Latest 'Pokémon Go' Update Provides Much-Needed Fixes

Pokemon Go Update
Niantic | <em>Pokémon Go</em>
Niantic | <em>Pokémon Go</em>

The first major update to Pokémon Go was met with pitchforks and torches. The app was an unprecedented international success, and, after the update, users had tanked its app store ratings. People were furious that third-party tracking apps were shut down and the update had made the game magnitudes more difficult. 

On August 8, Niantic released another update aimed at a bit of course correction. The update, which was pushed out for both Android and iOS, hasn't been out very long, so the reviews on how the updates are functioning are scarce, but, so far, the changes in version 0.33.0 / 1.3.0 appear to be a step in the right direction. 

Curveball Accuracy

The first major update says that Niantic has "made improvements to the accuracy of a curveball throw." Along with Pokémon being harder to catch, the curveball being more difficult to throw was a major complaint coming out of the last update.

Experience Bonuses

Niantic's update says that there was a "bug" preventing "'Nice,' 'Great,' and 'Excellent' Poké Ball throws from awarding the appropriate experience bonuses." That bug is fixed. Get your Bert Blyleven on.

Nickname Changes

You know how you thought of that hilarious nickname the day after you named your avatar "Pizza Tuesdays 4Eva"? You can fix that now. The updated has "enabled the ability for Trainers to change their nickname one time." You're only getting one shot at the name change, though. Better make it real clever.

Battery Saver Mode

This game absolutely tanks batteries. That's why users were very happy about the implementation of battery saver mode, and equally as unhappy when the last update took battery saver mode away. The new update has resolved issues and re-implemented battery saver mode. Hallelujah.

Nearby Pokémon

With third-party maps all but a thing of the past, the update is trying to move toward some semblance of a replacement. "We're currently testing a variation of the 'Nearby Pokémon' feature with a subset of users. During this period you may see some variation in the nearby Pokémon UI." 

It's a little veiled, but some users may see updates here. Here's one Reddit user's report on how the update is functioning. 

Other Updates

Here are the other updates listed.
- "Added a dialog to remind Trainers that they should not play while traveling above a certain speed. Trainers must confirm they are not driving in order to continue playing."
- "Fixed achievements showing incorrect Medal icons."
- "Added visual of Team leaders — Candela, Blanche, and Spark."
- And the classic "minor text fixes."

The updates may be baby steps, but it looks like Niantic is working toward restoring the former glory of your beloved Pokémon Go. Now, get out in the streets and wrassle up Dratini.

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Dustin Nelson is a News Writer with Thrillist. He has been in beta for decades. Follow him @dlukenelson.