Leveling Up Again: My Pokémon GO Progress After the New Update

The long-awaited Pokémon GO level cap update has finally arrived, and it’s bringing back some of that excitement from the early days of catching and leveling. Niantic has officially raised the cap from Level 50 to Level 80, marking the game’s biggest player progression change since its original launch.

As someone who’s been playing since the early years, I’ve seen Pokémon GO evolve a lot—from simple walking and catching to a full-blown ecosystem with raids, PvP, research tasks, and community events. But leveling has always been one of the biggest milestones for dedicated trainers, and with this new expansion, everyone’s progression has been adjusted accordingly.

A Little History

When Pokémon GO first launched in 2016, hitting Level 40 was considered the ultimate goal. It was a grind that required millions of XP and months of commitment. For years, 40 remained the hard cap until Niantic raised it to Level 50, introducing a new layer of challenge that required tasks and achievements alongside XP.

That’s where I hit my wall. I reached Level 42, but many of the required tasks—especially those related to evolving specific Pokémon or completing battle objectives—slowed me down. It wasn’t lack of interest, just a lack of time.

After the Update: A Jump Forward

With the new update, Niantic automatically recalculated player levels, adjusting everyone’s XP-based progress into the new structure. I was pleasantly surprised to log in and see that I’d jumped from Level 42 to Level 61 overnight.

It’s a huge bump on paper, but it’s not without its caveats—the grind beyond this point still requires significant XP accumulation. However, the new system feels more engaging and less restrictive since it focuses primarily on total experience rather than long task lists that stall progress.

Staying Casual (and Realistic)

Even with the fresh energy this update brings, I know myself well enough to admit I’ll remain a casual player. Pokémon GO still fits best into my life during travel or special events, when exploring new areas makes catching feel natural again.

That said, it’s nice to see Niantic making efforts to reinvigorate the player base. Leveling feels fresh again, and the new cap gives both veterans and newcomers something to work toward.

After years of hitting soft ceilings, it’s refreshing to see Pokémon GO evolve in a way that honors long-time players while giving casual ones like me a little boost of motivation. I may not be grinding to 80 anytime soon, but seeing that Level 61 next to my name feels like a fun reminder of the journey.

It’s another small spark in a game that’s managed to keep people exploring for nearly a decade—and that’s an achievement worth celebrating.

Here’s to catching a few more on the road ahead!