- For the only English ending song, see Pokémon Go!.
Pokémon GO is an Android and iOS free-to-play game. It was released on July 6, 2016 and originally developed by Niantic before being acquired by Scopely in 2025.
A spin-off title of the franchise, the game is based around catching, trading, and battling Pokémon in real life through augmented reality, using Android and iOS devices. It uses the GPS on mobile devices for its gameplay mechanisms and to imitate the player's actual location. It initially began with 150 Pokémon species with more being added gradually.
Pokémon GO Plus can be separately purchased to work along with Pokémon GO. The device will enable the wearer to effectively search for Pokémon through the use of Bluetooth for the Apple or Android mobile phone.
The game, although an instant success, with 500 million downloads occurred globally by the end of its first year and is recognized for popularizing location-based AR technology as well as promoting physical and social activity, was criticized for having technical issues, and causing many accidents (some fatal) and public nuisances, enough that it's even banned in certain places or countries.
Pokémon Go, being the only constantly updated game of the series, has its very own wiki.
Game mechanics[]
Catching[]
So far, only the Generation I, II, III, IV, V, VI Pokémon, as well as Alolan and Galarian forms are obtainable. The Pokémon's location varies based on the actual landscape (e.g. Water-type Pokémon are likely to be found around big waters, while Rock-type Pokémon are likely to be found near caves). You can get also get Dubwool’s and Greedent’s evo line, Mr. Rime, Runerigus, Obstagoon, Falinks, Zacian, Zamazenta, Perrserker The Galarian Regis, Zarude, Gimmighoul and Gholdengo.
The trainer has to find a Pokémon, which is shown on the local map. To attract Pokémon to the trainer, an incense can be used, or a Lure Module can be attached to a PokéStop. Once an encounter is initiated, by tapping the phone, the trainer has to throw a Poké Ball at an exact angle to capture the Pokémon. A white circle represents the area in which the Poké Ball must be thrown in order to catch the Pokémon. A colored circle appears inside this white circle. The smaller the circle, the more likely the trainer is to catch the Pokémon.
Additional experience is earned for throwing the ball inside the colored circle. If the colored circle is roughly the size of the white circle or slightly smaller, the trainer will be rewarded with 10 experience for a "nice" throw. If the colored circle is roughly half the size of the white circle, one will be rewarded with 50 experience for a "great" throw. If the colored circle is tiny, one will be rewarded with 1000 experience for an "excellent" throw. You will also get an extra 50 XP if the Pokémon is caught on the first throw. Similarly, the trainer can spin the Poké Ball to throw a curveball and earn a bonus of 10 experience. Initially, the bonus experience for a "nice", "great", or "excellent" throw did not stack and would overwrite the bonus for a curveball. However, on newer versions, this issue was fixed and the bonus can be combined.
These bonus experience points are affected by experience multipliers. To make the capture easier, the trainer can use either a Great or an Ultra Ball to catch the Pokémon, or a (Golden) Razz Berry to help its odds of catching the Pokémon. Similarly, a Pinap Berry can be used to earn double the amount of Pokémon candy. A Nanab Berry will calm the Pokémon down, making it move less. A camera can also be used to take photos of the field. Once the Pokémon is caught, the trainer receives an amount of Stardust and the captured Pokémon's respective candy. In the Raid Mode when the player or groups are successful in defeating the Raid Boss, trainers have an opportunity to capture the Pokémon in a Bonus Challenge. Also, Silver Pinap Berries can increase catch rate and more than double the amount of candies earnt.
A colored circle indicates how difficult to catch a Pokémon is:
- Green - easy, the Pokémon will most likely be caught.
- Orange - normal, the Pokémon could escape out of the Ball.
- Red - difficult, the Pokémon is likely to come out of the Ball.
The color of the ring can be influenced by the used Poké Ball's type and with the use of a (Golden) Razz Berry.
Evolving and hatching[]
To evolve a Pokémon, the Trainer must give the Pokémon some candies, which are obtained through the game by catching other Pokémon, hatching Pokémon Eggs, transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow or walking a specific distance with a Pokémon chosen as a buddy. The candy is only compatible with its respective evolutionary line, e.g. Squirtle candies can only evolve Squirtle and Wartortle and no other Pokémon besides them. Pokémon with three-stage evolution need 25 candies to evolve for the second stage. Pokémon with two-stage evolution and second evolved form for three-stage evolution require 50 candies. Baby Pokémon need 25 candies to evolve. These are exceptions:
Some examples for candy requirements include:
- Weedle, Caterpie, and Pidgey require 12 candies to evolve into their respective second evolutions.
