Pokemon GO players now have a new way to automatically catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops without buying an additional physical accessory. The newly introduced Explorer Gadget brings functionality similar to devices such as the Pokemon GO Plus+ directly into the game.
The feature is available to players who have reached Level 20 or higher. However, there are some significant restrictions on how much the Explorer Gadget can do each day.
Pokemon GO Introduces the Explorer Gadget
Automatic catching isn’t new to Pokemon GO. Over the years, several physical accessories have allowed players to interact with the game without constantly keeping their phones open.
The Pokemon GO Plus+ is one of the best-known official examples. It can automatically interact with nearby Pokemon and PokeStops, making it particularly useful while walking, commuting, or when players simply don’t want to continuously look at their phones.
However, these accessories come at an additional cost. Official devices can cost around $50 or more, while various third-party alternatives have also appeared over the years.
The Explorer Gadget changes that by providing similar functionality directly through Pokemon GO itself.
Players Level 20 and above should find the Explorer Gadget in their inventory.
How the Explorer Gadget Works
The Explorer Gadget can automatically catch nearby Pokemon and spin PokeStops. Players don’t need to purchase a separate accessory to use the feature.
There is a catch, though.
The Explorer Gadget can only perform a limited number of interactions each day. The limit is directly connected to the player’s current Trainer Level.
For example:
- A Level 20 player can perform up to 20 interactions.
- A Level 30 player can perform up to 30 interactions.
- A Level 40 player can perform up to 40 interactions.
- A Level 50 player can perform up to 50 interactions.
- A Level 60 player can perform up to 60 interactions.
Once players reach their daily limit, the Explorer Gadget will stop working until the next day.
This makes the feature considerably more restrictive than a dedicated physical auto-catching accessory. Still, it provides players with a free alternative for shorter Pokemon GO sessions.
Only Standard Poke Balls Are Used
There is another important restriction.
The Explorer Gadget only uses standard Poke Balls when attempting to catch Pokemon. Players can’t rely on Great Balls or Ultra Balls through the automatic catching system.
As a result, Pokemon can still escape during automatic encounters.
Players will also need to make sure they have enough Poke Balls before activating the feature. Running out will prevent the Explorer Gadget from continuing to catch Pokemon.
Inventory space matters as well.
If the player’s Pokemon storage becomes full, the gadget can no longer catch additional Pokemon. Likewise, a full item inventory can prevent it from collecting additional items from PokeStops.
Players therefore need to keep an eye on both storage limits if they want to get the most out of the feature.
A Free Alternative to Pokemon GO Plus+
The biggest advantage of the Explorer Gadget is simple: players don’t need to buy additional hardware.
Until now, players wanting this type of automated functionality generally needed an accessory such as the Pokemon GO Plus+, or one of the various third-party devices available.
The Explorer Gadget doesn’t completely replace those accessories because of its daily limits. Dedicated devices will remain much more useful for players who spend several hours catching Pokemon or spinning PokeStops.
For casual players, however, the Explorer Gadget could be enough.
Someone heading out for a short walk can activate the feature and collect Pokemon or PokeStop items without continuously interacting with the game.
Higher-Level Players Get More From the Feature
Linking the daily limit to Trainer Level also gives experienced players a small advantage.
A Level 60 Trainer can receive up to 60 interactions per day, while somebody who recently reached the Level 20 requirement will only receive 20.
That still isn’t enough to replace an auto-catching accessory for particularly active players, but it makes the feature increasingly useful as Trainers progress.
It also provides another practical benefit to increasing Trainer Level beyond the usual progression rewards.
Pokemon GO Removes Part of Its Auto-Catch Paywall
The Explorer Gadget represents an interesting change for Pokemon GO because automatic catching has traditionally been associated with additional hardware.
Players who didn’t want to spend money on an accessory generally had to manually catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops.
That barrier has now been partially removed.
The strict daily limit means physical accessories haven’t suddenly become obsolete. Players who regularly participate in Community Days, large events, or lengthy Pokemon hunting sessions will still benefit considerably from dedicated hardware.
For everyone else, the Explorer Gadget offers a convenient alternative without requiring another purchase.
After years of automatic catching being closely associated with paid accessories, Pokemon GO players finally have a built-in option they can use for free.
