Pokémon Go is a game that requires a significant amount of grinding, and there are a few reasons why it can feel like such a grind. From my personal experience playing the game, I can understand why many trainers might find it repetitive and time-consuming.
One reason is that trainers often grind specific species of Pokémon to collect candy belonging to their evolutionary family. Candy is essential in the game as it is used to power up and evolve Pokémon. In order to evolve a Pokémon, you usually need a specific amount of candy for that particular species. This means that trainers need to catch multiple Pokémon of the same species to collect enough candy for evolution. This repetitive process of catching the same Pokémon over and over again can become tedious and monotonous.
Another reason for the grind is the desire to collect many of the same Pokémon for a significant gain in experience points (XP). Evolving a Pokémon rewards trainers with a sizable amount of XP, which helps them level up and unlock new features in the game. To maximize their XP gain, trainers often catch as many Pokémon as possible to evolve them in bulk using a Lucky Egg, an item that doubles XP for a limited time. This mass evolution strategy requires trainers to accumulate a large number of the same Pokémon, which can be time-consuming and repetitive.
In addition to these gameplay mechanics, the rarity of certain Pokémon adds to the grind. Some Pokémon are extremely rare and difficult to find, making it a challenge to collect enough candy or catch multiple individuals for evolution. Trainers may have to spend hours searching specific locations or participate in special events to increase their chances of encountering these rare Pokémon. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of grinding as trainers invest significant time and effort into finding these elusive creatures.
Furthermore, the constant need for resources like Poké Balls, potions, and revives also contributes to the grind. Trainers need these items to catch and heal their Pokémon, but they are not always readily available. Restocking on these supplies often requires visiting PokéStops or purchasing them from the in-game store, which can feel like a repetitive task when the supplies are depleted.
Pokémon Go can feel like a grind due to the repetitive nature of catching the same Pokémon for candy or XP, the rarity of certain species, and the constant need for resources. However, for many trainers, the rewards of evolving powerful Pokémon, progressing in the game, and the thrill of capturing rare creatures make the grind worthwhile.