Trainers, a new batch of text updates has been pushed to Pokémon GO! As usual, Niantic tends to push text updates before releasing the features mentioned in them – sometimes even months ahead of time.
Today’s batch of updates is quite interesting, as there are a few highly anticipated features spotted:
- Support for device’s native refresh rate which should delight anyone playing on a high refresh rate device
- Giovanni’s return has been hinted, this time with a new unnamed Shadow Pokémon
- Hoopa Unbound has been mentioned by name, and there’s a handful of other updates.
Let’s dive in, but keep in mind that all of this info is speculative and subject to change at any moment. This is data mined information, and as such it is not endorsed by Niantic. This data mining report was unveiled by PokéMiners.
Team GO Rocket is after Hoopa, Giovanni returns with a new Legendary Shadow Pokémon
Professor Willow’s investigation is ongoing, and it seems that upcoming quests in the Misunderstood Mischief are poised to give more light on Hoopa Unbound, Team Rocket’s involvement with the whole Hoopa situation and… Giovanni’s return!
SPOILERS AHEAD. You’ve been warned.
The new quest line starts with Team GO Rocket making an re-appearance and stirring problems in the world of Pokémon GO. As one would expect, they want to capture Hoopa.
I’m glad to see you, %PLAYERNAME%. I wish I had better news, but it looks like Team GO Rocket is stirring up trouble once again! While out on patrol, Spark and Candela overheard some Team GO Rocket Grunts discussing the organization’s next move. They want to capture Hoopa! It seems their orders came straight from Giovanni himself.
Of course, this is not all, as Giovanni makes a stunning return, emerging from the shadows with a new Legendary Shadow Pokémon (could it finally be Lugia?). Not only that, but it seems that capturing or harnessing the power of Hoopa Unbound is the TGR’s goal here:
I shudder to think that all this time Giovanni may have been lurking in the shadows just behind us, reaping the benefits of our research. Scheming as we studied Hoopa… There’s no time to lose—we have to stop them! Hoopa Unbound is incredibly powerful, and I have no doubt that Giovanni intends to use it for some sinister purpose.
We’ve also gotten word that Giovanni has turned another Legendary Pokémon into a Shadow Pokémon! The team leaders and I will do what we can, but we’ll need your help if we’re to defeat Giovanni, save the Legendary Shadow Pokémon, and keep Hoopa safe.
Upon defeating Giovanni, players are granted the opportunity to save another Legendary Shadow Pokémon, and it seems that Hoopa’s true power (the unbounded form) could be the final trial in this saga:
Incredible work, %PLAYERNAME%! You’ve successfully defeated Team GO Rocket yet again and saved another Legendary Shadow Pokémon—and Hoopa, too! Speaking of Hoopa, I have a sneaking suspicion that because of your kindness, we might just be lucky enough to witness it as Hoopa Unbound someday soon. What a sight that will be, eh?
We’ve come a long way in our research, and unlocking Hoopa’s true power may be the final trial in this mysterious saga. Are you ready, Trainer? Let’s GO!
Now that’s something to look forward to! Make sure you’re up to date with Pokémon GO Misunderstood Mischief Research Guide, Tasks and Rewards and don’t miss out on this quest line, it’s actually great!
Native Refresh Rate
Finally, really finally, Pokémon GO will be able to work on your device’s native refresh rate. Most Android phones, and the newest iPhone models, are pushing the refresh rate from 60hz to 90 or sometimes 120hz, and we’re super happy to see this being supported by Pokémon GO.
Slick PokéBall animations and high battery usage, here we come!
settings_unlock_base_framerate Native Refresh Rate settings_unlock_base_framerate_description_off Unlock your device’s native refresh rate for higher FPS. settings_unlock_base_framerate_description_on Native refresh rate unlocked.
Other findings
- There are some changes and mentions of Global and Regional Challenges
- Collection Challenge help text has been slightly updated
- There are new tutorials for Lures and Razz Berries
- Shinx Community Day research and quest texts have been spotted as well, but a part of that was already spotted earlier Shinx Community Day Texts, 4x XL Catch Candy and more have been data mined
- There’s other warning and Wayfarer text updates, nothing too exciting
