In 2024, Pokémon GO has continued to innovate and expand its gameplay, introducing exciting new features and quality-of-life improvements. Niantic has listened closely to player feedback, delivering updates that enhance the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of all the major features added this year!
Adventure Effects are temporary bonuses designed to help you in your Pokémon GO adventure, and are activated by powerful Pokémon attacks that may be used outside of battle.
There are only 4 Adventure Effects available in Pokémon GO currently. Origin Form Palkia and Dialga have Spacial Rend and Roar of Time. Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma have Moongeist Beam and Sunsteel Strike.
These adventure effects can be expensive to use on the daily, costing valuable stardust and legendary candy. However, the effects themselves are valuable. Spacial rend for example can prove very handy for Spotlight Hours. The Necrozma effects can be used to spawn the elusive Dusk Form eligible Rockruff. If you’ve been on the grind enough to have a solid bank of resources, the adventure effects are an incredible addition. I’m super intrigued to see what new effects could be introduced! Maybe an affect that temporarily changes your biome, altering the spawns. Or a supersize effect to increase the changes of encountering an XXL or XXS ‘mon!
Pokémon GO’s 2024 Avatar Update has revamped the avatar customisation system. Players now have more detailed control over their avatars, including new body types, customisable facial features, and a wider variety of clothing options and accessories.
The Avatar update was initially met with backlash, as it felt like it was pushed out before it was ready. However, overall the update feels like a positive change, allowing for more personalisation and self-expression. Many players enjoyed creating unique avatars that reflect their personal styles, however there is still a need for further customisation. A Sims 4 level of avatar creation would be incredible! Overall, the update has encouraged players to feel more connected to their in-game personas.
New catch backgrounds and biomes have been added to the encounter screen. Pokémon GO Biomes are real world ecosystems that Pokémon GO can use to help determine which Pokémon might appear as Wild spawns, and which environment graphics might be displayed. Catch backgrounds dynamically adjust based on the in-game biome, displaying forests, deserts, oceans, and other environments that match where Pokémon are typically found.
Players have widely praised this feature for enhancing immersion, making each encounter feel more authentic and visually appealing. Some players mentioned it adds a new appreciation for different Pokémon, as their encounters are now more contextual and environment-driven.
In a groundbreaking addition, Niantic introduced Pokémon Fusions, where select Pokémon can be combined to create fusion forms with unique stats, moves, and appearances. Fusions can be undone, allowing players to experiment with different combinations while preserving the original Pokémon. This feature has been limited to Necrozma fusions for now, with more expected to come in the future.
Fusion has been one of the most talked-about features of 2024, sparking debates and excitement across the Pokémon GO community. While many love the strategic depth and visual appeal of fusions, some have voiced concerns over potential balance issues, especially in PvP battles. There has been lots of speculation on when we might see Black and White Kyurem release since they were accidentally debuted and we haven’t seen them since!
Pokémon GO’s AR mode has been overhauled, boasting multiple ‘mon in one shot, use of a toy to direct the Pokémon and stickers!
The AR Update has been warmly received, particularly by those who enjoy capturing AR photos. The improved realism has made it easier to take immersive shots, and the enhanced interactivity has delighted fans of the AR mechanics. While some players have found the feature challenging to use in small spaces, the feedback has largely been positive.
Party Share allows Trainers to share Incense, Lucky Eggs, and Star Pieces with members of their party. Of course, there is a catch – items shared via Party Share have their duration reduced by half. For example, an Incense with a 60 minute duration would be divided into 30 minutes for each player, regardless of how many Trainers are in the party.
Trainers have found Party Share to be useful. Some trainers a surplus of items that they enjoy sharing with others. It has been found useful for splitting a lucky egg during friendship level ups where the egg is only needed for a short amount of time, to prevent spending an egg each.
Dynamax and Gigantamax transformations, introduced from the Pokémon Sword and Shield series, have finally made their way into Pokémon GO. Select Pokémon can now Dynamax in special raid battles, temporarily becoming larger and more powerful. Gigantamax forms introduce unique appearances and special moves. Niantic has also introduced “Max Monday” a weekly event where Dynamax and Gigantamax raid bosses appear with increased frequency.
Dynamax and Gigantamax had some teething issues. However, Niantic listened to community feedback and altered some mechanics prior to big debuts, adding another exciting layer to raid battles. The weekly Max Monday event has proven popular, as it provides a regular opportunity to experience these powerful transformations. Max Monday may become a community staple, encouraging trainers to team up and raid together.
Niantic rolled out a variety of highly requested QoL updates in 2024, addressing areas that players have consistently highlighted.
- Ready Up Button: The Ready Up button streamlines raid preparations, allowing raid members to signal when they’re prepared to battle. This has significantly reduced waiting times for teams.
- Heal All Button: With the Heal All button, players can quickly heal all fainted Pokémon with one tap, which has been particularly useful during long raid sessions.
- Type Effectiveness Tips: During battles, players now receive on-screen hints showing the type advantages and disadvantages of their selected Pokémon, making it easier to strategize against foes.
- Pinning Special Research: Players can pin specific Special Research tasks, helping them keep track of their progress on critical objectives.
- Research Checkmarks: Checkmarks appear next to completed research tasks, making it easy to spot when tasks are complete and rewards can be collected.
- Lucky Egg on Level Up: When leveling up, players now automatically receive a prompt to use a Lucky Egg, maximising their XP gain efficiently.
These QoL updates have been a hit with the player base. Each change directly addresses a common pain point, improving convenience and reducing minor frustrations. The Ready Up and Heal All buttons were especially well-received by raiders, who previously had to navigate multiple screens. Players new to Pokémon also appreciated the thoughtfulness of the type effectiveness tips, which have helped many improve their battle strategies.
Pokémon GO’s 2024 updates have successfully diversified gameplay, improved convenience, and enhanced immersion. With a mix of quality-of-life improvements, visual upgrades, and new mechanics, Niantic has demonstrated its commitment to keeping Pokémon GO fresh and engaging. The player community has largely embraced these changes, finding more reasons to enjoy the game and connect with other trainers. Niantic’s focus on player feedback this year suggests that future updates will continue to build on these successes.