Pokémon GO Remote Raid Limit Doubled: Niantic Leadership Confirms Independent Decision

Pokémon GO Remote Raid Limit Doubled: Niantic Leadership Confirms Independent Decision Mobile AR sensation Pokémon GO, developed by Niantic and published in collaboration with The Pokémon Company, has seen a significant update to its gameplay experience.

The recent announcement that the daily limit for remote raids in Pokémon GO has been permanently increased from five to ten comes at a pivotal time for the developer, following major changes to ownership and internal structure.

Pokémon GO has maintained its reputation as a pioneering force in the augmented reality (AR) gaming space since its 2016 launch.

Despite years of strong performance—and crossing $6 billion in lifetime player spending, as per Sensor Tower—the game has not been immune to industry shifts.

In April 2024, Niantic sold its gaming division, including Pokémon GO, to Scopely, a mobile gaming company primarily owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which also holds a stake in Nintendo.

While the doubled remote raid limit coincided closely with this acquisition, Niantic leadership has set the record straight about the initiative’s origin.

Senior producer John Funtanilla clarified in an interview with Eurogamer that the move was internally driven.

"The decision to double the daily remote raid cap arose entirely from our own leadership.

This change was made by our team, not from outside influence," Funtanilla explained.

He further emphasized that the process of implementing these changes had been in discussion “for years,” highlighting the long-term planning involved.

Remote Raid Passes have been a key feature of Pokémon GO since their introduction, especially during global lockdowns, allowing players to participate in raids without physically being present at gyms.

The latest increase means players can now engage in up to ten remote raids per day, doubling the previous allowance and significantly expanding accessibility—especially for those who may face mobility or geographical barriers to in-person play.

Additionally, Shadow Raids are now accessible remotely for the first time, opening up even more content to the game's expansive audience. Funtanilla also addressed the unique balancing act of in-person and remote play: "Pokémon GO’s magic is rooted in its real-world, community aspect.

Playing together in person will always be the most cost-effective and rewarding way to experience raids.

That said, the expanded remote raid cap meets increasing demand from our diverse player base." He also noted that the development team prioritized rolling out new content before evaluating player reaction and long-term impact, underscoring the ongoing evolution of gameplay systems.

Earlier this year, Niantic tested the impact of remote raiding on community engagement via the Shadow Ho-Oh Raid, collecting key insights to inform future decisions.

These internal micro milestones, as Funtanilla called them, demonstrate the company’s methodical approach to major gameplay changes.

Following the Scopely acquisition and a period of internal restructuring—including recent layoffs as Niantic pivots its focus to Niantic Spacial—the Pokémon GO development team remains committed to supporting its flagship title.

With over 800 Pokémon available in-game and an ever-evolving slate of live events, the expanded remote raid limit further cements Pokémon GO's status as one of the most community-driven mobile games on the market. Players can expect this enhancement to enrich their experience on Android, iOS, and future platforms accessible via the eShop or other digital distribution services.

For the latest updates, follow official Nintendo Direct presentations and Pokémon GO social channels.

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