Pokémon GO will have a major update on October 15th, rebalancing the game level cap and general XP raises.
Everyone’s favourite mobile and social Pokémon game is getting a huge patch in a couple of months! Pokémon GO will have a major update on Wednesday, October 15th, rebalancing the game level cap and general XP raises. On the same date, the game’s level cap will increase from 50 to 80, the largest maximum level increase to date in the augmented reality mobile game. To kick things off today, trainers can rank up faster with the XP Celebration event beginning at 1:00 pm PDT through October 14th at 11:59 pm local time.
This Pokémon GO update will let Trainers level up more frequently and receive improved rewards throughout the journey. During the XP Celebration event, all players will receive double catch XP for “Nice”, “Great”, and “Excellent” Poké Ball throws, as well as an additional 3,000 XP from successful Raids and Max Battles. These bonuses will stack with other event bonuses.
Additionally, all Trainers Level 5 and above will receive Timed Research with the chance to earn more than 7 million XP before the level increase goes into effect. Finally, a level 47 Level-Up Research task will be adjusted. Instead of requiring you to explore 25 km in a week eight times, you’ll only need to do so twice. This is the perfect opportunity to reach those nearby levelling milestones as you prepare for the coming update.
Here is a general breakdown from the official blog, highlighting the changes players can expect on October 15th in Pokémon GO:
- The level cap will increase from level 50 to level 80. The overall levelling curve from level 1 to 80 will be rebalanced, and players can earn levels more frequently.
- Tasks for Level-Up Research for levels 41 to 50 will be removed.
- New Level-Up Research tasks will be added to levels 71 to 80.
- Players at level 70 and higher have an increased chance of becoming Lucky Friends with other players.
- New rewards will be added to level-up progression, like increased storage capacity for Pokémon, items, and Gifts. This includes new avatar items starting at level 25!
- Based on previously earned experience, some players may automatically jump in level on October 15. Those players will receive rewards associated with reaching those levels at that time. Details about which players will jump in level, and by how many levels, will be shared later.
- No players will go down in level, but the amount of XP needed to reach the next level may change depending on your current level. Stay tuned for details.
By Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. local time, all players will receive a special medal commemorating their highest achieved level (1 to 50). Also, Trainers who have reached level 50 can show off their Level 50 Jacket and an all-new avatar pose highlighting this achievement. For those who are already Level 50 today, they should be receiving this special set already or soon. The avatar items earned by reaching levels 40 through 50 before the update will not be available for levelling up after October 15, 2025. Trainers will no longer be able to earn the Level 50 Jacket. You’ll keep any items, poses, or other level-up rewards you’ve already earned, including the Level 50 Jacket.
To cap off the XP Celebration event, the Pokémon GO store currently features the XP Celebration Ultra Box for $9.99 USD (or equivalent pricing tier in your local currency). This Ultra Box contains 15 Lucky Eggs, one Super Incubator, one Incubator, five Incense, and two Lure Modules to help you reach new levels. XP boosts are in full effect! However, players can only buy three of these Ultra Boxes per player.
As always, please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. More details were said to come in October, so stay tuned for more potential changes rolling out in this exciting new update. Ultimately, go out there, catch all the Pokémon, and have fun getting to Level 50 before October 15th!
