Long-time Pokémon GO enthusiasts are in for a treat later this year! A highly requested feature is finally arriving: an increase to the game’s trainer level limit. Currently, players can only reach level 50, but this will soon change. This coming October, Niantic is boosting the maximum level attainable to 80, essentially doubling the initial cap established when Pokémon GO first launched in 2016.
Niantic officially revealed their plans for re-evaluating the leveling experience in their incredibly popular mobile game via a blog post on August 25th. On October 15th, a free update will be deployed, bumping the trainer level cap from 50 to 80. This update isn’t just about the level cap; it will also introduce fresh milestone awards, new cosmetic options, and more. Niantic aims to make the journey from level 1 to 80 a more “rewarding leveling journey” compared to the existing path to level 50. Here’s a rundown of the changes included in the October update:
- The maximum trainer level expands, increasing from 50 to a new level cap of 80.
- The experience point requirements from level 1 to 80 will be adjusted, allowing players to advance more frequently.
- Level-Up Research tasks needed to advance from levels 41 through 50 will be removed.
- Brand-new Level-Up Research challenges will be added for levels 71 through 80.
- Trainers at level 70 and higher will have an improved chance of becoming Lucky Friends with other trainers.
- The level-up system will include new rewards, such as increased capacity for storing Pokémon, items, and Gifts, plus new avatar items starting at level 25!
Niantic has stated that players with “previously earned experience” may “automatically jump in level” once the update is live. These players will still receive any corresponding rewards they have earned. They have also confirmed that no player’s level will decrease, but the required XP to reach the next level might differ after the update.
The game originally limited trainers to level 40 before it was increased to level 50 in November 2020. This new update increases the trainer level, however, the level of Pokémon you can train will not be boosted and will remain capped at 50.
Immediately before the update rolls out, Pokémon GO trainers will receive a special badge that commemorates their highest level achieved in the 1-50 era. Players who attained level 50 will also unlock a new avatar pose, letting them flaunt the unique jacket currently awarded upon reaching the trainer level cap. This jacket, in addition to all other cosmetic items earned between levels 40 and 50, will be retired and new players will not be able to obtain them. If you’re nearing level 50 and want that exclusive jacket, you’ll want to level up before October 15th.
To aid trainers in reaching level 50 before the upcoming update, Niantic is activating several bonuses for all Pokémon GO players, which will be active until October 14th. These bonuses, detailed below, will stack with any existing event bonuses.
- Double Catch XP from Nice, Great, and Excellent Throws
- An extra +3,000 XP for winning raids
- An extra +3,000 XP for winning Max Battles
So, get out there, capture some Pokémon, and turn them into candy before October 15th to hit level 50 and forever display that awesome jacket that new players won’t be able to get. You’ll feel so special and exclusive. And isn’t that what we all want?