In Pokémon GO tests for a new XP system start today, November 9th. These will take place for one week and only in Australia and New Zealand. Some players hope that these adjustments are an early sign of a new max level.
What is going on? As Niantic announced, a special test will run from November 9th to 16th. Selected trainers from Australia and New Zealand will experience an adjusted XP system.
Almost all areas of the game are expected to be affected by the changes, including:
- Catching Pokémon
- Evolving Pokémon
- Hatching Eggs
However, Niantic has not yet revealed how the changes will look in detail. Consequently, players from Down Under are being questioned frequently. So far, no trainer has reported any adjustments.
Why is this interesting to us? Niantic promised bonus items during the tests that players can find in the Daily Free Box. However, these will come for all players worldwide, not just those testing the new XP system.
Additionally, the adjustments could hint that the max level in Pokémon GO will be raised soon.
Players interpret tests as a hint for level 50
How are the players reacting? Under the Reddit post about the test, several comments suggest that the adjustments are for a new max level:
- For example, user Copycatcabra writes: “If this isn’t the clearest example that a level cap increase is coming…”
- User DonzaRS responds to Copycatcabra, stating he expects a release of the new level by mid-December.
- FizzingSin anticipates a forthcoming level 50, even though it has never been officially confirmed: “I am so excited for level 50.”
- Hillside126, on the other hand, sees no direct connection: “The wording is so vague that it could be called a rebalance, which doesn’t seem related to raising the level cap to 50. I’m not sure what sense it makes to change the amount of XP gained in the mentioned ways.”
In this context, Hillside126 refers to the previous information we have about a new max level. It is supposed to differ from the current experience at level 40.
What do we know about a new max level?
- Niantic announced back in 2019 that they are working on a new max level. However, it is not expected to be a simple increase in XP.
- In spring 2020, data miners found rewards for levels 41 to 50.
- In July 2020, Niantic provided more details and clarified that leveling after level 40 feels different from before.
- In October, a new leak showed special tasks through which leveling could occur.
With the special tasks, leveling from level 40 could indeed differ significantly from the previous system. Nonetheless, the changes to the XP system could be related to a new max level.
However, many players wish for an increase because they have been at level 40 for several years, including MeinMMO editor Noah Struthoff. He even took a break from Pokémon GO recently:
I have been playing Pokémon GO for years – That’s why I am currently taking a break
