We hope you still have the app installed!

A year ago, Pokémon GO hit the public like a ton of bricks. Everyone was playing it—you could tell by how they walked in group swith phones in their hands. Its popularity continues to grow and has now reached another height with the latest update. 

Gyms

With the new Pokémon GO update, you’ll be able to spin the Photo Disc at gyms in order to acquire items. Moreover, Gyms will no longer be based on Prestige and training. Instead, they’ll feature six permanent slots that will be filled by the unique Pokémon of the controlling teams. Battling teams will take on these Pokémon in the order they’re assigned.

But the bigger thing to look out for is Motivation. When a Pokémon is left to defend the gym, its Motivation diminishes over time. In turn, CP will temporarily decrease making it easier for attackers to defeat it. How to increase Motivation? Feed the Pokémon Berries.

Gyms Badges

The classic Pokémon feature can finally be yours when you come in contact with different Gyms during your travels as a Trainer. The Badges can be leveled up when you give Berries to the Pokémon in the Gym, as well as spinning the Photo Disc. The higher your Badge Level, the better bonus items and reward you’ll get from the Gym.

Raid Battle Feature

Ever come across a Pokémon that was too strong for you to defeat? The new Raid Battle feature of Pokémon GO will allow you to team up with other Trainers to defeat what will be known as the Raid Boss. Before the battle begins, a large Egg will appear at the top of the Gym and the Raid Boss will be revealed when the countdown hits zero.

However, you will need a Raid Pass to participate in these types of battles. You can acquire one by visiting a Gym, but you can only hold one at a time. But you can also get the Premium Raid Pass at the in-game shop.

Only 20 trainers can team up to try and defeat a Raid Boss. And if you and your team can put it down within the 3-minute time period, you’ll be given the opportunity to catch a powerful Pokémon of your own! Plus, you’ll be given the chance to collect new and rare items such as Rare Candies (which can turn into a Pokémon’s candy when used on it), Golden Razz Berries (which increases your chance of catching wild Pokémon, otherwise completes Motivation) and two types of Technical Machines (which can be used to teach Pokémon new moves)—Fast and Charged.

Time to get the game running again. Download the Pokémon GO app from the App Store or the Play Store.