- Eevee and Rattata require 25 candies to evolve.
- In addition, Eevee evolves randomly. However, the evolution can be controlled, if they are nicknamed: "Rainer" into Vaporeon, "Sparky" into Jolteon, and "Pyro" into Flareon, after the respective Eevees in "The Battling Eevee Brothers" from the anime series. Naming Eevee "Sakura" will cause it to evolve into Espeon and "Tamao" Umbreon. Leafeon and Glaceon can only be evolved around special Lure Modules, or they can be controlled by nicknaming the Eevee 'Linnea" and "Rea", respectively. However, these nicknames can only work once. Naming Eevee "Kira" will evolve it into Sylveon.
- Togepi and Snover require 50 candies to evolve.
- Poliwhirl, Haunter, Wartortle, Ivysaur, Charmeleon, Nidorino, Nidorina, Graveler, Kadabra, Machoke, Gloom, Dragonair, and Weepinbell require 100 candies to evolve.
- Magikarp, Wailmer, Swablu, and Meltan require 400 candies to evolve.
- Baby Pokémon like Elekid and Magby, take 25 candies to evolve into their normal forms. (Electabuzz and Magmar)
- Some Pokémon can be evolved for free (with no candy) if that Pokémon is traded. For example, Machamp normally must be evolved with 100 Machop candy, but if a Machoke is traded, no candy will be needed to evolve.
Levels are displayed as such in Pokémon GO, adverse to previous Pokémon titles. The Pokémon's level determines it's CP or Combat Power and vice versa. A Pokémon may be powered up by using candies and stardust. The required amount of each grows exponentially. The limit of a Pokémon's CP is determined by the trainer's level.
The trainer can also hatch eggs, allowing them to obtain rare-to-find Pokémon. The trainer has to visit and spin a PokéStop to obtain the egg. To hatch the egg, the trainer must place it in an Egg Incubator (which can be found or bought in the in-game shop), then walk a specific distance. Riding a vehicle will not count as progress, as one must be going under 20kmph (12 mph) for movement to count. There are four main types of eggs: 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 12 km to hatch. You can also get a 7 km egg from a Friend's gift. Eggs that require a longer distance traveled to hatch, usually give rarer Pokémon. Hatching eggs also gives a larger amount of Stardust and candies. Some Pokémon are also only capable of hatching from eggs depending on what region of the world the egg is obtained from. For instance, a Tauros can only hatch from eggs obtained in the United States.
NOTE: Pokémon hatching from eggs are constantly updated. It is best to check the in-game news or a dedicated group's announcements for relevant information.
| Distance to hatch | Hatching Pokémon |
|---|---|
| 2 km (1.24 miles) | Zubat, Poliwag, Cubone, Magikarp |
| 5 km (3.10 miles) | Machop, Farfetch'd, Seel, Voltorb, Lickitung, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Eevee |
| 7 km (4.34 miles) | Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Vulpix, Alolan Diglett, Alolan Meowth, Galarian Meowth, Alolan Geodude, Galarian Ponyta, Galarian Farfetch'd, Alolan Grimer |
| Distance to hatch | Hatching Pokémon |
|---|---|
| 2 km (1.24 miles) | Mareep, Wooper, Snubbull |
| 5 km (3.10 miles) | Pineco, Heracross, Corsola |
| 12 km (7.45 miles) | Larvitar |
| Distance to hatch | Hatching Pokémon |
|---|---|
| 2 km (1.24 miles) | Volbeat, Illumise, Wailmer, Swablu |
| 5 km (3.10 miles) | Ralts, Aron, Torkoal, Feebas, Tropius, Clamperl, Relicanth |
| 7 km (4.34 miles) | Galarian Zigzagoon |
| 10 km (6.21 miles) | Bagon, Beldum |
| 12 km (7.45 miles) | Absol |
| Distance to hatch | Hatching Pokémon |
|---|---|
| 2 km (1.24 miles) | Buizel, Buneary |
| 5 km (3.10 miles) | Pachirisu, Mime Jr., Chatot, Hippopotas, Carnivine |
| 10 km (6.21 miles) | Shinx, Gible, Riolu |
| Distance to hatch | Hatching Pokémon |
|---|---|
| 2 km (1.24 miles) | Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Minccino |
| 5 km (3.10 miles) | Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, Blitzle, Roggenrola, Tympole, Maractus, Gothita, Solosis, Ducklett, Karrablast, Joltik, Shelmet, Bouffalant |
| 7 km (4.34 miles) | Galarian Darumaka, Galarian Stunfisk |
| 10 km (6.21 miles) | Audino, Timburr, Darumaka, Sigilyph, Emolga, Ferroseed, Klink, Elgyem, Litwick, Axew, Golett, Rufflet |
| 12 km (7.45 miles) | Sandile, Scraggy, Trubbish, Pawniard, Vullaby, Deino |
Raids[]
Raid Battles occur when a Boss Pokémon takes over a Gym. Your goal is to defeat this powerful Pokémon. If you and your fellow Trainers are successful, you'll be rewarded with special items and a chance at catching that Pokémon.
