Pokémon GO is introducing new social distancing measures - here's how the Remote Raid Pass works

Pokémon GO is a game that encourages you to leave the house to find virtual critters dotted about the real world.

Obviously, in the time of coronavirus, that's not the best of ideas.

The game's developers - Niantic - realise this, so have implemented a number of changes to allow players to enjoy the game as fully as they would were they allowed to venture out of doors.

Here's everything you need to know about the changes:

What's new in Pokémon GO?

Hare the new changes brought to the game at a glance:

  • You are now able to access Raid Battles from wherever you are with a 'Remote Raid Pass'
  • You can now receive a bonus Field Research task daily - without having to head outside to spin a PokéStop
  • If you run low on Gifts, your Buddy Pokémon will keep you safe by venturing out to nearby PokéStops and bringing back some Gifts; you can then send these out to friends

Alongside these big changes aimed at keeping players indoors but still able to enjoy the game, you'll also be able to power up your Pokémon by using all the Candies and Stardust you wish to use at once, and won't have to wait to use more of the same item to extend the item’s effect after using a Star Piece, Lucky Egg or Incense!

How do Raids work from home?

Arguably the biggest new addition to the game, the Remote Raid Pass allows players to join any Raid Battle that they can see on the app's 'Nearby' screen.

You'll also be able to join any Raid Battle you can tap on the map screen.

To join these Raids, you'll need a Remote Raid Pass (an upcoming new item); only one Remote Raid Pass will be required to join each raid, and you’ll be able to hold a limited amount of Remote Raid Passes at a time.

Twenty Trainers can join the same Raid Battle, with a limited number of Trainers using a Remote Raid Pass.

Raid Battles that you complete with a Remote Raid Pass will count toward any raid-related research tasks or achievement medals.

At launch, Trainers battling in raids remotely will have the same attack power as Trainers who are able to battle at the raid location in person.

At a later time, the attack power for Trainers battling remotely will be reduced. Afterward, a Trainer battling at the raid location in person will have higher attack power than a Trainer battling remotely.

You'll need one Pass to join one Raid, with 20 players in total being allowed to join the same Raid Battle.

Niantic say they’ll be making adjustments to this feature over time, including changes to the number of Trainers who can join remotely, the ability to invite friends to raids regardless of their location, and the mentioned adjustment to attack power for Trainers battling in a raid remotely.

How do I get a Remote Raid Pass?

If you want to give the new feature a go for yourself, keep a look out for a 1 PokéCoin bundle that will feature Remote Raid Passes, coming soon to the shop.

At launch, Remote Raid Passes will be available to buy individually at the special discounted price of 100 PokéCoins.

For more information on the new, social distancing features coming to Pokémon GO, head to Niantic's website

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