Pokémon GO

How to Play Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO uses your phone's GPS and camera to overlay Pokémon into the real world. Here's how to play:

• Explore: Walk around your real-world surroundings to discover wild Pokémon.
• Catch Pokémon: When a Pokémon appears, tap on it to initiate an encounter. Use your finger to swipe Poké Balls at the Pokémon to catch it.
• Visit PokéStops: These real-world locations (often landmarks) provide you with essential items like Poké Balls and Potions.
• Gym Battles: Join a team (Valor, Mystic, or Instinct) and battle other players' Pokémon at Gyms to claim them for your team.
• Level Up: Gain experience by catching Pokémon, battling, and completing research tasks to level up your Trainer and unlock new features.

Pokémon GO: The Straight Dope - Your Questions, Answered

What are Pokémon, and how do I find them?

Pokémon are creatures of all shapes and sizes who live in the wild or alongside humans. To find Pokémon in Pokémon GO, simply walk around your real-world environment! The game uses your phone's GPS to spawn Pokémon nearby. Different Pokémon appear in different environments, so explore a variety of locations to catch 'em all. Some rare Pokémon are harder to find than others, so keep an eye out!

How do I use PokéStops?

PokéStops are real-world locations marked on the in-game map. When you're near a PokéStop, tap on it to spin the Photo Disc and receive free items like Poké Balls, Potions, and Berries. You can revisit PokéStops every few minutes to collect more items. Learn more about exploration by visiting Dangerous Landing to find new places to train.

What are Gyms, and how do I battle in them?

Gyms are locations where Trainers can battle their Pokémon against other players' Pokémon. To battle at a Gym, you must first choose a team (Valor, Mystic, or Instinct) once you reach level 5. Then, tap on a Gym to see which team controls it. If it's controlled by your team, you can add your Pokémon to defend it. If it's controlled by another team, you can battle the defending Pokémon to lower the Gym's prestige and eventually take control of it for your team. Consider this helpful battling guide here to take your battles to the next level.

What are Raids, and how do I participate?

Raids are special events where powerful Pokémon appear at Gyms. To participate in a Raid, you need a Raid Pass. You can earn a free Raid Pass once per day by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. To participate, simply tap on the Gym with the Raid egg or Raid boss and join the battle. Raids are challenging and require multiple players to defeat the boss Pokémon. Coordinating with other Trainers is key! It is a fun and exciting addition that makes the game fresh.

How do I evolve my Pokémon?

To evolve a Pokémon, you need a certain amount of Candies specific to that Pokémon. You earn Candies by catching the Pokémon, transferring them to the Professor, and hatching Eggs. Once you have enough Candies, tap on the Pokémon in your Pokémon storage and select the 'Evolve' button. Some Pokémon also require special items or conditions to evolve. You may want to compare this gameplay to Metal War to help you progress!