Pokemon GO has added a new item known as an Explorer Gadget, which essentially ends a paywall that players had to pay if they wanted the game to automatically catch Pokemon. Since Pokemon GO‘s launch in 2016, the game has seen a lot of changes, and developer Scopely Explore usually offers some advance warning through its website or social media channels. Other times, the game will suddenly roll out a new feature to the surprise of players.
Several devices have been released over the years to help players interact with Pokemon GO even when they can’t access the app. Options like the Pokemon GO Plus+ have been developed by Nintendo specifically to catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops when the player might be driving, or otherwise unable to play. These official options can cost an extra $50 or more, though some cheaper options have been released by third-party companies.
Pokemon GO Rolls Out Explorer Gadget Free for All Players
All Pokemon GO players over level 20 should now have access to the Explorer Gadget in their inventory. Similar to physical devices like the Pokemon GO Plus+, the Explorer Gadget only uses standard Poke Balls to catch Pokemon in the player’s area. The Explorer Gadget is limited to catching a number of Pokemon and spinning PokeStops equal to the player’s level, which means players at Level 60 can only catch 60 Pokemon when using the feature. Once players hit that limit, the Explorer Gadget will be done for the day. The device will also stop catching Pokemon or spinning PokeStops if the player runs out of space in their inventories.
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This feature should be very helpful for those that don’t have a physical auto-catcher, but there are reasons Pokemon GO players might want to hang on to their physical devices. In addition to the catching limit, the Explorer Gadget can only be used once per day. Comparatively, a Pokemon GO Plus+ might automatically shut down after a while, but can be restarted and used multiple times per day. The Explorer Gadget also doesn’t offer the same sleep tracking options. The new feature isn’t a full replacement, but it does give a lot of players a new option without spending any extra.
Over the years, Pokemon GO players have gotten in trouble for trespassing while playing, and done lots of other things that are generally unsafe for themselves and others. Auto-catchers have been a way to make Pokemon GO a little safer, and players already seem pretty happy about having one available in the game. Eliminating the paywall makes it a lot more accessible to those on a limited budget, too. Instead, players can now spend that money on buying things like avatar items or Remote Raid passes.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pokemon GO, and the developers have spent the last decade making several changes to the overall game. Not every change has been well-received over the years, but Scopely Explore has a clear vision for the best way to keep players invested. It’s rare that a mobile game manages to thrive this long after launch, but Pokemon GO continues to maintain a large and passionate player base. Continuing to find new ways to improve the game will only help that goal.
- Released
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July 6, 2016
- Engine
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Unity
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op