Pokémon GO Raises Trainer Level Cap to 80, Unveils Major XP Overhaul | News Glare

August 25, 2025 (Niantic HQ) - In its first significant experience-point adjustment in five years, Pokémon GO today announced that the maximum trainer level will increase from 50 to 80, accompanied by a full rebalance of XP requirements and the removal and addition of level-up research tasks.

Trainers will see the overhaul become active on October 15, 2025. All current XP totals will be recalibrated to the new curve, ensuring no player loses progress; those already at or beyond the old level 50 cap will automatically advance to the equivalent level under the new system.

Key changes include:

Level Cap Increase: The maximum trainer level rises from 50 to 80.
XP Rebalance: The entire XP curve from level 1 to 80 has been smoothed to allow more frequent level-up milestones.
Research Task Adjustments: Level-up Research tasks for levels 41-50 are retired, and new tasks will be introduced for levels 71-80.
Legacy Rewards: Trainers who reached levels 41-50 before October 15 will retain exclusive avatar items and be rewarded a commemorative medal reflecting their highest pre-update level.
New Rewards: Starting at level 25, players will unlock additional avatar items and increases to Pokémon, item, and gift storage capacity without shop purchases.
Lucky Friends Boost: Players at level 70 and above will have an increased chance of becoming Lucky Friends when exchanging gifts.

To help the community prepare, Pokémon GO is launching an XP Celebration event running from 1:00 PM PDT today until October 14, 2025. Bonuses include:

2x Catch XP for Nice, Great, and Excellent throws
+3,000 XP per Raid or Max Battle win
Timed Research offering up to 7 million XP for eligible trainers (level 5+)
Reduced cycle requirements for the level-47 research task from eight weekly 25 km walks to two.

Niantic emphasized that while the total XP required to hit the new level 80 cap remains unchanged (176 million XP), the redistribution across 80 levels will make progression feel more engaging without extending the grind. The developer preview indicated that the final climb from levels 71-80 will include specially designed research tasks to challenge even the most seasoned Trainers.

The October update also teases new avatar cosmetics and in-game storage upgrades as rewards for achieving higher levels, reinforcing Niantic’s commitment to rewarding long-term engagement. Trainers worldwide are now racing to hit level 50 before the update-and secure coveted legacy rewards-while gearing up for the expanded journey ahead.