The Pokémon Company and Scopely Explore have launched a new update for Pokémon GO with major improvements to the Explorer Gadget feature. With added convenience, Trainers have the option to catch Pokémon by automatically throwing Poké Balls and collecting items by spinning PokéStops.
The Explorer Gadget feature is available to Pokémon GO players at Level 20 and above, and it can be activated by tapping its icon in the top right of the map view or the Key Items section of the Item Bag. When active, a pink Poké Ball icon will appear over any Pokémon or PokéStop the Explorer Gadget is attempting to catch or spin. Players can also tap a Pokémon or PokéStop that’s in progress to manually override the Explorer Gadget.
Additional updates include (via the Pokémon GO blog):
- Updated Catch Summary: Upon catching Pokémon, Trainers will see an improved catch summary with updated visuals that make rewards and catch bonuses clearer.
- Dedicated Appraise Button: Access to appraisal information will be streamlined via a dedicated button above the Additional Options on a Pokémon’s summary page.
- Visual Refreshes: Updates include updated PokéStop color saturation for clearer visual contrast, updated encounter ring indicators for wild Pokémon attracted by Lure Modules or encountered on Routes, and updated visual effects surrounding Pokémon attracted by the Mystery Box or Coin Bag.
- Power Spot Encounters: To improve consistency for wild encounters, visiting a Power Spot or placing a Pokémon at a Power Spot after winning a Max Battle will no longer trigger special wild encounters.
The “Go Wild Area: Into the Wild” event will soon take place from November 9 to November 13. It features a “Steel- and Dragon-type adventure, including Dynamax Pokémon debuts, a new Special Background, Max Battles, Raid Battles, a Global Challenge and more.” The event serves as a prelude to Pokémon GO Wild Area 2026, which will take place from November 6 to November 8 in Sendai, Japan, and Mexico City, Mexico. Those unable to attend the event in person can take part in Pokémon GO Wild Area: Global on November 14-15.
