How long does shadowban last on Pokémon Go?

How Long Does Shadowban Last on Pokémon Go?

Shadowbanning, also known as a "soft ban" or "temp ban", is a form of punishment implemented by Pokémon Go, a popular augmented reality game developed by Niantic, to deter cheating and abusive behavior from players. While a full ban can lead to the permanent removal of a player’s account, a shadowban is a temporary restriction that limits the player’s ability to engage with the game.

How Do You Know if You’re Shadowbanned?

Before we dive into how long a shadowban lasts, it’s essential to understand how to recognize if you’ve been shadowbanned. Here are some common signs:

• Reduced or absent PokéStop interactions: If you notice that you’re not able to collect items, such as Poké Balls or potions, from PokéStops or that they are no longer spawning, it might be a sign of a shadowban.
• Lack of nearby Pokémon: When shadowbanned, you may find that you can’t detect nearby Pokémon or encounter them, even when you’re in a high-Pokémon traffic area.
• Inability to raid or trade: If you’re unable to participate in raids or trade with other players, it could be a sign that you’ve been shadowbanned.

Duration of Shadowban

According to users who have experienced a shadowban, the duration of the restriction varies. However, based on anecdotal evidence and player reports, here is a general outline:

• 7-Day Warning Period: In some cases, players report receiving a 7-day warning period, during which they’re unable to detect rare Pokémon, collect items, or participate in raids and trades. After the 7-day period, the shadowban may be lifted.
• 14-Day Shadowban: Other players have reported experiencing a 14-day shadowban, which may involve similar restrictions as the 7-day warning period.

Factors that Affect Shadowban Duration

Several factors can influence the duration of a shadowban, including:

• Type and severity of infraction: If your infraction is deemed minor, such as a minor bug or unintentional behavior, your shadowban might be shorter.
• Frequency of infraction: If you’re repeatedly banned or shadowbanned, the duration of the ban may be longer or more severe.
• Niantic’s response: In some cases, Niantic’s team may respond to appeals or communicate with players directly, potentially affecting the duration of the shadowban.

Ways to Lift a Shadowban

While a shadowban can be frustrating, there are some steps you can take to potentially lift the restriction:

• Report suspicious behavior: If you believe you’re experiencing a shadowban due to incorrect reasons, you can report the issue to Niantic’s support team.
• Wait it out: In many cases, shadowbans are automatically lifted after a certain period, so patience is key.
• Improve your gameplay habits: Focus on following the game’s rules and guidelines to avoid triggering further bans or shadowbans.

Conclusion

Shadowbans on Pokémon Go are a way for Niantic to maintain a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. While the duration of a shadowban can vary, it’s essential to recognize the signs and take steps to improve your gameplay habits. Remember that shadowbans are usually temporary and can be lifted if you’re patient and compliant with the game’s rules. By understanding the concept of shadowbanning, you can minimize the impact on your gameplay experience and enjoy the game with the rest of the community.

References

• Pokémon Go official community forum
• Niantic Helpshift
• Eurogamer
• Veekun
• Vintage is the New Old