Niantic has switched up the challenges linked to the upcoming debut of Genesect in Pokémon GO so they can be completed alone.
Ever since it launched almost four years ago, Pokémon GO has been all about trying to get gamers out into the world to play their games rather than sitting in front of screens. The trouble is, advising players to do that in the current climate isn't a great idea. That's something Niantic discovered when it reminded players to buy tickets for its upcoming Drive To Investigate event.
Comments in reply to the tweet painted an angry picture, such as trainers accusing Niantic of trying to make money at the expense of people's health. The developers have seen those messages and responded in kind. Trainers can not only complete all the challenges without interacting with anyone, but they can technically complete them all from the comfort of their own homes.
There are now five challenges connected to the Drive To Investigate special research event. Catch Pokémon of various types, play with your buddy, power up Pokémon, hatch eggs, and battle another trainer. That last one includes battles that take place within GO Battle League. Niantic has also changed the rules for its new league, waiving the 3 km walk needed each day to enter for the first month.
Some of the above might be harder to complete at home than others. Hatching eggs, for example. Hatching eggs requires a lot of walking, and doing that around your own home is more difficult than it might seem. Time to start power walking up and down those stairs if you want to encounter a Genesect this weekend.
One of the main reasons Niantic will have put these measures in place is due to the fact this event requires a ticket to enter. Many trainers will have already purchased tickets and this is a far more preferable solution to cancelling and handing out refunds. Tickets are still on sale and still cost $7.99. The event begins at 8 am on Friday, March 20, 2020 and will come to an end at 10 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Source: Pokémon GO