“The Experience of Returning to Pokémon GO”: Player Shares Humorous Comparison

For numerous players, re-entering the world of Pokemon GO following a hiatus can resemble stepping into a realm where numerous chances have been missed. Taking on the persona of NotASingleNameIdea, one player humorously illustrated this feeling through a meme, contrasting the game with others that accommodate and reward players for their absence. Unfortunately, the reality in Pokemon GO tends to be considerably more unforgiving.

“How returning to this game feels”

How returning to this game feels by u/NotASingleNameIdea in pokemongo

Players who overlook significant events may miss out on exclusive Legendary Pokemon such as Mewtwo, Necrozma, or Mega Rayquaza, often with little chance of encountering them again. This amusing yet frustrating juxtaposition has struck a chord within the Pokemon GO community, igniting conversations regarding the game’s FOMO (fear of missing out) mechanics and the hurdles faced by returning participants.

One community member, known as RedditorDave, highlighted how this apprehension about missing content is deeply embedded within the game’s framework.

NotASingleNameIdea's post sparked lively discussions among Pokemon GO enthusiasts (Image via Reddit) — NotASingleNameIdea’s post sparked lively discussions among Pokemon GO enthusiasts (Image via Reddit)

They recounted how the constant pressure to stay engaged ultimately led them to quit the game back in 2020, only to return recently after a four-year break. This reliance on FOMO appears to contribute to burnout among dedicated players, prompting many to take substantial breaks.

Another player, mythrilcrafter, mentioned that the FOMO in Pokemon GO feels significantly more pronounced than in various other games, especially popular gacha games like Fate: Grand Order and Azur Lane.

Comment by u/NotASingleNameIdea from discussion in pokemongo

In contrast to those games that often recycle content, missing Legendary Pokemon opportunities in Pokemon GO feels almost irreplaceable, intensifying the frustration for players rejoining the experience.

FacedCrown expressed their discontent rather than fear regarding event omissions in-game.

“FOMO without the ‘fo’, I’m not scared of missing out, just disappointed in the game for it. FOMO can only work if I’m aware that I’m missing something; logging back in after missing five events leaves me with no options. There’s fear about coming back instead.”

They highlighted that the frustration involves not just failing to catch something but the immense number of exclusive Pokemon that have been missed, fostering a genuine concern about reintegrating into the game and the seemingly insurmountable task of catching up.

Meanwhile, jcastillo602 brought attention to the unique obstacles faced by rural players.

Rural Pokemon GO players highlight a different angle to their persistent challenges (Image via Reddit)

Even those who are dedicated and play daily can struggle to engage in events or catch Legendary Pokemon, especially during raid battles that necessitate larger groups for success. This player underscored the frustrations of attempting to participate alone in sparsely populated areas, which adds to the sense of missing out.

Conversely, Derptionary provided a more empathetic point of view.

Comment by u/NotASingleNameIdea from discussion in pokemongo

They noted that given the vast array of Legendary, Mythical, and Ultra Beast Pokemon in the game, it’s challenging for Niantic to ensure consistent availability of all them.

What are the different ways to capture Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon GO?

Currently, there are 69 different types of Legendary creatures available in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Despite the anxiety surrounding missed exclusive Legendary Pokemon, players still have multiple avenues to catch these elusive creatures in Pokemon GO:

Raid Battles: The primary method to encounter Legendary Pokemon is through raid battles, where players collaborate to defeat a formidable opponent in a timed challenge. Legendary Pokemon are generally found in five-star raids.
Special Research Tasks: From time to time, Niantic introduces Special Research tasks that reward players with a Legendary or Mythical Pokemon upon successful completion, often tied to in-game events or narratives.
Seasonal Events: Various Legendary Pokemon reappear during seasonal events, giving players another chance to catch them if they missed prior opportunities during raids.
Elite Raids: A more challenging type of raid battle, Elite Raids also offer chances to capture rare Pokemon, including some that may not have been available before.
Go Fest & Safari Zone Events: These large, ticketed events frequently introduce new Legendary or Mythical Pokemon and provide exclusive chances for players to catch them.

While sometimes players might miss their favorite Legendary Pokemon, there are still numerous opportunities available to catch them, though patience and a touch of luck are often required.

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