At launch, the level cap was set at 40, and it wasn’t until November 2020 and the arrival of Season of Celebration in Pokémon Go that the level cap increase changed to level 50 - with a change to how levelling works along with it. This page explains all level requirements up until the Pokémon Go level cap and other changes introduced to levelling alongside the Season of Celebrations update. And, if you’re still making the climb to higher levels, a list of level item rewards and what levelling opens up as you progress. If you want to read more on specific techniques, our how to get XP fast in Pokémon Go explainer can help. On this page: From level 1 to 40, the levelling is simple - you must simple acquire XP. Once you have reached the threshold, you’ll increase to the next level. Despite this, it’ll take you a very long to time reach level 40 - possibly years - so be patient, especially if you are a new player. From level 41 to 50, as well as meeting a certain threshold of XP, you also need to complete certain challenges - named Level Up Research - in order to progress to the next level. This includes earning certain medal types, catching a number of Pokémon within a set period, completing raids and much more. This is designed to make the levelling process as much as about skill as it is simply earning XP. That’s the broad strokes of how levelling changes post 40. Here’s some other details worth knowing about how it will work:
As with levels 1 to 40, the CP cap of Pokémon will increase in line with your level. However, to level your Pokémon past level 40, you need to use a new resource type - XL Candy. Any existing XP you have earned over Level 40 will contribute to the progress of future levels, meaning any additional XP reached once you hit your level will not go to waste, and will count when you complete the associated research and progress to the next level.
Though who managed to hit level 40 before the end of 2020 - the year the cap increase came into effect - saw them labelled a Legacy Level 40 player - unlocking a special Legacy Level 40 medal as well as the Legacy 40 Challenge quest. Thanks to The Silph Road Reddit and datamining efforts (as seen on Github) for the breakdown of the below. From level 40, you need not only to gain a certain amount of XP, but also complete several specific challenges. The Season of Mythical Wishes continues with the Winter Holiday event, which has brought Mega Glalie to Pokémon Go. Don’t forget to partake in the new Go Battle League season. Elsewhere, be sure to use Daily Adventure Incense for the chance of encountering Galarian Articuno, Galarian Zapdos and Galarian Moltres.
Level 5: Gyms, Potions, Revives Level 8: Razz Berry Level 10: Super Potion Level 12: Great Ball Level 15: Hyper Potion Level 20: Ultra Ball Level 25: Max Potion Level 30: Max Revive, XL Candy
