"How returning to this game feels": Pokemon GO player makes funny comparison
For many players, returning to Pokemon GO after taking a break can feel like stepping into a world where countless opportunities have slipped through their fingers. One player, under the name NotASingleNameIdea, humorously captured this sentiment in a meme that compared the game to others that reward players for being away. In Pokemon GO, however, the reality is often far less forgiving.
"How returning to this game feels"
Players who miss events can lose out on exclusive Legendary Pokemon like Mewtwo, Necrozma, or Mega Rayquaza, with little hope of encountering them again. This funny yet frustrating comparison has resonated deeply with the Pokemon GO community, sparking discussions about the game's reliance on FOMO (fear of missing out) and the challenges returning players face.
One player, RedditorDave, pointed out that this fear of missing out is at the core of the game’s design.
They mentioned that the pressure to keep up led them to leave the game in 2020 and only recently return after a four-year-long hiatus. It seems this reliance on FOMO can cause burnout for long-time players, causing some to take extended breaks.
Another player, mythrilcrafter, added that the FOMO in the game is even more intense than in other games, particularly gacha games like Fate: Grand Order and Azur Lane.
While those games offer missed content on a cyclical basis, Pokemon GO’s missed opportunities for Legendary Pokemon feel far more permanent, creating a deeper sense of frustration for returning players.
FacedCrown expressed disappointment rather than fear when missing out on events in the game.
"Fomo without the fo, im not afraid of missing out im just dissapointed at the game that i did. Fomo only works if i know that im missing out on something, when i log back in and missed 5 things what can i do about it. If anything its a fear of coming back"
They noted that the frustration comes not just from missing something but from the overwhelming number of exclusive Pokemon they've missed. This can create a sense of fear about returning to the game, knowing that there’s no way to catch up.
Meanwhile, jcastillo602 highlighted another challenge: the struggle for rural players.
Even those who play the game daily can find it hard to participate in events and catch Legendary Pokemon, particularly in raid battles that require larger groups to succeed. This player emphasized the difficulty of playing alone in less populated areas, which adds to the feeling of missing out.
On the other hand, Derptionary offered a more understanding perspective.
They pointed out that with so many Legendary, Mythical, and Ultra Beast Pokemon in the game, it's difficult for Niantic to make everything consistently available.
Also read: When is Dynamax Gengar coming to Pokemon GO?
What are the various methods to catch Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon GO?
Despite the frustration around missing exclusive Legendary Pokemon, there are several methods for players to catch these rare creatures in Pokemon GO:
- Raid Battles: The most common way to encounter Legendary Pokemon is through raid battles. These are special events where players must team up to defeat a powerful Pokemon in a timed battle. Legendary Pokemon typically appear in five-star raids.
- Special Research Tasks: Occasionally, Niantic offers Special Research tasks that reward players with a Legendary or Mythical Pokemon upon completion. These tasks often tie into in-game events or storylines.
- Seasonal Events: Some Legendary Pokemon return during seasonal events, offering players a chance to catch them if they missed out during previous raids.
- Elite Raids: A more difficult form of raid battle, Elite Raids also provide opportunities to catch rare Pokemon, including some that were previously unavailable.
- Go Fest & Safari Zone Events: These large-scale, ticketed events often introduce new Legendary or Mythical Pokemon and provide exclusive opportunities for players to catch them.
While players may occasionally miss out on their favorite Legendary Pokemon, there are plenty of opportunities to catch them, though it may take patience and a bit of luck.
Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:
- Ditto disguises
- Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
- Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
- Sierra counters
- Cliff counters
- Arlo counters
- Giovanni counters
- Team GO Rocket Grunts