“Then vs Now”: Reddit draws Pokemon GO comparison between past and present

A recent Reddit post by user Foulmouth232 sparked a lively discussion about the evolution of Pokemon GO. The post highlighted the game’s earlier days as a beginner-friendly and engaging experience compared to its current state, which many players feel is riddled with issues. This includes remote raid nerfs, increased monetization, monotonous spawns, and forced in-person gameplay with 'fear of missing out (FOMO)' time windows. Foulmouth232 stated:

"Pokemon GO: Then vs Now"

Pokemon GO: Then vs. Now byu/Foulmouth232 inpokemongo

The community chimed in with varied perspectives, sharing their grievances, coping mechanisms, and even some silver linings amid the game's controversies.

User chokeonmywords expressed a pessimistic outlook, suggesting that Niantic’s direction for the game feels irreparable:

"I don’t see this getting better ever... Niantic is beyond repair."

This sentiment echoes a broader frustration among longtime players who feel the game has lost its charm.

Mike_Fluff, another Redditor, shared that they’ve scaled back their involvement, only playing casually during their commute. They noted capturing Pokemon occasionally if something interesting appears but otherwise claimed that the game is not worth the hassle:

A post by Foulmouth232 stirred up an interesting discussion among GO players (Image via Reddit)

Responding to this, AvoidingCape emphasized the value of avoiding FOMO-driven gameplay. They enjoy the game in a more relaxed manner, preferring big events like GO Fest to smaller, weather-dependent raids. This approach reflects how many players have adapted their playstyle to remain engaged when playing.

Nyandacore expressed their disappointment after returning to Pokemon GO in 2024, only to be met with features like Dynamax battles that exacerbated the game's issues. They criticized the time-sensitive events and the need to power up entirely new Pokemon to participate effectively:

Comment byu/Foulmouth232 from discussion inpokemongo

Despite these frustrations, they acknowledged that the game encourages outdoor activity.

For user Traditional_Formal33, Pokemon GO has offered them a way to socialize after becoming a new father and moving away from friends. While initial experiences like raid days felt isolating — often sitting in a car and barely interacting — Dynamax raids presented a more collaborative experience:

Comment byu/Foulmouth232 from discussion inpokemongo

While many players criticize Dynamax mechanics, Traditional_Formal33 appreciated how it pushed players to work together and communicate during events. In their case, this has helped foster local connections and added a sense of teamwork to the game.

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Reflecting on the transition in Pokemon GO

The community’s passion for the game hasn’t seemed to wane (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The Reddit thread paints a complex picture of Pokemon GO’s evolution. For many, the simplicity and excitement of the game’s early days have given way to mechanics that prioritize monetization and in-person exclusivity, alienating casual or solo players.

However, others acknowledge that features like Dynamax raids have rekindled some of the community spirit that made the game popular in the first place.

While the future of GO remains uncertain, the vibrant discussions among players suggest that the community’s passion for it hasn’t waned and has just shifted to a more critical and reflective tone.

Whether Niantic chooses to heed this feedback could determine whether the game regains its former glory or continues to alienate its fanbase.

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