The year 2019 is coming to an end and Pokémon GO has received many new features this year that have improved the game. We are counting down the top 10.
New Pokémon, new items, and new events. Pokémon GO had a lot to offer in 2019. Since you probably don’t remember all the new features, we will show you important features here.
The features have been listed based on personal preference.
Limited Research
What is limited research? At the beginning of the year, Pokémon GO held limited research events three times from January to March. The event revolved around field research, and you could pull out some shinies there.
Initially, it seemed that it could take place monthly, but it suddenly paused in April and has not appeared since. Many fans loved this event series.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? Limited researches were a nice change from the Community Day, which also took place every month. Here, the focus was completely on the quests, and you had to approach things differently to be effective. They brought fresh air into the events.
Team Switch Medal
What is the Team Switch Medal? Since February, you can use the Team Switch Medal to change your teams. You can buy the medal for 1000 coins and then choose a new team.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? If you are alone as a Yellow in a city full of Red and Blue players, then a team switch wouldn’t be so bad. Many players wished for this feature, as it allows you to finally be in the same color as your friends or join the team that seems most sympathetic.
Moss, Glacier, and Magnet Lures
What are these lures? Along with a new wave of Pokémon, the 3 special lures also came in May. They primarily bring out Pokémon of specific types. Compared to normal lures, there are twice as many spawns here.
Additionally, they serve as a type of evolution item, allowing you to perform two Eevee evolutions, among others.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? The new lures brought movement to the evolution system in Pokémon GO. Now you have to cooperate more and can perhaps contribute together to the desired evolutions.
Additionally, the lures are better alternatives for Stardust. Here you can collect Stardust much faster than with normal lures.
Lucky Friends and Lucky Trades
What are Lucky Friends?In April, Lucky Friends were introduced to Pokémon GO. If you interact with your best friends regularly, you will become Lucky Friends and can guarantee a lucky Pokémon trade.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? Lucky Friends gave the friends feature more meaning. Previously, best friends were almost useless, but now they make sense again.
Additionally, guaranteed lucky Pokémon are extremely important. This way you can get rare shinies with good IVs or even trade Pokémon like Kaumalat or Kapuno. Additionally, you save half the Stardust when leveling up.
You can find recommendations for Pokémon suitable for lucky trades here.
Snapshots and Farbowl
What are snapshots? The AR feature was introduced in February. You can now take photos in AR mode, and Pokémon can jump into the screen. That’s how Farbowl was introduced.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? People who enjoy playing Pokémon GO for the AR factor will get plenty out of this. You can take cool pictures and may even be surprised by a Pokémon afterward.
Finally, you could complete the Pokédex of the 2nd generation. Farbowl was the last missing Pokémon.
New Pokémon from Gen 4 and Gen 5
What are these new Pokémon? In February and May, the last two waves of Generation 4 were added. This included evolutions from the Sinnoh Stone, Kaumalat and the two Eevee evolutions Glaziola and Folipurba.
In September, the first monsters from Generation 5 arrived. These included strong monsters like Trikephalo and Stalobor.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? The new Pokémon from 2019 were especially important for the meta of the game. Many new top attackers came along and brought fresh air into the battles. Additionally, the collection frenzy broke out again. You had to complete your Pokédex again.
New Rating System
How does the rating system work? Until now, you had to click through several sentences to at least see rough IVs. In the new rating system, it’s much clearer. You can see exactly how high the values are, allowing for much quicker assessments.
Even search commands for IVs have been introduced. This promises rapid evaluations.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? Thanks to the new system, you can evaluate hundreds of Pokémon within seconds and see at a glance whether you have captured monsters with 100% IV. This saves a lot of time and greatly facilitates playing.
Team GO Rocket and their bosses
What is Team GO Rocket? The biggest new feature of 2019 came in July. Team GO Rocket has invaded Pokémon GO and now lurks at PokéStops waiting for you. They bring Crypto Pokémon with them and challenge you to battle.
In November, the 3 Rocket bosses Cliff, Sierra and Arlo were added. In a special research, you can challenge Giovanni once a month.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? The Rocket grunts bring a whole new gameplay experience to Pokémon GO. For the first time, you are on your own and must be well-versed in effectiveness. Otherwise, you’ll get brutally defeated by the grunts and the even harder-to-beat bosses.
Submitting and Evaluating PokéStops
How does the submission and evaluation process work? Since June, players at level 40 in Germany can submit PokéStops. You can now turn important places in your city into PokéStops in the game.
In October, Niantic Wayfarer was also introduced and you can even evaluate the suggestions of other trainers. However, you must also be level 40 and pass a test.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? Especially villages with few PokéStops benefit from this feature. New Stops and Gyms enrich the game, and you can now help make them happen.
New Buddy Feature
What is the new buddy feature? To wrap up the year, Niantic revolutionized the buddy feature. Your buddy walks next to you on the map, and you can even become best buddies. This brings you special bonuses.
Why is this important for Pokémon GO? If you’ve always wanted to walk through the city with a Pokémon, this is perfect for you. The feature brings you numerous conveniences and finally puts more emphasis on your buddy after it lost some value in recent months.
Is Pokémon GO too boring for you despite all the features? Our author Noah shares his tips:
