Reaching the new maximum trainer level in Pokémon GO could prove a serious challenge for top players, and a new set of alleged datamined information shows just how much effort it will take to hit level 80. A major overhaul of the leveling system arrives on October 15, and fans aren’t happy about how Scopely appears to be handling it—especially if the latest leaks are accurate.
When Pokémon GO launched in July 2016, players could only reach level 40, with no additional level-ups possible after that point. The 2020 update changed this by raising the cap to level 50, adding Level-Up Research tasks at each of the top ten levels to create a sense of accomplishment and difficulty.
Now, with the cap increasing once more—from 50 to 80—players are wondering how these Research tasks will be implemented. According to newly surfaced datamined information shared on TheSilphRoad subreddit, the upcoming tasks are essentially a recycled version of the old system, only delayed by 30 levels, making the climb feel familiar but lengthy.
Rumored Level Requirements for Levels 71–80
If the leaked data proves correct, here’s what players can expect from the grind toward level 80:
- Level 71: Earn 15 platinum medals, power up Legendary or Mythical Pokémon 20 times, make 999 Nice Throws, catch 100 Pokémon in a single day
- Level 72: Earn 20 platinum medals, complete a route seven days in a row, use 200 supereffective Charged Attacks, earn 1 million Stardust
- Level 73: Earn 25 platinum medals, purify 100 Shadow Pokémon, power up three Pokémon to their max CP, win 30 raids
- Level 74: Earn 30 platinum medals, level up a Max Move 20 times, explore 200 km, complete 250 Field Research Tasks
- Level 75: Earn 34 platinum medals, make 999 Great Throws, hatch 75 eggs, send 500 gifts to friends
- Level 76: Earn 38 platinum medals, defeat 100 Team GO Rocket grunts, explore 300 km, catch 200 Pokémon in a single day
- Level 77: Earn 41 platinum medals, win 100 Max Battles, power up seven Pokémon to their maximum CP, make 10 trades with Pokémon caught at least 300 km apart
- Level 78: Earn 44 platinum medals, earn 400 hearts with Buddy Pokémon, explore 400 km, complete 500 Field Research Tasks
- Level 79: Earn 47 platinum medals, defeat a Team GO Rocket leader 30 times, obtain 50 Lucky Pokémon in trades, hatch 100 eggs
- Level 80: Earn 50 platinum medals, win 80 trainer battles in the GO Battle League, make 999 Excellent Throws, win 80 raids
Some of these goals are straightforward but incredibly time-consuming, like making 999 Nice Throws or purifying 100 Shadow Pokémon. Others, such as obtaining 50 Lucky Pokémon, are much harder due to their reliance on luck and trading mechanics. Many players are voicing frustration, with several level 50 trainers stating they have no intention of repeating some of the tougher challenges.
October 2025 Events to Coincide With the Update
While trainers brace for this demanding new progression system, two major Pokémon GO events are also kicking off this month:
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A Celebration Event – Begins October 16 at 10 AM local time, giving players the chance to catch special background versions of Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig.
- Festival of Lights (India) – Starts October 18, featuring glowing Pokémon and two festival-themed Pikachu variants.
With the new level cap pushing players further than ever before, Pokémon GO’s next phase could divide the community. For some, it’s an exciting long-term challenge; for others, it’s another repetitive grind that risks overshadowing the fun of the journey.
