Pokémon GO tests reduced timers for Raids, why not just enable the Ready button?

Trainers heads up! Niantic and Pokémon GO are tweaking how Raids work, and if you’re in one of the selected test regions, you’ll notice the Raid experience is about to speed up. But it’s not all smooth sailing.

Niantic has announced a new experiment that focuses on Tier 1 and Tier 3 Raids in certain areas. What’s changing? The pre-Raid countdown timers. Tier 1 Raids are now down to a brisk 60-second wait, while Tier 3 Raids will keep you on hold for 80 seconds. Less waiting, more action.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, why reduce timers when we already have a ‘Ready’ button? Especially when you want to invite others to join a Tier 1 or Tier 3 Raid, these truncated timers make it feel like a race against the clock. Niantic, wouldn’t it be easier to keep that Ready button functional for all Raids?

We are introducing a test affecting tier 1 and tier 3 Raid Battles in some regions. Trainers participating in Raids in these areas will see a reduced countdown timer before the start of the Raid to 60 seconds for tier 1 Raids and 80 seconds for tier 3.

— Niantic Support (@NianticHelp) September 27, 2023

We’d love to hear your take on this. Is Niantic onto something, or is this another confusing change? Please feel free to express your thoughts in the comments section below.