Pokémon GO beta is now online in the U.S., Australia, and Japan. But it seems at the middle of the beta run, they are tweaking the evolution and training mechanics from what we’ve seen at earlier beta leaks.

Leaking of Pokémon GO material from beta testers is strictly discouraged by Nintendo. In fact, they have already been banning beta testers who still disobey the term of the beta agreement. However, although Nintendo is cracking down hard on Pokémon GO beta testers, some information still makes its way to the internet.

One of the latest updates with the Pokémon GO is that it seems they have just changed how evolution and training takes place in Pokémon GO. In our previous Pokémon GO update here at the Inquisitr, we reported that capturing pokémon at Pokémon GO will be time and place-sensitive. Capturing Ghastly in Pokémon GO, for example, requires the trainer to search at night-time. It only makes sense, since Ghastly is a ghost-type pokémon, usually only captured in cemeteries and creepy and dark places.

In that same previous report, we said that evolving pokémon in Pokémon GO was based on Evolution Shards. Capture more of the same pokémon and turn them into Evolution Shards, which then can be used to evolve that same pokémon. Now, Pokémon GO beta testers at the Reddit forums report that Evolution Shards are scrapped — they are now called “Candy,” as in the Rare Candy item that have been included in previous Pokémon games. Rare Candy is an uncommon item in various Pokémon games which has the ability to level any pokémon up by one. Using the term “Candy” to go up the evolution family ladder in Pokémon GO makes more sense now than shards, since the users are more familiar with evolution-inducing candies rather than shards.

If you’re looking to power up rather than just evolving, Pokémon GO makes use of Stardust acquired by catching any other pokémon. Instead of training via earning EXP from battling other pokémon, you can increase your pokémon’s stats by giving them Stardust, which is collected from capturing other pokémon.

Unlike Candy, Stardust is not pokémon-sensitive. Zendesk leeks’ photo of the Pokémon GO Get Started menu explains Candy and Stardust.

“As you acquire Stardust and Candy, you gain the ability to Power Up capture Pokémon, which increases their CP and HP. “You acquire Candy and Stardust by catching Pokémon and hatching eggs. Candy is specific to each Pokémon evolution family. For example, Bulbasaur candy is obtained by catching and hatching any pokémon in the Bulbasaur family (Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur). You need Bulbasaur Candy to Power Up a Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, or Venusaur). “Stardust can be used to Power Up any Pokémon in your collection. For example, you can Power Up a Rattata using Stardust acquired by catching a Meowth.”

The screenshot explains that the number of Candy and Stardust needed to Power Up a pokémon in Pokémon GO is displayed on the information screen. For example, you would need 100 Stardust and 1 Ekans candy to Power Up an Ekans, but would need 17 Ekans Candy (procured from catching an Ekans or Arbok) to evolve your Ekans into an Arbok.

Pokemon Go explains candy and stardust (via Reddit)

In terms of updates, The Silph Road at Reddit also reveals some pretty good Pokémon GO updates via beta testers. A new item, “Lure Patch,” is revealed in Pokémon GO, which has the ability to attract pokémon to pokéstop for 15 minutes when deployed. You can also now assign a new nickname to your captured pokémon and tag certain pokémon as favorites.

Sample of viewing Squirtle in Pokemon Go reveals 100 Stardust and 1 Squirtle candy to power up and 12 Squirtle candy to evolve (via Reddit)

It seems we are getting closer to the official release date of Pokémon GO. The following is according to the Niantic blog.

“It’s getting closer. It’s been sort of like making a big meal for your friends or family. We have been sweating the details in the kitchen and now we are anxious and excited to share our creation with you. “Our team is learning and iterating, and we can’t wait to share Pokémon GO with everyone. Stay tuned for more details.”

As of May 25, Pokémon GO beta has already landed in the U.S.

[Image via Niantic]