After officially taking the reins from Niantic, Scopely has announced a new gameplay feature that’s set to debut in Pokémon GO — Community Campsites. The update, revealed on Pokémon GO’s official website and social media platforms, is part of a larger push to encourage in-person gatherings and strengthen local communities.
While many Trainers are excited about the new opportunities this brings, not everyone is convinced it’s the best move for the game.
What Are Community Campsites in Pokémon GO?
The Community Campsites feature introduces special locations curated by Community Ambassadors. These areas include extra PokéStops and Gyms, acting as hubs for local players to meet, raid, trade, and take part in events together.
Each Campsite is:
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Created by vetted Community Ambassadors
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Geared toward local, in-person interaction
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Integrated with upcoming events like Community Day and GO Fest 2025
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Aimed at enhancing player engagement through meaningful, real-world social play
The first wave of Campsites will launch during Pokémon GO Community Day on June 21, 2025, which will feature the Dragon-type Pokémon Jangmo-o.
Tied to the Ambassador Program
Campsites are directly connected to the Community Ambassador Program, which empowers experienced Trainers to organize local meetups and receive perks such as:
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Item codes
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Early access to event info
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Direct support from Scopely
Any Trainer with a proven commitment to their local community can apply to become an ambassador, creating more inclusive spaces for gameplay and collaboration.
Trainer Reactions: A Divided Community
Despite the feature’s good intentions, reactions from players are mixed. While some see it as a welcome enhancement that encourages real-world engagement, others argue that it favors urban areas and leaves rural Trainers behind — a long-standing critique within the community.
Some players also question whether Campsites truly address gameplay concerns or simply add more management overhead without offering enough value for solo or remote players.
What Else Is Coming in 2025?
This update comes ahead of major events in Pokémon GO’s 2025 roadmap, including:
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The return of the Legendary Giants during the Ancients Recovered event (June 23–27)
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The global GO Fest 2025, set to be hosted in Osaka, Jersey City, and Paris
These events, combined with the new community tools, show Scopely’s commitment to revitalizing the Pokémon GO experience.
As Pokémon GO Community Campsites roll out this summer, players worldwide are watching closely. Will this be the community-driven evolution Scopely hopes for, or another update that misses the mark for a portion of the player base?
Time — and Trainer feedback — will tell.