If you're still playing Pokémon Go more than four years after it first set mobile gaming records (near-record revenue numbers in July suggest there are plenty of you out there), you've probably been stuck at the game's experience cap of level 40 for a while. If so, you'll be happy to hear that the level cap will be increased for the first time, to level 50, as part of an upcoming update branded Pokémon Go Beyond.
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"Leveling up is one of the most important and meaningful aspects in the game," Niantic product manager Philip La said during a press presentation. "Reaching the current cap of 40 is a badge of honor that other trainers will recognize. Some have reached it multiple times over. Now is the right time [to increase that cap]. Many dedicated players have achieved so many milestones and [are] looking for new challenges."
While Niantic isn't discussing specific timing for the level-cap update (beyond "soon"), the company did say that trainers who hit the current level 40 cap by midnight on December 31 will receive a Legacy 40 Trainer badge and additional "exclusive rewards." That seems to suggest leveling past 40 will be available in early 2021, if not as soon as the year transfers over. A few lucky level-40 players in Australia will get to test the new level cap in the coming weeks.
1 / 4ChevronChevronCourtesy of NianticPlayers who reach Level 40 before the end of the year will be the only ones able to access a limited edition in-game Gyardos hat.
