Pokemon GO has recently announced that Shadow Pokemon are not eligible for Hyper Training, a new feature involving Gold Bottle Caps. This item has been highly anticipated by fans, as it allows for the optimization of a Pokemon’s Individual Values (IVs). In the mainline games, using a Gold Bottle Cap initiates Hyper Training, instantly enhancing a Pokemon’s stats. However, the process will differ in Pokemon GO, where players must complete various tasks with their Buddy Pokemon, such as battling and exploring, before utilizing Hyper Training.
The development team shared via Twitter that Shadow Pokemon, while potent in PvP battles and raids, cannot undergo Hyper Training with the newly introduced Bottle Caps. This news is disappointing for players hoping to strengthen their unpurified Shadow monsters. Moreover, Pokemon with stats that are already maxed out will not be eligible for Hyper Training either. Despite the community’s long-standing request for Hyper Training, the introduction of Gold Bottle Caps has drawn criticism.
Initially, these items will only be available through the purchase of a GO Pass Deluxe during the Ancients Recovered event, starting on June 23. This exclusivity has led to concerns about the feature being less accessible to free-to-play users and has sparked debates about whether it promotes a pay-to-win model. Furthermore, some players worry about the limited-time nature of the Gold Bottle Caps. While not everyone is pleased with the restrictions surrounding Hyper Training, some players are eager to invest in the GO Pass Deluxe to perfect their rare shiny Pokemon.
The upcoming Ancients Recovered event is expected to enhance gameplay, featuring returning Legendary Giants and offering a free GO Pass that guarantees players a special Regi and a dressed-up Pikachu. This event presents an excellent opportunity for players to engage in battles and discover more powerful Pokemon.