Do You Get Extra XP for AR Mode in Pokémon GO? The Complete Trainer’s Guide!
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The short answer is: No, you do not get extra XP for catching Pokémon in AR (Augmented Reality) mode in Pokémon GO. While AR mode offers an immersive experience and allows you to see Pokémon in the real world, it doesn’t impact the amount of XP you earn for catching them. The XP rewards are consistent whether you’re catching Pokémon in AR mode or with AR+ mode, or in the standard in-game view. However, mastering AR mode, especially AR+, can indirectly lead to more catches and, therefore, more XP in the long run by leading to better throws and catching the Pokemon, so it can be worth learning.
Diving Deeper: XP and Pokémon GO
While AR mode itself doesn’t grant bonus XP, understanding how XP works in Pokémon GO is crucial for maximizing your level progression. Here’s a breakdown of how XP is awarded:
Core XP Actions
- Catching Pokémon: This is your bread and butter. Standard catches yield a base amount of XP, which can be modified by various bonuses.
- Evolving Pokémon: Evolving Pokémon is a quick and easy way to gain a substantial amount of XP.
- Hatching Eggs: The XP you get for hatching eggs depends on the distance required to hatch the egg, with longer distances resulting in larger XP rewards.
- Spinning PokéStops: A quick and easy way to get XP on the go.
- Battling in Raids and Gyms: Raids offer significant XP, especially for defeating tougher Raid Bosses. Defeating Pokémon in Gyms also grants XP.
- Completing Research Tasks: Both Field Research and Special Research tasks offer XP as a reward.
XP Modifiers and Bonuses
- Excellent, Great, and Nice Throws: Improving your throwing accuracy will give you additional XP.
- Curveballs: Throwing a curveball gives a small XP bonus.
- First Catch of the Day: You get a bonus for catching your first Pokémon of the day and your first PokéStop spin of the day.
- Lucky Eggs: Lucky Eggs are your best friend for leveling up quickly. They double all XP earned for 30 minutes (or longer during special events). Plan your activities around Lucky Egg usage for maximum efficiency.
- Friendship Levels: Increasing your Friendship Level with other players grants huge XP bonuses, especially when reaching Ultra Friends and Best Friends. Always use a Lucky Egg before triggering these milestones!
Mastering AR Mode (and AR+)
While it doesn’t directly boost XP, mastering AR mode in Pokémon GO can significantly enhance your gameplay experience and potentially lead to more catches, which indirectly boosts XP. AR+ mode, available on compatible devices, takes this a step further by adding depth and realism. Here’s why it’s worth learning:
Enhanced Immersion
AR mode makes Pokémon encounters feel more real. Seeing a Pokémon appear in your living room or local park adds a new layer of excitement to the game.
Strategic Catching
AR+ mode allows you to get closer to Pokémon before they notice you, increasing your chances of landing a successful throw and gaining extra Expert Handler Bonus rewards, which will lead to catching them in the future.
Photorealistic Screenshots
AR mode allows you to take amazing photos of Pokémon in real-world environments, making for great social media content and memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you get extra XP for catching Pokémon in AR+ mode?
No. AR+ doesn’t give bonus XP, but allows you to get closer, making them easier to catch and gaining the Expert Handler Bonus.
2. Does using a Pokémon GO Plus or similar device affect XP gain?
Yes. Catching a Pokémon with a Pokémon GO Plus typically earns you 100 XP and 100 Stardust. However, the XP might not be credited instantly. If the Pokémon flees, you still get 25 XP.
3. Should I use a Lucky Egg when leveling up?
Absolutely! Lucky Eggs double the amount of XP you earn for 30 minutes. They’re invaluable for maximizing your leveling efficiency.
4. Does battling in Raids or Gyms give XP?
Yes, Raids and Gym battles are excellent sources of XP, especially Legendary Mega Raids.
5. Do you get more XP from catching or defeating Pokémon?
In Pokémon GO, you primarily get XP from catching Pokémon. In the core series games, you get XP from defeating them.
6. Do you get XP for defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts?
Yes, defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts grants XP and the opportunity to catch a Shadow Pokémon.
7. How long does a Lucky Egg last?
Lucky Eggs typically last for 30 minutes, but some special events may extend the duration.
8. What’s the best strategy for evolving Pokémon during a Lucky Egg?
Aim to evolve as many Pokémon as possible during a Lucky Egg period. Evolving takes approximately 30 seconds, so you can potentially perform 60 evolves in 30 minutes.
9. What doubles XP in Pokémon GO?
Lucky Eggs are the primary item that doubles XP in Pokémon GO.
10. What is the fastest way to grind XP in Pokémon GO?
Focus on catching and evolving low-Candy Pokémon like Weedle, Caterpie, and Wurmple while using a Lucky Egg. Completing Special Research tasks and increasing Friendship Levels are also great for XP.
11. Do you get Stardust for evolving Pokémon?
Evolving Pokémon does not directly grant Stardust. Stardust is gained primarily from catching Pokémon. On top of this, the evolution stage makes a difference – first stage Pokemon drop 300 Stardust (+75 Weather Boost) and second stage Pokémon drop 500 (+125 Weather Boost).
12. What’s the level cap in Pokémon GO?
The level cap in Pokémon GO is currently level 50.
13. How can I earn 100,000 XP quickly in Pokémon GO?
Becoming Best Friends with another Trainer grants 100,000 XP. Time this with a Lucky Egg to double it to 200,000 XP.
14. Is there an Expert Handler Bonus in the game that awards extra Stardust and XP?
Yes, if you are able to successfully catch the Pokémon without raising its awareness, you’ll be rewarded with an Expert Handler Bonus of extra Stardust and XP.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
Explore resources at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, for insights into how games can be used for learning and development.