The Explorer Gadget is getting a useful upgrade in Pokémon GO! Trainers can now use it to automatically catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops while actively playing the game, rather than only when Pokémon GO is running in the background.
Alongside the Explorer Gadget improvements, several quality-of-life updates have recently rolled out, including a redesigned catch summary, a dedicated Appraise button, clearer PokéStop visuals, and changes to Power Spot encounters.
Here’s what’s new and how it works.
Explorer Gadget Now Works While Playing Pokémon GO
Previously, the Explorer Gadget could automatically attempt to catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops while Pokémon GO wasn’t actively open on your device. With this update, it can now do both while you’re playing, much like a Pokémon GO Plus + accessory.
Trainers level 20 and above can activate the Explorer Gadget by tapping its icon in the top-right corner of the Map View or finding it under Key Items in the Item Bag.
When active, a pink Poké Ball icon will appear above Pokémon or PokéStops that the Explorer Gadget is attempting to interact with.
Manual Catching and Spinning Still Work
You can still catch Pokémon or spin PokéStops yourself while the Explorer Gadget is active.
Simply tap the Pokémon or PokéStop that the Gadget is targeting to take over the interaction. However, you’ll only have a limited window of time to do so once the pink Poké Ball icon appears.
Explorer Gadget Limitations
There are a few important restrictions to keep in mind:
- The Explorer Gadget will not attempt to catch certain Pokémon, including Pokémon not yet registered in your Pokédex and mighty Pokémon.
- You can keep your Pokémon GO Plus + or other accessory paired, but the Explorer Gadget and an accessory cannot be active simultaneously.
- You have only a short window to manually override an Explorer Gadget interaction.
Check Your Explorer Gadget Activity
Trainers can review which Pokémon the Explorer Gadget caught and how many PokéStops it spun by opening the Explorer Gadget from the Map View or the Key Items section of the Item Bag.
If you’re unfamiliar with this feature, check out our Explorer Gadget guide for more information.
Other Quality-of-Life Updates
The Explorer Gadget isn’t the only thing getting attention. Pokémon GO has also rolled out several smaller gameplay and interface improvements.
Improved Catch Summary
The screen displayed after catching a Pokémon has been redesigned, with clearer visuals for catch rewards and bonuses. This should make it easier to see exactly what you earned from each catch.
Dedicated Appraise Button
Checking a Pokémon’s IVs is now easier! A dedicated Appraise button has been added to Pokémon summary screens, just above the Additional Options button.
This removes the need to open the Additional Options menu every time you want to appraise a Pokémon.
Changes to Power Spot Encounters
Visiting a Power Spot or placing a Pokémon at a Power Spot after winning a Max Battle will no longer trigger special wild encounters around the Power Spot.
According to Pokémon GO, this change is intended to improve the consistency of wild encounters for all players.
Updated Encounter Rings
The visual rings surrounding wild Pokémon attracted by Lure Modules or encountered while exploring Routes have been updated.
Clearer PokéStop Colors
Spun PokéStops now have adjusted color saturation, making them easier to distinguish from unspun PokéStops.
This is a welcome accessibility improvement, particularly for Trainers who have difficulty distinguishing between similar colors.
Updated Mystery Box and Coin Bag Effects
The visual effects surrounding Pokémon attracted by the Mystery Box or Coin Bag have also been refreshed.
These are relatively small changes individually, but together they should make everyday Pokémon GO gameplay a little more convenient.
