Pokémon GO Introduces a Battle Pass-like System Called Tour Pass

Pokémon GO’s newest update includes a system very similar to battle passes in other games that incentivize players to play for rewards. This event starts from February 24 until March 2.

The battle pass in question is called the tour pass and it has two versions, Basic and Deluxe. The Basic version of the tour pass is available to every player starting February 24 and the Deluxe version will only unlock after the players have paid for it. The price for the Deluxe version is $14.99. Players who purchase the Deluxe version at a later date will be able to receive the rewards from previous levels, as long as it isn’t past March 2.

Players have different ways to level up their tour pass. Catching Pokémon, Completing raids, and hatching Eggs will give players a little bit of tour points. Pokémon GO also introduces pass tasks which gives players more tour points once completed. Basic tour pass owners will receive one pass task per day, while Deluxe pass owners will receive two.

There’s also a limit to how much tour points players can earn each day. According to Polygon, with the current limits in place, players will only be able to earn four to six ranks per day depending on whether they have Basic or Deluxe passes. However, the limits will be lifted on March 1 and March 2 which will allow players to grind their passes.

The tour pass rewards players with different items which includes Pokémon Candies and Poké Balls. When players reach certain milestones, they may even receive avatar items or have an encounter with special Pokémons.

For players with a basic tour pass, the final major milestone will grant them a Zorua encounter that has a special background. The developers also mentioned that this particular Zorua has the chance to be a shiny if the player is lucky. For Deluxe pass owners, finishing the pass grants them a new item called The Lucky Trinket. 

The Lucky Trinket is a one-time-use item that allows players to turn one of their friends into a Lucky Friend. Players must at least be Great Friends with the trainer they want to turn into a Lucky Friend before using the Lucky Trinket.

Paired with the pass, Pokémon GO also announced its Pokémon GO Tour: Unova – Global which will allow players to take on Black Kyurem and White Kyurem in five-star raids and obtain Fusion Energy.