Starting in March 2020, several bonuses were implemented in Pokemon Go in order to ease gameplay amid the rise of Covid 19. Among these bonuses were 1/2 hatch distance for eggs and increased Incense spawns. This has continued until today, when Niantic announced that we're about to receive changes to this long-term system.
Ending Bonuses:
- Egg hatching distance is returning to normal
- Incense effectiveness will return to normal when players are not walking
- Buddies will only give gifts when the player is extremely low on them, and only once per day
- Pokestops will no longer give guaranteed gifts, but will have an increased drop rate for them
These changes will take place on October 1, 2020. They are subject to change, and Niantic has stated that they are still watching the Covid situation and may bring back or alter bonuses as the need arises.
Full Announcement
Full Text
Trainers,
Over the past few months, we’ve been making temporary changes to Pokémon GO to adapt to the changing global environment. Some of these changes will remain implemented for the foreseeable future, such as the ability to raid remotely, changes to the GO Battle League, and the increased distance at which you can spin Photo Discs at Gyms and PokéStops. We thank you for all your feedback.
The following temporary bonuses will remain to improve Pokémon GO’s overall gameplay experience.
- The maximum number of Gifts you can carry in your Item Bag at a time will remain at 20.
- You will continue to receive three times the Stardust and XP for your first Pokémon catch of the day.
- Incense duration will remain at 60 minutes.
When possible, people are generally encouraged to spend time outside, go on walks, and exercise for their mental and physical health—all while social distancing and abiding by other health and safety recommendations. Starting Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. PDT (GMT −7), the following temporary bonuses will be modified.
- Hatch Distance will return to normal for Eggs.
- The increased effectiveness of Incense will now apply only while walking.
- Your Buddy Pokémon will now bring you Gifts only when you have nearly run out. This will happen only once per day.
- You will still have a higher chance of getting a Gift when you spin a PokéStop. However, you won’t be guaranteed to get a Gift.
Incubators will be included in more boxes in the in-game shop.
For a summary of active bonuses, keep your eye on the “Special bonuses” section of the Today View! We will continue to monitor these active bonuses and will provide updates as necessary.
Additionally, we’re continuously monitoring the ever-evolving global situation and are working hard to reschedule previously planned live events to 2021. Health and safety are of the utmost importance. Please stay tuned to our official channels for any rescheduling updates.
Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change. Be sure to follow us on social media, opt in to receiving push notifications, and subscribe to our emails to stay updated. For the latest on in-game events and feature updates, be sure to check this help center article.
—The Pokémon GO team
