Start playing the game again!
I stopped playing for a long time in between Gen 1 and Gen 2, but I returned for a while when Gen 2 was added and I've been playing consistently since Gen 3 was released this past winter. Besides releasing new Pokemon (which is good on its own), there have been lots of updates and changes that have improved the game since its initial release.
Research tasks: They really got my number. I love these small tasks that keep you playing from day to day. The Field Research is okay (I don't want any more 1400CP Snorlaxes) -- but the Special Research is where it's really at. I'm so close to getting Mew! It's a great system to unveil really special Pokemon, and I hope they continue to use it.
Weather: Real-life weather affects which Pokemon spawn in the game (i.e. when it's raining, water types are more likely to spawn), and these Pokemon are also "weather-boosted" meaning they are stronger. This weather system really helps to mix up the type of Pokemon you see on a day-to-day basis. (I'm bummed I didn't catch a Snowy Castform all winter despite how much snow we got here... Next winter!)
Gym rewards: Back in the day, you would get 10 coins per Pokemon per gym per day. In my case, this usually meant only 10 coins per day. Now, you get 1 coin every 10 minutes a Pokemon is in a gym (regardless of the number of Pokemon you have in gyms), and up to 50 per day. Even though you can't earn more than 50 coins per day, I've been reliably earning 50 coins per day, which is better than usually only getting 10 per day. However, you only get the coins when your Pokemon has been kicked out. There should be an option to collect at any time.
Raids: None of my friends still play so I haven't had a shot at one of the legendary Pokemon, but I solo level 1 raids solely for the rare candies. Speaking of:
Rare Candies: I can finally stop walking my Chancey and evolve it.
Shiny Pokemon: I don't think shinies were always in the game, and their presence has definitely added a new element of excitement. I just caught a shiny Magikarp and I am stoked. Only 150 candies to shiny Gyarados...
More events/rewards: For instance, a couple weeks ago it was Squirtle Day and there were Squirtles everywhere. I caught a shiny Squirtle! For the two-year anniversary, Niantic challenged players to complete a certain number of research tasks, and we did. For a reward, all week, there are bonus candies for catching Pokemon and hatching eggs, and the distance to hatch eggs is cut in half. It's a good week. Re-download the app!
