The Expert Handler XP Bonus in Pokémon is designed to award Trainers extra XP after catching a Pokémon. This XP bonus is in addition to the other XPs you can get from catching Pokémon.While most players rely on standard Excellent Throws, Curveballs, and Lucky Eggs, hardcore XP hunters utilize an additional mechanic that rewards stealth and patience: The Expert Handler XP Bonus.
If you have never heard of this term or want to know how it works, here is everything you need to know to add a little extra punch to your leveling grind.
What is the Expert Handler XP Bonus?
The Expert Handler XP bonus is a hidden XP (and Stardust mechanic) tied to Pokémon GO’s AR+ mode.
When you encounter a wild Pokémon and engage with AR+ turned on, you aren’t just tapping a screen; you are entering an interactive augmented reality space. By successfully sneaking up on the Pokémon in the real world without letting its “awareness meter” fill up, you trigger the Expert Handler XP bonus.
When you successfully catch the Pokémon from that close-range vantage point, you earn a flat 300 bonus XP (alongside extra Stardust), which stacks with your other catch multipliers like Curveballs and First Throws.
How to Get the Expert Handler XP Bonus
If you want to try it out yourself, follow these steps:
Enable AR+: Go into your Pokémon GO Settings and make sure AR+ is turned on. (Note: Your device must support AR capabilities).
Trigger the Encounter: Tap a wild Pokémon. Instead of the standard encounter screen, the game will prompt you to look around your environment to find a patch of tall grass.
Make the Pokémon Appear: Tap the patch of grass to spawn the Pokémon in your physical space.
Sneak Up Carefully: A circular awareness meter will appear next to the Pokémon. If you move too fast or get too close too quickly, the meter fills up, the Pokémon gets spooked, and it might run away. Slowly and physically walk closer to the Pokémon in real life while keeping the meter under control.
Unlock “Expert Handler”: Once you get close enough, the meter will flash to indicate you’ve successfully unlocked the Expert Handler status.
Catch It: Throw your Pokéball (hitting a Great or Excellent throw helps maximize your XP) and secure the catch!
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your AR+ Success
Catching Pokémon in AR+ mode can be tricky if you aren’t used to the mechanics. Keep these tips in mind to avoid spooking your target:
Watch the Environment: Play in a well-lit area with a flat, plain surface (like a hardwood floor or paved sidewalk). Complex textures or dark rooms can make it difficult for AR+ to track your position accurately.
Move Slowly: Take tiny, deliberate steps. If you rush forward, the awareness meter fills instantly, forcing the Pokémon to flee.
Use Berries Strategically: Feed the Pokémon a Razz Berry or Nanab Berry right after spawning it in AR+ mode. A Nanab Berry calms the Pokémon down and makes it less erratic, giving you a safer window to close the distance.
Is It Worth It?
For casual gameplay, setting up AR+ and slowly stalking a Pidgey in your living room might take more time than it is worth. However, for completionists, milestone hunters, or players stacking bonuses for massive level pushes during double-XP events and Community Days, mastering the Expert Handler bonus is another fun layer to squeeze every last drop of XP out of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Expert Handler bonus work on all Pokémon? Yes, the bonus can be triggered on any wild Pokémon encounter, provided you successfully use AR+ mode and creep close enough without filling the awareness meter.
How much Stardust do I get with Expert Handler? In addition to the flat 300 bonus XP, you receive a small bonus amount of Stardust (typically around 50 additional Stardust), making it a great secondary method for Stardust farming.
Why isn’t AR+ mode showing up on my phone? AR+ requires a compatible mobile device that supports ARCore (Android) or ARKit (iOS). If your phone lacks these capabilities, the game will default to standard or non-AR encounter modes.
