Pokémon Go is expanding its trainer level cap to 80, a move that reshapes how players progress through the game. Starting October 15, the maximum trainer level will jump from 50 to 80, aiming to rebalance the progression curve so level-ups come more frequently as less XP is required per level. Players who already have a lot of XP beyond 50 may automatically advance several levels, but Niantic says no trainer will drop levels. The company will share more specifics on exactly how many levels will be added in the future.
To align with the new cap, tasks tied to Level-Up Research for levels 41–50 will be removed, and new tasks will be introduced for levels 71–80. Players who are at level 70 or higher will also see an increased chance of becoming Lucky Friends with other players.
Some rewards tied to the old structure will be removed. The level 50 exclusive jacket will no longer be obtainable going forward, though it will remain for those who have already earned it. Avatar items earned for reaching levels 40–50 before the update will not be available after October 15. To ease the transition, Pokémon Go will run an XP Celebration event from August 25 to October 14, offering boosted XP to help players catch up before the cap rises.
Event bonuses include:
– 2x Catch XP from Nice, Great, and Excellent throws
– 3,000 XP for winning raids
– 3,000 XP for winning Max Battles
– Level-Up Research update for level 48, reduced from needing to walk 25km eight times a week to twice in a week
Importantly, the trainer level change does not affect Pokémon levels, which will remain capped at level 50.
For players looking to maximize progress, the XP Celebration event provides a clear window to push training levels ahead of the October 15 cap increase. And while some rewards will disappear, the broader rebalancing aims to make leveling feel faster and more frequent, with new Level-Up Research tasks to target higher milestones.
Summary and outlook:
– Trainer levels are expanding to 80 on October 15, with automatic level jumps possible for existing XP beyond 50.
– Level-Up Research for 41–50 is removed; new tasks appear for 71–80.
– Higher likelihood of becoming Lucky Friends for those at level 70+.
– Some cosmetic rewards from levels 40–50 will be removed, though already earned items stay.
– XP Celebration event runs August 25 to October 14 to help players level up.
– Pokémon levels remain capped at 50.
Positive take: This update introduces more frequent progression and new goals, keeping long-time players engaged while still protecting the existing balance of the game. If you’re chasing higher levels, planning your raid and battle wins during the XP event could yield meaningful gains before the cap rises.