Since 2016, millions of people have enjoyed the game Pokémon Go, which in a very interactive way turns players into true Pokémon hunters, requiring only a mobile device to do so. However, over these 9 years, a feature that has already been present in other games of the Pokémon universe, such as Pokémon Sun & Moon, has not been present in the mobile game. A feature with the ability to maximize IVs and substantially modify the dynamics of the game.
What Resource is this and What is it Used for?
The novelty was revealed during the last North America International Championships (NAIC) and has already generated, as expected, a series of discussions and comments about the implications of this change in the game. The feature we’re talking about is the introduction of Golden Bottle Caps, which allows the players to maximize the Pokémon’s IVs at the highest level.
This item was introduced for the first time in Pokémon Sun & Moon and is used to apply Hyper Training to Pokémon, allowing the increase of their individual values — even if they do not have high IVs — for the highest their statistics allow. It is a rare and extremely precious resource in the context of the game and really attractive for those who compete at a personal and professional level.
The higher the IVs of the Pokémon, the stronger their abilities and chances of winning the battle will be. That’s why this new feature comes with a good level of excitement. Bottle Caps can come in two forms: the normal one, exactly named Bottle Caps where the statistics are increased individually, and also the Golden Bottle Cap, which has the ability to increase all statistics at once, being the most desired option and also expected to be the rarest.
Competitive Play Becomes More Accessible
The introduction of Golden Bottle Caps and Hyper Training is expected to have a considerable effect on the Pokémon Go community. Players will now have a new goal to achieve, seeking the best IVs for their favorite Pokémon, which increasingly allows the use of favorite Pokémon for battles, not just specifically the Pokémon with the highest original IVs. And this is one of the greatest advantages of this update.
It will directly impact the interaction between players, from the most amateur to the most professional. The feature will boost competitiveness in PvP (Player vs Player) battles, as more players will have the chance to experience combat, thanks to the maximization of their Pokémon. This ensures greater accessibility and engagement for those playing in front of their mobile phone screens.
It is a perfect opportunity for players to use their favorite Pokémon, transforming them into competitive forces. It was another good and smart move by Niantic, which with this novelty will be able to increase the engagement of already loyal players, bring back possible players who were already discouraged with the lack of competitiveness, and also, maybe attract new ones to discover the exciting and interactive proposal of Pokémon Go.
A New Phase for the Mobile Game
The confirmation of the implementation of the Golden Bottle Cap has already been made at NAIC and also through a post on X by the Pokémon Go page. However, the release date is still not confirmed. Although there are indications suggesting the feature’s launch at GO Fest 2025: Global, since the logo appears in the announcements of the feature.
The addition of this new feature represents an important milestone for the game, as it increases the gameplay dynamics through heightened competitiveness among players and accessibility for many who wished to compete at a higher level. It is further proof that Pokémon Go remains relevant and capable of bringing fresh great experiences to its players.
