Niantic recently updated Pokemon Go, which will change the way raid battles are conducted. Raid battles were initially released earlier this year in summer, but not without issues. During the summer update, Pokemon Go’s system continually changed how often players would get Pokecoins, rural areas did not have enough people joining Gyms and Raid Battles, and trainers had to reach level 35 before participating in raid battles at all.  Luckily, a number of the initial launch errors were remedied in time for players to work together and start catching the legendary dog Pokemon Entei, Raikou and Suicune during special raid battles.

Niantic’s latest Pokemon Go update addresses the raid battle system again in a number of ways. The company claims they have taken player feedback into account with the system changes, and the app will not have to be updated or reinstalled for trainers to use the new features.

Now that EX Raid battles are officially available for everyone, Niantic released details about the improved system on their official website:

• EX Raid Battles primarily occur in sponsored locations and Gyms located in parks.
• Players with high-level Gym Badges will be invited to battle others more often.
• Completing many Raid Battles make it more likely for players to get picked for future battles.
• Stardust and Premium Raid Passes are given as consolation when an EX Raid is canceled.

According to Niantic’s statement on their website, most of the feedback they received “was focused around how Trainers are chosen to participate in EX Raid Battles….By taking Gym Badge level and total Raid Battles completed into account, we’re able to give Trainers who actively engage with the Gym where the EX Raid Battle is taking place and those who have invested more time into the Raid Battle feature a better chance of being invited to participate.”

This feedback resulted in regular Raid Battle mechanics changing alongside EX Raids:

• Completing Raid Battles gives trainers Golden Razz Berries.
• Less potions and revives are given upon Raid Battle completion, but potion quality improves upon use.
• Completion of tier 3 and higher Raid Battles increases the potential to receive fast and charged TMs.
• Magikarp will come back to tier 1 Raid Battles.
• Stardust is given as a participation award for any trainer in a Raid Battle.

Niantic hopes that the increased quality of items and increased rewards given out from EX and regular Raid Battles will make the battles more appealing and successful for all Pokemon Go trainers.