Pokémon GO is a free augmented reality game for smartphones and the main game in the franchise for Android or iOS (iPhone). Although the mechanics are different from the other Nintendo console titles, it is possible to battle in gyms, find Shiny and even exchange with friends. Check out the top pokémon go topics and learn how to play, or rather be a respectful trainer.
About Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO was launched in July 2016 under the umbrella of Niantic —a startup that was born on Google and dismembered from the company in 2015—Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Like Ingress, another game published by Niantic, Pokémon GO is based on augmented reality and geolocation. The virtual world is combined with the real and, in addition to the map, the player can use the camera to join the elements.
1. How to start playing Pokémon GO
It must be understood that there is a difference between the games in the Pokémon franchise, released for Nintendo consoles (Game Boy, DS, Switch…) and the GO. Instead of walking with the character and following a timeline of events on the journey (visiting cities, facing gyms, reaching the Pokémon League), there is no narrative to follow, nor have control of the character’s movement.
Anyone can play Pokémon GO as long as they have a smartphone that supports internet access (in addition to Wi-Fi). An Android 6 or higher or iOS 12 or later is required. The download can be done, free of charge, in the App Store or Play Store. Once downloaded, just create an account with email, Facebook or Google and start the journey.
2. How do I walk in Pokémon GO?
There is no way to “walk” in Pokémon GO. Because the game is based on geolocation, the player must move around in the real world for the character to move around in the game. With this, in addition to the appearance of Pokémon, other elements such as gyms and Poképaradas (the blue totems) are discovered.
3. Catching the Pokémon
In “traditional” games in the Pokémon franchise, when you find some species in the (wild) nature you have to battle with this little monster (using the one received at the beginning of the game), to weaken it and then play the Pokébola. That’s not what happens in Pokémon GO.
In the smartphone version, when you see any Pokémon on the map, just tap it as the capture step starts. Then the player must throw the Pokéball (drag using his finger) to hit the Pokémon.
When the Pokébola is held (keeping the touch) a circle appears. When hitting the ball within that target (when smaller, better) the greater the chances of success in catching the Pokémon.
Pokémon with high PC levels (more on that later, it’s that number that appears) are harder to capture. In such cases, it is necessary to use fruits or other types of balls to increase the chances of success.
4. How to pick up items in Pokémon GO
Items are as essential as Pokémon in the game. After all, from them, it is possible to capture more species, heal those used after battles, and evolve some special, among other functions.
To get in-game items, you need to visit the Poképaradas (or Pokéstops) — they are those blue totems that appear on the map. By clicking on them, when next, just rotate the disc to get the reward. There is a waiting time for the player to be able to re-scan it.
Gyms also award items. After accessing them, when close, just tap the Pokéstop icon in the right corner to see the function of rotating the disc.
Items are also the main reward for missions—these are available in the binocular menu in the lower right corner of the screen.
5. Leveling up
Almost all actions in Pokémon GO generate experience: capture Pokémon, battle in gyms, rotate Pokéstops, complete missions, evolve, and discover new species. Some tasks generate more experience than others.
The first levels are easier. The path starts to get tough thereby level 30. The maximum is 50 and believe me: it’s a lot of play until then.
By advancing a level, the player gets some rewards on items and can strengthen their Pokémon, making their PC somewhat higher.
6. Gymnasiums, reides and combat
Gyms are one of the main elements of Pokémon GO. In them, the dominations occur by the initial teams (Mystic, Valor and Instintic, chosen at the beginning of the game). There are three situations:
- If a gym is already dominated by the player’s chosen team, you may be able to put one more Pokémon there (if it’s no longer at full capacity) to defend the gym. Opponents (from the opposing team) must defeat these Pokémon to claim the gym. A player who spins his team’s gym disc also receives more items;
- If a gym is dominated by the enemy team, the player can choose to just rotate the disc to get some items or battle for the gym domain;
- If a gym is gray, it means it’s empty and just deposit some Pokémon there.
Pokémon that go to gyms are not lost. They return as soon as another coach battles to claim that point and defeat the team that is there.
Combat is basic: with one “fast” attack and another “loaded”. But what remains true to the other games in the franchise are the types of blows and weaknesses and resistances among Pokémon —for example: a grass attack is effective against water species.
The reides also stay in the gyms but for a specific period. They are the union of the Pokémon GO community to defeat a “boss”. There are four types: one, three, or five stars (the latter for the Legendary) and the megarreides (from the mega evolved Pokémon).
To battle, you need to have a pass (whether common or distance) and the higher the level of the king, the more players are needed to defeat the Pokémon. Typically, only those of a star can be made individually.
7. Evolve and strengthen Pokémon
Pokémon appear in nature at random. They may have a high or low PC (Combat Points), but there is a limit based on the player’s level. As you progress in experience, you can strengthen Pokémon to make them stronger.
The strengthen option is found when opening a Pokémon’s details page. However, to increase the PC, it is necessary to consume Stardust and Sweets of that species. The first feature is obtained in captures and missions, while the second is only in captures of the same Pokémon or its evolutionary line.
Candies are also used for evolutions, by joining the amount needed to evolve the species, just select the option and wait for the animation. There are a few patterns:
- Pokémon with three evolutionary stages need 125 candies to evolve from the first to the last stage (25 for the first shape and 100 for the second);
- Pokémon with two evolutionary stages need 50 candies.
There are exceptions, such as those who need 100 candies (Feebas) or those who need 400 (Magikarp and Wailmer). These requirements are reported on the page of each Pokémon.
8. Coins and shop
Pokémon GO is free but has internal purchases. Even if no one is required to spend to play, there are items sold in the store that help you advance to the next level —whether it’s to gain more experience, Pokéballs, to catch more Pokémon if you’re not near a Poképarada or event tickets, to access special missions with “premium” rewards.
However, in addition to real money, coins can be obtained by gyms. If a player can place a Pokémon to defend the location, they can earn up to 50 coins per day.
9. Enjoy Pokémon GO missions and events
Missions come and go in Pokémon GO. Whether it’s to celebrate a specific date (Halloween, Christmas, New Year, franchise anniversary) or the arrival of a new feature in the game. It’s the best way to get good rewards, including Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
Events are also scheduled (and usually linked to missions), making thematic species appear more often. For example, on Halloween, ghost Pokémon are more seen.
Community Day is one of the main events of Pokémon GO, because it takes place every month. In it, one or more species appear more often and it becomes easy to find a Shiny Pokémon.
10. How to play Pokémon GO with friends
The gameplay with friends is interesting, but not satisfying. Even if it is an online game, no player can see the other on the map. To trade Pokémon, battle, or send gifts (another way to get items), you need to have friends added—this is done on the player’s profile page in the lower left corner of the screen.
With friends, it is also possible to battle in kings, especially the most difficult (three or five stars), which will need more players to be completed within the set time.
Although not ideal, friendships are essential for completing some missions. Exchanging Pokémon or sending gifts are tasks required for some rewards.
Pokémon GO is a game for all audiences, including complexity levels. There is much more to explore and the game itself instructs the player in some of the new discoveries. Eggs, Battle League competitive mode, TEAM GO Rocket, better combinations of fast and loaded attacks, strategic teams, and Pokémon IVs are examples of what can be found. It’s up to the coach to venture out.
