A recent substantial improvement to Pokemon GO’s spawn distance is here to stay. The modification will significantly impact how users engage with Pokemon GO.
Pokemon GO fans have recently requested numerous changes. Much debate surrounds the popular mobile game’s alleged stagnation in content and quality of life changes. Simultaneously, some demand a return to changes that many believe are actively harming Pokemon GO.
Niantic appears to be listening to fans and moving in the right path, as a new popular update was recently confirmed as permanent. The most recent big adjustment to Pokemon GO affects the spawn distance, or the range in which the player may see Pokemon around them.
The most current version, 0.275.0, doubles the spawn radius for trainers worldwide, increasing it from 40 meters (about 130 feet) to 80 meters (around 260 feet). There were initial concerns among players that this change was a Niantic malfunction or test that would be deleted in the future.
Still, famous Pokemon GO content producer PokeDaxi reported on Twitter that a Niantic spokesperson confirmed the spawn radius upgrade was permanent. This was an unannounced update with no prior notification from Niantic to inform players about it, which is odd, given how much it changes the core fundamentals of the game.
Dax, real talk, how long do you think this is sticking around until it’s reverted?
— Arceus’ Dad TL48🏴☠️ (@PkmnMstr_R3) June 26, 2023
This can mean not having to stand precisely around the few PokeStops and Gyms in the area to make catches for Pokemon GO users in rural areas. For players in cities, this can entail large volumes of Pokemon spawning right around the player’s location.
It’s worth mentioning that, in Pokemon GO Hub, this adjustment does not affect GOPlus/auto-catchers, who still have a radius of 40 meters. After pleading for quality-of-life changes for quite some time, the current update is a welcome development within the Pokemon GO community.
Many of the game’s latest updates have been small, not bringing the upgrades many fans hoped for, with no word from Niantic on whether or not any of those items are coming. Receiving a surprise update from the corporation that is so favorably received may augur well for the game’s future. Pokmon GO is now available on iOS and Android devices.