Raid Battles aren't your typical Gym Battle; your opponent is more difficult to defeat than most other Pokémon. Raids have five tiers of difficulty, ranging from one to five. The higher the difficulty, the stronger the Raid Boss and the more players you'll need in order to succeed.
The most exclusive raids are EX Raid Battles, where you'll have an opportunity to catch the most sought after Pokémon. Unlike other raids, you need to be invited to attend an EX Raid at a specific Gym at a specific time. If you are selected to participate in an EX Raid, you will receive an invitation in advance so that you can coordinate and strategize for the chance at defeating the powerful EX Raid Boss.
Finding a Raid Battle[]
You'll receive a notification of Raid Battles happening nearby. You can also use the Nearby feature to locate raids happening around you.
Before the raid begins, a Raid Egg will appear on top of the Gym. A countdown will display the time until the Egg hatches and the battle begins. Don't worry if you miss a chance to join a Raid Battle as they happen frequently.
To participate in EX Raid Battles, you need an EX Raid Pass. An EX Raid Pass serves as an invitation to join an EX Raid at a specified time and place. You will receive a notification when you receive an EX Raid Pass stating where and when your EX Raid will occur. You can review the details of your upcoming EX Raid by viewing the EX Raid Pass in your inventory.
Get a Raid Pass[]
Before you can join a raid, you'll need a Raid Pass. There are 4 types of passes: Raid Passes, Premium Raid Passes, EX Raid Passes, and Remote Raid Passes.
Raid Pass
You gain a Raid Pass by spinning the Photo Disc at a Gym. You can only hold one Raid Pass at a time, and you can only receive one per day. This pass grants access to Tier 1-5, Mega, Elite, Mega Legendary, and Shadow Raid Battles.
Premium Raid Pass
If you have already used your Raid Pass, you can participate in another Raid Battle by purchasing a Premium Raid Pass from the Shop. Unlike the Raid Pass, you can hold more than one Premium Raid Pass in your inventory at a time. Like the Raid Pass, the Premium Raid Pass also grants access to Tier 1-5, Mega, Elite, Mega Legendary, and Shadow Raid Battles.
EX Raid Pass
This pass grants you access to an EX Raid. This pass can only be used at a specific Gym at a specific time. To receive an EX Raid Pass, you must have successfully completed a raid recently by defeating a Raid Boss at the Gym where the EX Raid Battle will be taking place. To increase your chances of receiving an EX Raid Pass:
Join more Raid Battles. The more Raid Battles you successfully complete, the greater your chances to receive an EX Raid Pass.
To increase your odds even more, try completing raids at a variety of different Gyms.
Earn more Gym Badges. Trainers with a high-level Gym Badge are more likely to be invited to EX Raid Battles taking place at that Gym.
Remote Raid Pass
To help fight the new coronavirus pandemic, Niantic (the game's developer) implemented remote raids. In order to participate in a raid remotely, you can acquire one via the shop, certain Research Tasks, or Research Breakthrough. You can only join a raid remotely if you can see the gym on your nearby map, if a friend invites you, or joining via friend list. These cannot be used on Tier 4, Shadow or Elite Raids, barring special events.
Miscellaneous[]
A device, called Pokémon GO Plus, can be worn as a bracelet to enhance the game-play.
The trainer can receive experience to level up and gain new items and unlock other ones. Level up the player character will receive rewards, which includes Poké Balls as well as other valuable Pokémon Go items.
