Technical Glitches Mar Pokémon GO's Gigantamax Snorlax Event

The highly anticipated Gigantamax Snorlax Max Battle Day in Pokémon GO, held on April 19, 2025, turned into a frustrating experience for trainers worldwide. Despite the excitement surrounding the event, players faced numerous technical issues that marred their gameplay and left many feeling disappointed.

Key Takeaways

Event Duration: Originally scheduled from 2 PM to 5 PM local time, the event was extended to 7 PM in response to complaints.
Technical Issues: Players reported missing raids, login troubles, and glitches that made capturing Snorlax nearly impossible.
Community Backlash: Many premium ticket holders felt shortchanged due to the event's failures.

The Event Overview

The Gigantamax Snorlax Max Battle Day was designed to feature exclusive in-person raid battles at designated Power Spots. Trainers were eager to engage in battles against the colossal Snorlax, but the event quickly devolved into chaos as players encountered a series of frustrating technical glitches.

Issues Faced by Players

As the event commenced, players reported a variety of issues, including:

Missing Raids: In many regions, no Snorlax appeared at all, leaving trainers without the opportunity to participate.
Glitched Catch Circle: Even when raids were available, players found the catch circle nearly impossible to aim at, complicating their chances of capturing Snorlax.
Login Problems: Many trainers experienced difficulties logging into the game, preventing them from accessing the event.
Battle Glitches: Some players faced glitches during battles, causing frustration and confusion.
Fleeing Snorlax: After successfully defeating Snorlax in raids, many players reported that the creature fled, further diminishing their chances of capturing it.
Insufficient Players in Lobbies: Some trainers struggled to find enough players to defeat Snorlax, leading to failed raids.

Niantic's Response

In light of the widespread complaints, Niantic took to social media to acknowledge the issues and issued a formal apology. They announced an extension of the event by two hours, pushing the end time to 7 PM local time in affected regions. However, this extension came too late for many players, particularly those in the Eastern Hemisphere, who had already concluded their day.

Premium Ticket Holders Disappointed

The event also featured a paid ticket option that promised exclusive rewards and bonuses. Unfortunately, many players who purchased tickets felt let down as they encountered the same issues as free participants. With failed battles and unreachable raid groups, the value of the premium experience was called into question.

Community Reactions

The Pokémon GO community expressed their frustration through various platforms, with many trainers voicing their disappointment over the event's execution. While some players managed to capture shiny variants of Snorlax despite the glitches, the overall sentiment was one of dissatisfaction. The event, which was meant to foster community engagement, instead left many feeling isolated and frustrated.

Final Thoughts

Pokémon GO events are typically celebrated for their ability to bring players together, but the technical issues during the Gigantamax Snorlax Max Battle Day turned excitement into exasperation. As Niantic works to address these problems, players hope for a smoother experience in future events. The community is left wondering if Niantic will learn from this setback and ensure that future events deliver on their promises without the technical hiccups that plagued this one.

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Sources

Gigantamax Snorlax Event issues spark outrage among Pokémon GO players, Niantic offers apology and extension| Esports News, Times of India.
Pokémon GO’s Gigantamax Snorlax event hits a snag, Niantic apologizes and extends event, BizzBuzz.