Niantic is kicking off the fall with a sweeping overhaul to Pokemon Go’s leveling system, elevating the level cap to 80 and reshaping how players advance. While trainers will push past level 70, their Pokémon will remain capped at level 50. The changes are designed to smooth out progression and keep players engaged with more frequent milestones.
What’s changing
– Level cap and progression: The maximum level rises to 80, up from the previous cap, with an overhaul to the leveling curve so players earn levels more often.
– Pokemon level cap stays: Even as players climb to 80, the level cap for Pokémon remains at 50.
– Level-Up Research adjustments: Level-Up Research tasks for levels 41–50 are being removed; new tasks will be introduced for the journey from level 71 to 80.
– Legacy level 50 rewards: A special legacy reward pathway remains for reaching level 50, including a medal, a new avatar pose, and a level 50 jacket. After Oct. 15, however, avatar items earned through the current level 40–50 quests will be removed from active duty and moved to the Niantic vault; players who already possess them will keep their items.
Benefits at level 70 and beyond
– Increased interaction perks: Reaching level 70 or higher improves the odds of becoming Lucky Friends with other players.
– Storage expansion: Higher levels unlock larger storage capacity for Pokémon, items, and gifts.
– New avatar options: Beginning at level 25, players gain access to new avatar items.
Event and timing
– Oct. 15 rollout: The full leveling revamp goes live on Oct. 15, giving players about six weeks to accelerate XP and complete tasks before the change takes effect.
– XP Celebration event: From Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. to Oct. 14 at 11:59 p.m., players can earn boosted XP, including 2x catch XP for nice, great, and excellent throws; 3,000 XP for winning raids; and 3,000 XP for winning Max Battles.
– Timed Research and XP targets: A Timed Research path will offer the chance to earn over 7 million XP, along with an adjusted Level 47 level-up task that requires 25 km of walking per week for two weeks (instead of the usual eight weeks).
– Automatic level-ups and XP boosts: If players have enough XP, the game will automatically raise their level. Players are encouraged to use Lucky Eggs during the period to maximize gains.
New value and promotions
– Store offer: To help players reach the new cap, Niantic is offering a $9.99 web store bundle that includes 15 Lucky Eggs, one Super Incubator, one Incubator, five Incense, and two Lure Modules.
What this means for players
– The update is designed to reduce grind while keeping long-term goals reachable, with meaningful milestones and fresh rewards along the way.
– Veterans should plan for the transition: while some avatar items tied to older quests will move to vault post-release, existing items remain usable.
– The XP Celebration offers a tactical window to push through the early levels and collect resources before the Oct. 15 cutover.
Commentary and takeaways
– A measured push to boost retention: Niantic’s leveled incentives, new 71–80 tasks, and ongoing rewards aim to keep players invested even as they climb higher.
– Managed FOMO: By combining a limited-time XP boost with a transitional path, Niantic gives players a structured window to level up while avoiding a sudden, overwhelming grind.
– Practical planning for trainers: Those approaching the new cap can take advantage of the upcoming XP bonuses, Timed Research, and the promotional store bundle to maximize progress before the changeover.
Summary
Niantic’s Pokemon Go update redefines progression by raising the level cap to 80, reshaping how players level up with new tasks and preserved legacy rewards. An XP Celebration, timed challenges, and a promotional store bundle accompany the rollout, designed to boost engagement while easing the transition for long-time players.