Pokémon Go’s Expensive Community Day Ticket: Why the Hike?
Pokémon Go’s 2025 Kick-Off: Sprigatito Takes Center Stage in January’s Community Day
As we welcomed the new year, Pokémon Go fans are eagerly anticipating the first Community Day of 2025, set to take place in various time zones around the world. Kicking off the month is the grass-type cat Pokémon, Sprigatito, making its spotlighted debut in its Shiny form.
Ticket Price Hike, Premium Battle Pass, and New Rewards
However, an increase in the monthly event’s optional ticket price has been announced. The new price point for the ticket will be $1.99, €2.19, or £1.99, effectively doubling the previous price of £0.99, $0.99, or €0.99. To compensate, the ticket now includes a single Premium Battle Pass as part of its rewards.
More Value, Fewer Mini-Stories, and Changes to Community Day
Despite the ticket price jump, the introduction of the Premium Battle Pass adds extra value to the annual events. Some of the in-game items provided may individually cost up to £1, making up the difference. Battle Passes can be also be purchased at discounted rates in bundles, or even awarded for free each day during the current season.
One feature missing from the revamped ticket is the mini-stories by Professor Willow, who previously shared insights about the featured Pokémon during these events. Fans have lamented their removal, feeling that it’s another blow to the ticket’s overall value.
Community Ambassadors No Longer Receive Free Tickets
For those who have been checking in at local events with Niantic-approved community ambassadors, the monthly ticket is no longer automatically granted. This change marks a shift in the way these ambassadors support the Pokémon Go community.
Other Changes to Community Day Gameplay
Recent months have also seen the elimination of raid battles beyond the initial three-hour event window, which was initially extended to six hours during the pandemic. This decision was made to address fan backlash and find a balance between event length and gameplay enjoyment.
On the other hand, a new Timed Research feature has been added, offering players a chance to earn a seasonal background for logging in and playing regularly over the following week, with the featured Community Day Pokémon.
A Quick Look at Pokémon Go’s Community Day
The first-ever Pokémon Go Community Day took place in January 2018, with events running monthly (except for March 2020) ever since. For a comprehensive list of past Community Days, check out Eurogamer’s dedicated guide.
