Niantic lets players bond with Buddy-Pokémon for extra perks

Niantic expands the Buddy system in Pokémon Go with an Adventure mode. This makes it possible to build a bond with the Buddy-Pokémon and get extra perks. Players see their Buddy walking along the map, and the Buddies can find items or provide extra CP.

Niantic writes in a blog post that the feature will be released ‘in 2020’, but the company does not mention a definitive date. Adventure mode is an extension of the existing Buddy system that has been in the game since 2016. In the mode, players can feed their Buddy ‘Berries’ or other candies to bond with the virtual Pokémon. This is possible in the AR+ mode where the player can throw the food at the Pokémon. The Buddy responds to this in different ways, Niantic writes.

The closer the bond between the player and the Buddy is, the more perks it yields. There are four levels, with the first level showing the Buddy on the map. At the second level, the Buddy can help catch other Pokémon and bring items, and at the third level, the Buddy warns of interesting places nearby. At the last level, Best Buddy, a Pokémon gains a CP boost in battle and wears a special ribbon. Close buddies also get other perks. For example, it will be easier to find Candy.

In the future, Niantic will also come with an interactive mode where players can take pictures of their Buddies with each other. You can do that in Shared AR mode. Niantic doesn’t want to say more about that, except that the feature will come “soon” after the Buddy Adventure is available to all players.