Pokémon GO level cap raised to 50 and more

It has been more than four years since the magical summer of 2016 when Pokémon GO first released. Warm summer days wandering around parks and sometimes mild trespassing trying to hunt down a rare Scyther or Dratini. Since then, developer Niantic has introduced Raid Battles, Trainer Battles, and the nefarious Team GO Rocket. Now that there are more than 600 unique Pokémon in the game, Niantic is looking to expand the world of Pokémon GO even more.

Pokémon GO is changing in a big way

Starting November 30, Pokémon GO will “GO Beyond,” making major changes to the leveling system and introducing the Seasons system. Seasons will provide players a new way to experience in-game events and change up what Pokémon players can find in the wild.

For the first time since Pokémon GO’s release, Niantic is giving the leveling system a rework. Trainers who have reached level 40 will soon be able to climb higher, up to level 50. For those of us who are still working on getting to 40, Niantic is making it easier with bonuses until the end of the year. Players will earn more XP from catching Pokémon, hatching eggs, adding new entries to player’s Pokédex, and more. Certain activities will give players up to twice the amount of XP they previously did.

Going past level 40 is going to take some extra work, however. Players will have to complete special Level-Up Research before reaching the next level. These research tasks are designed to be more challenging and will test a player’s skills and dedication. Some of these research tasks include evolving all forms of Eevee, win a specific number of raids, or hatching a ton of eggs.

Being BFFs in Pokémon GO has never been easier

If players can reach level 40 before December 31, they will earn some unique rewards. Players will get a Legacy 40 medal and a Timed Research that gives players an exclusive Gyarados Hat avatar item. Other Timed Research will release through November and December to help give players a boost in XP.

One of these events, called the 12 Days of Friendship, starts November 18 and helps players earn friendship levels faster. Opening gifts, trading Pokémon, and battling together all provide more XP. Players can open more gifts daily and will earn twice the XP for catching Pokémon.

All these changes mean that players will have more to do than ever before in Pokémon GO. If you’re level 40 already, drop some tips in the comments below!