Pokemon GO Expert Handler: Everything You Need to Know

Pokemon GO Expert Handler is a bonus that was added with the AR+ mode. If you want to learn how to become an expert Pokemon handler but aren't quite sure about how to do that, we'll explain everything you need to know.

Pokemon GO Expert Handler

The expert handler bonus is added to the reward you get when you catch a Pokemon. It adds a bonus to your XP as well as a bonus to the amount of Stardust that you collect upon capture. Stardust is an extremely valuable resource because it is always in a low supply, so getting some extra Stardust from each capture provides some tremendous value for this bonus.

To get the bonus you need to use the AR+ mode. When you see a Pokemon using the AR+ mode, you need to find the small circle indicator near its head. This indicator is known as the awareness meter, and it will fill completely when the Pokemon is aware of your presence. If it fills and flashes red, the Pokemon can flee before you can even catch it.

What you need to do to is to get close to the Pokemon without triggering the awareness meter. This means that you need to pay attention to how the Pokemon moves around, and avoid getting too close to make it uncomfortable and flee. When you are close enough, and if the meter has not been set off, you should see "Expert Handler" appear on the screen, and you can throw PokeBalls at the Pokemon to catch it. Upon successfully catching the Pokemon, you will gain the bonus.

Make sure that when you are trying to get the bonus that you stand still frequently so that you can lower the Pokemon's awareness meter. You should also sidestep frequently if the Pokemon walks towards you. If the Pokemon manages to flee, you can still use the AR+ mode to catch the Pokemon. Just find the tall grass region, tap where you see the movement, and the Pokemon will reappear.

Photo courtesy of Niantic