What you need to know about Pokemon GO's AR+ mode

Posted by Jessica Famularo on December 20th, 2017
+ Universal & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch



Pokémon GO
just got a huge AR update exclusively for iPhone and iPad sometime soon, according to Niantic Labs, the game's developer. The new AR+ feature makes good use of Apple's new ARKit, which was announced earlier this year. This is going to give your Pokémon a whole new look. Here's what you can expect from AR+.


It's not for everyone

Unfortunately, ARKit only runs on gadgets running iOS 11, which means anything older than an iPhone 6s or a 5th generation iPad won't be able to take advantage of the new feature. Android users will have to wait on accessing AR+, as there's been no announcement for that platform just yet.

It improves accuracy

Once you enable AR+ in the game's encounter mode, Pokémon will have more accurate positioning thanks to the new technology that provides six degrees of freedom to more accurately gauge the environemnt. Pokémon sizes will also be more accurate thanks to ARKit's advanced 3D scaling in AR. Their size will change as you move further or closer to the Pokémon, and perspective can now shift as well.

AR+ will feature gameplay perks

Thanks to accurate tracking of size and distance, players will receive special capture bonuses if they catch a Pokémon while in close proximity of the creature. However, this adds an extra challenge as well, because Pokémon who sense your presence will be a lot more skittish, oftentimes fleeing if you're not careful. Players who master closing in on Pokémon will be treated to an Expert Handler bonus that grants added XP and Stardust.

AR+ is available now in Pokémon GO.

Have you given AR+ a try yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Posted in: News, Lists
Tagged With: Pokémon GO
Share This: