Pokémon GO has received a number of updates to make it safer during the coronavirus pandemic and to allow people to catch Pokémon even when they are cooped up at home.
Anyone who plays Pokémon GO knows that the game is best enjoyed outdoors. Catching Pokémon in the real world, visiting PokéStops, and conquering gyms helped Pokémon GO gain the popularity it has today.
However, with many players practicing self-isolation and social distancing, it may be worth knowing how to play Pokémon GO from home.
Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go (and other mobile AR games like Harry Potter Wizards Unite), has taken many steps to make the transition easier for players.
It has already canceled events that encourage large gatherings of players, such as community days, safari zones, and raid hours. Niantic also rolled out several changes that make playing Pokémon GO from home worthwhile.
Here is a closer look at the game's latest updates and tips on how to play Pokémon GO from home.
Niantic does not want players to take risky measures to catch Pokémon while some areas of the world are under quarantine orders; in a March 12 update, Niantic announced the following changes to Pokémon GO:
On March 20, Niantic announced two more changes to Go Battle League gameplay:
These changes make playing Pokémon GO from home more viable. While it may sound like Pokémon Go has simply become easier, it offsets the fact that players are now less likely to go outside.
There are several ways to enjoy Pokémon GO even if you are stuck at home.
If your quarantine order allows outdoor exercise, check to see if there are gyms or PokéStops within walking distance of your home. As long as you can safely get there within the social distance guidelines for that area, walking to a Pokémon GO landmark is a good way to get some exercise and continue your game play.
Go about your daily routine with Pokémon GO running. Walk around your home enough to hatch eggs and, thanks to Niantic's updates, you should be able to encounter Pokémon in the wild. You can also use incense to lure Pokémon.
Now would be a great time to join Pokémon GO's online community and local groups as well. By adding new players as friends, you can battle with them and share supplies such as Pokéballs and eggs.
And if you decide to take a break from Pokémon GO until the blockade is over, you can always pick up the Nintendo Switch version of "Pokémon Sword & Shield" or check out the mobile RPG, which is perfect for smartphones.
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