Even as the world keeps reeling from the effects of the deadly COVID-19 virus, the developers over at Niantic have decided to make things easier for Pokémon Go players. A new temporary update introduced to the game encourages you to play from the confines of your home, and is already live for the game. Additionally, it has also been revealed that the game’s upcoming Abra Community Day event has been postponed without any mention of a new date.
The core element of Pokémon Go happens to be roaming around the real world, while looking for the critters that are scattered across different locations. With coronavirus having spread to so many countries from around the world, health experts are advising people to stay indoors until the spread of the disease subsides. These temporary changes to the game will definitely make players feel safe in these trying times.
The new changes being introduced to Pokémon Go include a one-time purchase bundle of 30 Incense for 1 PokéCoin. This will allow you to attract lots of Pokémon towards you, and the best part is that the effect of the incense will now last for 1 hour instead of 30 minutes. The hatching distance for eggs has been reduced by half, while Pokéstops will be seen dropping gifts more frequently. Lastly, more and more Pokémon will start appearing in the wild after this update.
While these changes were confirmed by the Pokémon Go blog, there was no mention of why they were being introduced. However, a statement issued to Polygon confirmed that the developer are “prioritizing updates to Pokémon Go features and experiences that can be enjoyed in individual settings.” The statement also said, “While we’ve made these updates based on the current global health situation, we also encourage players to make decisions on where to go and what to do that are in the best interest of their health and the health of their communities.”