Level 40 Pokémon Go Players Can Now Use Niantic Wayfarer

Pokémon Go developer Niantic revealed just last week the upcoming arrival of new features for its hit AR title. One of these is none other than the Niantic Wayfarer, which is now live and ready to be used by players who are level 40 or higher. The feature gives trainers the ability to add real-world locations to the game's map.

These locations can serve as PokéStops (where players can restock on supplies) or gyms (where battles with other players can happen). Qualified players will have the ability to nominate a location, but they must pass a short quiz first before being able to do so. Others can also vote on whether or not an added location should become either a gym or PokéStop. Niantic first made the feature available to select areas only, but it is now available across the world.

While Niantic Wayfarer is still new to Pokémon Go, Niantic has already introduced a very similar feature in its first-ever AR title Ingress. By simply adding locations like retail spots and local landmarks to the game’s map, players have the ability to battle, convene, and even stock up on eggs and/or Pokéballs.

On one hand, it feels like the studio is making Pokémon Go players perform some heavy lifting that doesn't offer any rewards. On the other, however, adding relevant locations to the game is just an impossible feat for a single company to achieve. After all, the game is not quite the craze as it was three years ago, although its dedicated fans and players alike have kept it raking in the cash.