Pokemon GO players who currently run iOS 11 will be able to see the game evolve into an even more vivid experience. In an upcoming update by Niantic, Pokemon GO will introduce new augmented reality tools that will display the usual Pokemon in a freshly realistic portrayal, alongside new gameplay features.
While Pokemon GO has been utilizing augmented reality since its inception, these newly adapted functions, dubbed AR+, add a realistic touch to individual Pokemon with a more lifelike depiction of perspective, size, and position. Pokemon will now be fixated to the camera viewfinder with more accuracy placed on their proportion based off of the games’ database. The Pokemon will be better integrated to user surroundings, and no longer be placed using rough estimations of where objects were relative to the environment.
The update includes reactionary improvements to the Pokemon, as well, which allows players to exploit their awareness by using sneak tactics before attempting a capture. Successfully capturing a Pokemon using this sneak mechanic unlocks a new bonus achievement, called Expert Handler, which awards players with more XP and Stardust. Though, the Pokemon have the capability to flee if they become aware of players approaching too closely. The spacial understanding of Pokemon will be denoted with an awareness meter which appears above them. If the meter fills up, the Pokemon flees, but players can still attempt to capture it by tapping on the surrounding environment for an additional chance of reappearance.
Currently, the AR+ framework update is unique to iOS 11 devices, marking iPhone 6 or newer, fifth generation iPads, and iPad Pro models as the only recipients. While the update has not yet been released, Niantic stated in their announcement yesterday that the launch will be sometime in the near future.