Pokémon Go’s new Party Play feature lets you group up, if you physically stick together

Pokémon Go has introduced an exciting new multiplayer feature called Party Play, enhancing the gameplay experience for players who enjoy exploring the world together. This feature arrives seven years after the game’s initial launch and aims to reward groups of players who engage with the game side by side.

What is Party Play?

Party Play encourages players to gather in real-world locations, offering gameplay bonuses, additional challenges, and the ability to see each other’s avatars on the in-game map. This new feature aims to foster social interaction and teamwork among players.

Key Features of Party Play

• Party Power Raid Bonus: One of the most appealing aspects of Party Play is the introduction of a Party Power bonus, which doubles the damage of Charged Attacks during player-versus-environment (PVE) battles. This enhancement can significantly impact the outcome of raid battles, allowing groups to tackle tougher challenges together.
• Proximity Requirement: To benefit from the Party Play features, players must stay relatively close to one another, roughly within the interaction radius of a PokéStop. If players stray too far apart, they will receive a warning, ensuring that the group remains intact.
• Party Challenges: Upon grouping, the host will have the option to select Party Challenges that the entire group can work towards. Completing these challenges, such as catching a specified number of Pokémon, will yield rewards and showcase each player’s performance metrics.

How to Use Party Play

When Party Play launches, players will find a new tab in their menu that allows them to initiate a party by sharing a QR code. This feature is particularly useful for teaming up with friends or new acquaintances during community events.

Party Dynamics

Parties can consist of two to four players, and the host will have various Party Challenges to choose from, encouraging cooperative gameplay. Additionally, if one member of the party enters a raid, the other members will receive invitations to join, enhancing the collaborative experience.

Exclusive Rewards

Players can also unlock exclusive avatar rewards through Party Play, including stylish Eevee-themed T-shirts for their characters. These cosmetic items add a fun element to the gameplay and foster a sense of community among players.

Session Limitations

Currently, Party Play sessions are limited to one hour, but players can immediately re-group once the time is up. Niantic has indicated that they plan to extend this time limit for special events, such as Community Days and Go Fest, to allow for longer play sessions.

With the introduction of Party Play, Pokémon Go is set to elevate the multiplayer experience, encouraging players to explore together while enhancing their gameplay through teamwork and cooperative challenges.