Major Update: Pokémon GO Level Cap Increases to 80
After years of steady progress, Pokémon GO is finally raising its level cap from 50 to 80. This major update marks a significant shift in how players experience the game’s progression system. Since its initial release in 2016, the game has undergone several changes to keep players engaged and challenged. The first level cap was set at 40, which players could reach by accumulating as much experience points (XP) as possible. However, in 2020, a major update known as Go Beyond raised the cap to 50, but with a new twist that required players to complete special tasks instead of just earning XP.
This change made reaching level 50 an arduous journey for many, as it required completing specific challenges rather than simply grinding for XP. Only the most dedicated players managed to achieve this milestone. Now, five years later, Pokémon GO is once again increasing the level cap, along with a number of other adjustments to the leveling system.
What Players Can Expect
Starting on October 15, the level cap will be raised to 80. Players who have accumulated high amounts of XP will see their levels increase accordingly. In addition, the game is rebalancing the level curve so that players can level up more quickly on their way to 80. As part of this change, the Level-Up Research tasks for levels 41 through 50 are being removed. Instead, new tasks will be introduced for the range of 71 to 80.
Players can also look forward to new rewards tied to their level-up progression. One such reward is increased Pokémon storage capacity, which will be especially valuable for collectors. Importantly, no players will lose levels as a result of this update, ensuring that all progress remains intact.
Rewards for Longtime Players
Some players who have worked hard to reach level 50 may feel a sense of loss with this update. However, Pokémon GO has ensured that these players will not go empty-handed. By 11:59pm local time on Tuesday, October 14, all players will receive a medal commemorating their highest level between 1 and 50. Those who have reached level 50 will even get a special Level 50 Jacket and an exclusive avatar pose. While they will no longer be at the top of the level cap, they will still have something to be proud of.
Preparing for the Change
To help players prepare for the upcoming changes, an event called the XP Celebration is set to begin on Monday, August 25 at 1:00pm PT and run until October 14 at 11:59pm local time. During this period, players can enjoy various bonuses, including 2x Catch XP from Nice, Great, and Excellent Throws, as well as 3,000 XP from winning raids and Max Battles.
Special Timed Research will also be available for players who are level 5 and above. This includes a chance to earn 7 million XP. Additionally, the level 47 Level-Up Research task, which previously required players to explore 25 km in a week eight times, has been reduced to twice.
For those willing to invest some money, the XP Celebration Ultra Box is available for purchase. Limited to three per player, the $9.99 box contains 15 Lucky Eggs, one Super Incubator, one Incubator, five Incense, and two Lure Modules. These items can significantly aid players in leveling up while waiting for the official launch of the new level cap on October 15.
