Pokémon GO’s “Buddy Adventure” AR multiplayer mode is available now

Pokémon GO isn’t the darling child of mobile gaming like it was back in the summer of 2016, but it’s still one of the most-played titles out there. That continued popularity is thanks in large part Niantic’s continued support and the slow rollout of new features and events. The newest feature to grace trainers’ handsets is “Buddy Adventure,” an AR multiplayer mode available now.

So what is Buddy Adventure? Basically, it allows you to become best buddies with your favorite Pokémon. You can do this in a number of different ways and unlock various bonuses along the way. There are four “Buddy Levels” that you and your Pokémon can achieve: Good Buddy, Great Buddy, Ultra Buddy, and Best Buddy. Leveling up requires collecting “Affection Hearts,” which are earned through various forms of interaction with your Pokémon.

You can be constantly collecting hearts by walking with your buddy, just like the existing “Buddy Pokémon” feature works with candy. You can also feed berries to your Pokémon, tap and pet your buddy in AR mode, do battles in gyms, take snapshots of your buddy, and visit new PokéStops or Gyms with your buddy. All of these activities earn different numbers of hearts.

As mentioned, there is an AR multiplayer element to Buddy Adventure as well. Eventually, your buddy Pokémon will be able to meet fellow trainers’ buddies in a “Shared AR Experience” mode. You will be able to sync up with trainers with AR+ and take a group photo with your buddies. Buddy Adventure is a massive update for Pokémon GO as it touches many parts of the game. If you’ve been looking for a reason to hop back in, now is the time.