"Please listen to your player base": Pokemon GO player complains about recent raid changes

Pokemon GO recently faced backlash following several controversial changes to raid mechanics, particularly regarding Charged Attacks and raid boss behavior. A post by a frustrated player, BlakeGarrison62, captures the widespread discontent, outlining how these updates have disrupted game balance and player experience:

"Please listen to your player base"

BlakeGarrison62’s post highlights significant issues with the top DPS (damage per second) Pokemon in recent raids. For instance, Xurkitree, an Electric-type, is outperforming Kartana, a Grass-type, in using Grass moves - something that defies the logic of type advantages and mechanics that dedicated players have come to expect.

Similarly, Dawn Wings Necrozma, despite lacking STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus), has become one of the top counters for several bosses, frustrating players who have spent years building their teams.

Players across the community have voiced their discontent, echoing BlakeGarrison62’s sentiments.

One notable suggestion by Reddit user Sad_Construction_945 is the ability to convert unused normal raid passes into remote passes, a feature that could benefit rural players who often find themselves unable to raid in person.

Reddit User camreIIim commented that they would prefer a stricter daily limit on remote raids if it meant that prices would revert to their previous, more affordable rate, highlighting how the recent price hike has alienated a significant portion of the player base.

BlakeGarrison62’s post has stirred up a discussion among Pokemon GO players (Image via Reddit)

Many players have expressed disappointment in Niantic’s apparent disregard for their feedback. Some have even taken a step back from raiding altogether, frustrated by the company’s focus on monetization over player satisfaction.

A number of players are hesitating to continue playing the game (Image via EA Reddit)

The release of powerful Pokemon like Kyogre and Groudon, coupled with the need for XL Candy, has left players in a dilemma: boycott the raids in protest or participate and risk sending the message that these changes are acceptable.

One user pointed out that despite their frustration, they had little choice but to continue raiding, given how long they had waited for these specific Legendaries to reappear.

However, they also noted that avoiding raids in the past had done little to improve the situation, suggesting that Niantic might not be receptive to such protests.

Others in the community, like dextius, have voiced more extreme frustrations, accusing Niantic of prioritizing revenue over gameplay quality:

"They don’t care"

They believe that Niantic’s strategy is to make Pokemon GO a “forever game,” where mechanics like Dynamax Raids further incentivize spending.

Players are hoping that Niantic hears them out (Image via EA Reddit)

Concerns about the future of these raids, especially for rural players, continue to mount, as players fear that they will be left behind in increasingly difficult raid content without the option to rely on remote passes at reasonable prices.

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Niantic’s response and ongoing Pokemon GO issues

The recent changes to raid bosses' Charged Attacks led to bosses like Kyogre seemingly spamming attacks too frequently. This has now been addressed by Niantic, who acknowledged the issues and adjusted the mechanics accordingly.

However, many in the community remain skeptical of Niantic’s ability to balance the game in a way that is fair to both casual and dedicated players.

In addition to these raid issues, Niantic has had to deal with other bugs and errors, including the reset of progress in the "To The Max" special research and problems during the Falinks Raid Day event.

These technical glitches, combined with the controversial gameplay changes, have only fueled the dissatisfaction of the player base.

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The recent raid changes in Pokemon GO have left many players feeling unheard and frustrated. While Niantic has made some adjustments, the underlying issues, especially around monetization and balance, continue to be a point of contention.

Whether the company will make further changes to address these concerns remains to be seen, but for now, the player base is eager for a response that goes beyond minor fixes and addresses the core of their frustrations.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in the game
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters