The new Pokémon GO update 0.87.5 for Android and 1.57.5 for iOS brings a new AR feature for you.
The Pokémon GO developers provided a new update with version number 0.87.5 for Android and 1.57.5 for iOS. According to the description in the app store, only minor bugs should be fixed.
However, data miners discovered a new AR mode where you can catch wild Pokémon in a new way.
Update: Niantic has since officially introduced the AR+ mode: The AR+ mode brings more XP and Stardust when you sneak up
AR Plus brings new ways to catch Pokémon
Soon, the AR Plus mode will be available in Pokémon GO, allowing trainers to sneak up on Pokémon and catch them. At least that’s the assumption based on the description of the features. This mode is currently still being tested.
Data miners explain the mode as follows:
The AR Plus mode brings special encounter bonuses and new mechanics. Presumably, trainers hide from a wild Pokémon and can catch it with special tricks. The mode offers the following possibilities:
- Pokémon can become startled
- There is a limited number of catching attempts before a Pokémon flees
- There are special encounters with Pokémon. What the bonuses are is still being researched
- There will be a guide for the AR Plus mode in Pokémon GO
- AR Plus will likely not only work on iOS devices. The features for Android (AR Core) are still in development and currently available only on a few devices (for example, the Pixel). We suspect that Niantic will only release this feature when it is available for both iOS and Android so that no players are excluded.
The experts from PokémonGOHub also found the following image for the AR mode in the code, which apparently shows the steps for the tutorial in the game.
Christmas event? Gift boxes have been found
Aside from the new AR mode, gift boxes have also been found in the code of Pokémon GO. These are presumably for an upcoming Christmas event that has not yet been officially announced.
We are curious when Niantic will announce the Christmas event and what rewards will be prepared for trainers.
New badges for Hoenn and Johto
These new Pokémon badges for the PokéDex have been found in the code. They are available in gold, bronze, and silver.
Hoenn badges:
Johto badges:
Weather alert for extreme weather?
A new “I am safe” button has been found in the code. This is apparently intended for extreme weather conditions and should be recognizable in the game.
It is speculated that trainers can signal to the game that they are safe and thus take advantage of the weather bonuses. In extreme weather, the bonuses have previously been disabled so that trainers do not put themselves at risk by playing Pokémon GO.
However, the function still needs to be tested.
This was the summary of the new update 0.87.5. The new AR mode sounds like a lot of fun and likely high battery consumption. This type of mini-game will probably add more variety to the usual catching in Pokémon GO. Are you looking forward to this implementation?
