Go Solo? Pokemon Go Event Will Allow Players To Play Alone Amid Coronavirus

With the coronavirus sweeping the world and forcing people to stay indoors and away from each other, Pokemon Go creator Niantic is adjusting.

According to Polygon, Niantic is making changes to its upcoming special research story event that involves the mythical Pokemon Genesect. With health authorities recommending practicing social distance in lieu of the coronavirus pandemic, the latest Pokemon event will now allow players to do the research tasks solo.

The new tasks in the special research event will now include catching different types of Pokemons; playing with your buddy; powering up a Pokemon; fighting another trainer; and hatching eggs.

Moreover, while it is not specifically stated, the challenges are expected to be done in the comforts of one’s home given the current situation the world is facing. After all, a lot of players are in quarantine or in self-isolation in order to avoid contracting the infectious disease.

Event Details And How To Join

The Genesect Special Research event is scheduled for March 20 and will run until March 26. While other Pokemon events like Raid Hour have been canceled, the upcoming challenge has not been postponed due to the changes made.

The Pokemon Company and Niantic detailed the full scope of the event in an update on March 9.

As per the update, some key features of the Genesect task include the appearance of normal, fire, water, electric, and ice-type Pokemons. Moreover, one-star to four-star raid battles will feature various Bug or Steel-type Pokemons.

It is also possible to encounter Scyther, Skarmory, Nincada and Shieldon once exclusive field research tasks have been completed.

Players who will join the event will also earn exclusive items and perks.

To join the special research, however, a player must purchase a ticket worth US $7.99.

Coronavirus Pandemic

According to the latest statistics, there are already over 198,000 cases of coronavirus registered

all over the world. More than 7,900 deaths have also been recorded.

Due to the recent developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended canceling events with 50-plus more people for at least eight weeks.

Additionally, aside from social distancing, everyone was advised to practice proper hygiene and wash hands regularly.

In response to the coronavirus scare, Pokemon Go also made an update recently to make it easier to play at home.