Pokemon GO Player Hits Level 43 By Barely "Playing" The Game

A Pokemon GO player has managed to reach level 43 in the game without catching a single Pokemon besides the mandatory starter at the beginning. Since launching in 2016, Pokemon GO‘s appeal has largely come down to catching franchise icons like Pikachu, Charmander, and Mewtwo in the real-world. That core concept helped the game appeal to both lapsed fans, and those that had stuck with the series from the beginning.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pokemon GO, and the game has offered players a lot of freedom to enjoy the game as they see fit. Some players like to participate in the GO Battle League, while others focus on completing the Pokedex. Some might try to finish the GO Tour pass each month, while others go at a slower pace, checking in on the game every few days.

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Reaching Level 43 Catching Just One Pokemon

In a post on Reddit, user TheBadHombre_ shared images from Pokemon GO and told posters how they managed to reach level 43 while catching just a single Pokemon. As part of a personal challenge, the player decided to start a new game, only catching the mandatory starter Pokemon at the beginning. Pokemon GO‘s PokeStops offer XP just for spinning them, and a special event increased the amount of XP by 10 times. TheBadHombre_ is still obtaining Pokemon by hatching eggs, but they’ve actively avoided catching anything. They’ve even run from opportunities to catch Pokemon following Raids and Team Rocket battles.

GameRant Quiz

Easy (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)Permadeath (5s)

Since starting this quest, TheBadHombre_ has managed to hatch 241 eggs, resulting in five Shiny Pokemon, and one with perfect stats. Hatching eggs has been their primary way of leveling up, though they’ve noted that it “gets very expensive when you’re trying to chase the monthly research.” It’s an interesting way to play, and it certainly wouldn’t appeal to everyone. However, fans are often setting unusual challenges for themselves, like the Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen player who beat the Elite 4 using Baby Pokemon. Sometimes, it’s just about seeking out a new challenge.

After reaching level 43, it will be interesting to see how far TheBadHombre_ can go using this method. Pokemon GO‘s level cap was increased last year, allowing players to go all the way up to level 80. Getting to that level takes a lot of work for those playing the game normally, let alone those that are placing special restrictions on themselves. However, that’s part of the appeal for the poster, who said that they want to “create a sense of longevity within the game.”

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

For those that prefer playing Pokemon GO in a more traditional way, it seems the developers are just as committed to protecting that longevity. The game’s 10th anniversary celebration coincides with this year’s Pokemon GO Fest, and Niantic is making the Special Research free for all players during the global event. Players that login during the announced times will automatically get the Special Research and get access to all the same perks that are normally paid incentives, including increased Shiny encounter rates. On top of that, the game is making Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y available for the first time.