The One with Shadow Kyogre and the Pay-to-Win Debate

This week,

We kick off with a catch-up on the Shadow Kyogre Raid Weekend and the just finishhed Delightful Days: Taken Over event — who had the best luck, and which features stood out (or sank)? Each host shares their highlights, frustrations, and best catches.

In The News, we dive into Niantic’s latest bombshell: GMax Battles can now host up to 100 trainers! Is this the future of large-scale Pokémon GO battles, or just a chaotic experiment? Plus, we discuss the sunny vibes of the brand-new Sunkissed Shores event, with thoughts on spawns, bonuses, and grind potential with the debut of Dondozo.

Then, it’s time for an honest conversation: Is Pokémon GO becoming TOO monetized? The hosts debate raid passes, paid tickets, event structure, and whether free-to-play players are being left behind.

Counter Bros return to break down Necrozma raids — with Mark, Milo, and Ian giving you the best counters, typing breakdown, weaknesses, and the all-important 100% IV CP checks to help you secure the perfect catch.

With a 60-second recap of Rookidee Community Day, before we round things off with your glittering submissions in #ShiniesOfTheWeek.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to all of our Patrons for your support, with credited Patrons from featured tiers below:

#GOLD

JB, Kerry & Zachary, Barside2, Mandy Croft, Mr Mossom, Mufti, DeanDHL & Masterlaxus.

#SILVER

KLXVI, Dell Hazard, Spindiana, Lori Beck, Steve In Norway, CeeCeeismad, Macfloof, Saul Haberfield, Lizzie George, Sander Van Den Dreiesche, Neonnet, Ellen Rushton, James Alexander, Northern Soph, Tom Cattle, Charley Todd, Robert Wilson, MissSummerOf69, Malcolm Grinter, Jordi Castel, Thehotweasel, shinyikeamom, TonyOfPride & Johno.

The Gaming Blender
We mash genres. We pitch games. You question our sanity.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Chapters

• 17:42 [Ad] The Gaming Blender
• 18:24 (Cont.) Untitled Episode