Niantic recently announced major changes to Pokemon Go’s EX Raid system to even the playing field for trainers at any skill level, changing the meta game once more.
In the past, the raid system drew flak for its tendency to favor certain players and locations. Now, the quality of raids will move forward in terms of raid participation rewards. Plus, trainers will get Golden Razz Berries for completing raid battles. Conversely, the number of potions and revives awarded during a raid will decrease, with adjustments in item quality. Lastly, Trainers will receive stardust for taking part in raid battles, regardless of outcome.
Niantic also clarified the guidelines for future EX Raids, with a primary focus on EX Raids happening on sponsored locations. Trainers with a high-level gym badge will get higher chances of EX Raid invitations happening at the gym. Meanwhile, trainers with a high number of battles will get more invites to EX Raid battles. Finally, EX Raid battles will note popular raids times and schedules at the gym, preventing players from missing an important raid. Not only that, but if an EX Raid battle is cancelled, the trainers will still get stardust and premium raid passes.
The current format for EX Raids just finished their test phase. This means that the new rules will become official going forward. Niantic themselves did not rule out expanding the number of EX Raid locations in future updates. Hopefully, these changes will result in a better gaming experience for Pokemon Go players.