Since the pandemic, trainers around the globe have been able to raid with their friends and even strangers around the world thanks to the addition of the Remote Raid Pass. These raid passes made it easier for trainers to raid with others while socially distancing. Additionally, these passes allowed many trainers to participate in international raids to catch regional Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Azelf, Uxie, and Mespirit.

Since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, Niantic has started to take away some of the features that were implemented during the pandemic. Last year, Niantic decreased the gym radius forcing trainers to get closer. Additionally, any free benefits the game offered were slowly taken away and diminished. Despite fan outrage, Niantic continued to make changes that seemed money focused, such as the increase of remote raid pass bundles.

Today, Niantic announced a new change coming to Pokemon Go and it has many Pokemon Go fans angry. No this is not an April Fools Day joke, Niantic is increasing the prices of the Pokemon Go Raid passes.

Change to Remote Raid Passes

In Today’s Pokemon Go news, Niantic announced a price increase for remote passes. The changes will go into effect on April 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. PDT.  Below is the official announcement.

Pricing adjustments:

• The price of the Remote Raid Pass three-pack will increase to 525 PokéCoins.
• The price of single Remote Raid Passes will increase to 195 PokéCoins.
• A Premium Battle Pass three-pack will be added to the shop for the price of 250 PokéCoins.

Remote Raid participation limits:

• Trainers will be able to participate in a maximum of five Remote Raids per day.
• This maximum may change and increase for special events.

Remote Raid Passes:

• Remote Raid Passes will be included in the pool of potential rewards for Research Breakthroughs.
• Remote Raid Passes earned via Research Breakthroughs will still be subject to the existing inventory limit of three Remote Raid Passes per Trainer.
• If a Trainer earns a Remote Raid Pass from a Research Breakthrough while at the three Remote Raid Pass limit, they will receive a Premium Battle Pass instead.
• Purchases of Remote Raid Pass 3-Packs will still allow you to hold up to 5 Remote Raid Passes if you purchase it with 2 Remote Passes already in your inventory.

Candy XL:

• Trainers who participate in five-star raids in person will earn more Candy XL than before.

The inclusion of a three-pack for premium raid passes will offer players a discount of 50 Pokecoins. This new update will almost double the price of remote raid passes taking the single pass from 100 to 195 and the bundle from 300 to 525; this marks the second occasion that Niantic has increased the price of Remote Raid passes. This change almost incentives players to spoof rather than play locally. Remote Raid passes can be earned through research breakthroughs, but this feels almost like an insult to players who enjoy raiding.

Players Organizing a Strike

After the announcement was made, many in the community were displeased with the information. Within the last few hours, many players have decided to strike and intend to hit Niantic where it will hurt the most, their wallets. For the strike, players plan to do the following three things.

1. Save money. For an entire week, the organizers are calling on players to not spend money on the game starting April 6th. They ask players to not purchase or use remote/premium raid passes. They also ask players to not buy any special in-game boxes.
2. Only do in-person raids but do not use any incense, lures, or star pieces.
3. Spread the plan to others.

Some players are already saying no more and have decided to transfer their favorite Pokemon Go Pokemon to Pokemon Home, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, or to other games.

Let Us Know!

For additional Pokemon Go news or raid guides, check out our Pokemon Go section. What do you think of the changes coming to Pokemon Go? Do you think Niantic is being greedy or pushing the game back to the in-person direction? Do you think remote raid passes should be the same price as premium passes?

If you want to add me on Pokemon Go, my trainer code is 3979-2857-6892. If you want to be invited to a raid throughout the month, follow me on Twitter at KillerKDemons.

Let us know if this information is helpful to you and look out for any raid invites from us in the future. Remember to follow the NicheGamer Twitter for a variety of Pop Culture news

Pokemon Go was developed by The Pokémon Company and is available now on iOS and Android.