Summary
Pokemon GOhas removed a helpful reward available through the game’s friend referral system, cutting out an often-exploited method for players to acquire free Raid Passes. The massively popular monster-catching mobile game from Niantic features a wide variety of ways for players to acquire different creatures within the game. Alongside finding Pokemon in the wild while walking around,players can battle Team GO Rocket members, trade with friends, and complete Raids to find rare and powerful Pokemon. However, fans ofPokemon GOnow have one less way to pick up Raid Passes.
Throughout recent years,Pokemon GOhas added multiple incentives for players to partner up with one another and play the game together. Players can team up with other Trainers to complete Raid Battles, trade Pokemon with each other, and send Gifts containing helpful items. Niantic also added “Party Play” last year as a way for players to play together, allowing friends to team up and gain special bonuses for clearing Raids, catching Pokemon, and spinning PokeStops. Now, however, one friend incentive forPokemon GOis going away.
Fans ofPokemon GOrecently discovered that Niantic has officially removed Raid Passes as a reward for the game’s friend referral system. Raid Passes were previously given out as a reward for players winning a Raid after being referred to the game bytheirPokemon GOfriends. The “Win a raid” mission now rewards players with a Pokemon encounter, though fans have noted that Raid Passes previously rewarded through friend referral were not affected. Niantic has not made an official statement about the change inPokemonGO’s friend referral rewards.
Pokemon GO Removes Refer-A-Friend Reward
The removal of Raid Passes from the friend referral rewards has already seen plenty of speculation fromPokemon GOfans. Many fans suggested that the change is likely due to the use of the rewards by “eBay sellers” and players exploiting the reward using multiple accounts. Niantic has previously dealt with issues regarding players selling their accounts, withfans selling theirPokemon GOaccountsin protest of changes made to the game’s Remote Raid Passes.Pokemon GOhas even banned players for abusing similar exploits in the past.
The surprise rewards change comes asPokemon GOhas given fans plenty to look forward to throughout the coming months. Niantic recently revealed the dates forPokemon GO’s upcoming Community Day events, confirming the Community Days for September, October, and November. Niantic also released a new promo code to coincide with the 2024PokemonWorld Championships, granting an exclusive in-game cosmetic for players using the code.Pokemon GO’s new change will look to combat players exploiting the generous rewards offered by the friend referral system.
WHERE TO PLAY
Now you can battle other Pokémon GO trainers online! Try the GO Battle League today. Join Trainers across the globe who are discovering Pokémon as they explore the world around them. Pokémon GO is the global gaming sensation that has been downloaded over 1 billion times and named “Best Mobile Game” by the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year” by TechCrunch
UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