At level 5, trainers can join teams -Team Instinct, Team Mystic and Team Valor - allowing them to battle against other teams in Gym battles. Teams have a name; a leader (Spark, the leader of Team Instinct; Blanche, the leader of Team Mystic; and Candela, the leader of Team Valor); a Legendary Mascot (Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres respectively); and a corresponding color.
| Team Instinct | Team Mystic | Team Valor |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Leader: Spark | Leader: Blanche | Leader: Candela |
Locations[]
At level 5, trainers can conquer Gyms from battles against opposing Teams. One player may leave his or her Pokémon at gyms in order to earn Poké Coins. A trainer may earn 10 Poké Coins per 10 minutes defending a gym, but there is a 50 Coin limit daily. (This limit resets every midnight, local time)
PokéStops are places for trainers to acquire items for free, such as Poké Balls and Eggs; Potions, Revives, and Razz Berries at level 5; Super Potions at level 10; Great Balls at level 12; Hyper Potions at level 15; and Ultra Balls at level 20. Lures can be applied to PokéStops to attract Pokémon for 30 minutes. These stops refresh and can be revisited every 5 minutes.
Moves and Combat Points[]
The Pokémon use moves differently than in the other games. They know up to 2 moves which may change upon evolving. The base move is weaker and can be used with no limits. The special move is the stronger of the 2 and charges up with each use of the base move. The special move can be used by holding down on the screen during a battle.
Combat Points or CP, is an indicator of a Pokémon's power, be it a wild or a trainer's Pokémon. However, CP are not sole indicators of a Pokémon's effectiveness, as some Pokémon can have a high CP but poor stats, which are measured through "Appraisals" performed by Team Leaders.
Customization and achievements[]
As of Generation II update, the character can be customized. Some clothing requires PokéCoins to be bought, and comes in different color patterns. Unlike before, the character can remove certain clothing: gloves, hats, shoes and socks.
In the game, several achievements, called Medals, can be obtained, through the game, mostly by capturing a certain amount of Pokémon.
Items[]
Some items can be received through leveling up. However, the trainer can also buy them by using PokéCoins, which is the currency in-game.
| Amount of PokéCoins | Price in ¥ (Japan) | Price in € (EU), $ (US) | Price in £ (UK) | Price in $ (CAD) | Price in $ (AUD) | Price in $ (SGD) | Price in ₹ (India) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 120 | 0.99 | 0.79 | 1.39 | 1.49 | 1.48 | 81.49 |
| 550 | 600 | 4.99 | 3.99 | 6.99 | 7.99 | 6.98 | 410.99 |
| 1,200 | 1,200 | 9.99 | 7.99 | 13.99 | 14.99 | 14.98 | 821.99 |
| 2,500 | 2,400 | 19.99 | 14.99 | 27.99 | 30.99 | 28.98 | 1644.40 |
| 5,200 | 4,800 | 39.99 | 29.99 | 54.99 | 62.99 | 58.98 | 3289.62 |
| 14,500 | 11,800 | 99.99 | 79.99 | 139.99 | 159.99 | 148.98 | 8,225.29 |
Trivia[]
- About two weeks after the game's UK release, Sam Clark from the south of England managed to catch all the Pokémon in the game, making him the first to do so in Europe.
- Nick Johnson is the first American to catch all 142 characters in the game available in the United States. Two corporate sponsors (Marriott Rewards and Expedia) have offered him a free trip around the world to capture the remaining Pokémon that are not currently available in the United States. Full article.
- On April 1, 2014, over two years before the release of Pokémon GO, Google released a minigame inside of Google Maps to catch Pokémon in celebration of April Fools' Day. On the same day, Google also released a companion YouTube video advertising the position of Pokémon Master at the company.
- Legendary longtime Nintendo employee and video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, known as the creator of the Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises, stated this game as one of his favorites.
- Despite all Pokémon games being compatible with Nintendo console platforms, Pokémon GO is the first title being available in iOS and Android platforms.
- This game is one of few Pokémon games that inspired Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!. The others are the Generation I games (primarily Yellow).
- In the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus, no Pokémon can spawn, mostly because the area is considered by the software to be a military area, even though it is in fact demilitarized.
- This game is tied with Pokémon UNITE for having supported the most languages (15), though the latter has three discontinued ones. Pokémon GO supports Latin American Spanish while Pokémon UNITE does not, and UNITE supports Simplified Chinese while GO does not.
- This is the first Pokémon game to use the Unity engine.
- Although the game has not been released in mainland China, Nintendo trademarked a localized logo for the game using the title Bǎokěmèng Zǒu! (宝可梦 走！) as application no./registration no. 48218535. The trademark was filed on July 20, 2020 and granted on January 6, 2021.
Videos[]
Gallery[]
