips for trainers
- A special research for new trainers as an introduction to Pokémon GO world
- Nickname suggestions for new trainers
- Updates for hatching eggs
- Skipping the animation when hatching
What do you think of the new PowerUps function? Will you use the AR scans more often to earn additional bonuses? Or are you less interested in the new PokéStop feature? Feel free to leave your opinion here on MeinMMO in the comments and discuss it with other trainers.
In the coming weeks, a lot is happening in Pokémon GO. We have looked at which events await you in October and show you which ones are most worthwhile.
