Pokémon GO Buddy System update rolls out
The update is starting to come in across the world. But players with rooted or jailbroken phones may want to reconsider updating…
The next update for Pokémon GO is being rolled out. This includes the Buddy System revealed last week. They also added support with the Pokémon GO Plus (to be released on the 16th of September in most countries). Furthermore, some bug fixes have been applied.
Pokémon GO is in the process of being updated to version 0.37.0 for Android and 1.7.0 for iOS devices. Below are some release notes and comments from our development team.
- Implemented Buddy Pokémon: Trainers will now be able to choose one of their Pokémon to be their buddy. A Trainer can earn Candy for their Buddy Pokémon by walking a certain distance.
- Made it easier to select smaller Pokémon on the screen.
- Fixed an issue where Eggs would sometimes hatch without displaying the animation.
- Improved performance reliability when a device switches networks to no longer cause the application to hang or stop updating.
- Pokémon GO Plus support
- Minor text fixes.
Buddy Pokémon
By selecting a Pokémon and walking a set distance, you can earn Candy specific to that Buddy Pokémon. This gives players another way to train up Pokémon, including rare ones. They require some more work however:
A buddy Pokémon is a companion that joins you along your journey. You’ll earn Candy as you travel with your buddy. Some Pokémon require longer distances to gain Candy.
Rooting a No-GO?
However, the last paragraph on the official website’s update page holds some ominous news for those with rooted or jailbroken phones:
We continue to focus on eliminating bots and scrapers from Pokémon GO. Rooted or jailbroken devices are not supported by Pokémon GO. Remember to download Pokémon GO from the official Google Play Store or iTunes App Store only.
Apparently additional checks by the game prevents people with rooted phones from playing after launching the application. While Googling may help find you some methods around that, it may well turn off users who rather keep their rooted phones over playing GO, including those with no intention to cheat in Pokémon GO.
What are your thoughts on the newest update?
Cover image by Pebbles.
