If you've been on the internet at all in the last month, you probably have heard all about Pokémon GO. Maybe you've downloaded it, maybe you've brushed it off, maybe you weren't all that into it as a kid so why start playing now, maybe you have kids of your own that are super into it, maybe you're a level 25 Pokémon master. I'm here to be one voice out of millions to tell you why I think the app is great.
To begin, Pokémon GO is a free app created by Niantic that can be downloaded on compatible iOS and Android devices.
The game uses "augmented reality" to display the virtual Pokémon as if they are actually there beside you when you catch them.
Here is a Weedle I caught in Target.
Everyone sees the same Pokémon when in the same location. You've probably heard some feel good stories about people coming together to play the game. The game has created a community around it, leading to a multitude of Facebook groups, social media accounts, Meetup groups, and Reddit boards devoted to the game, where the best "spawn" points are (or "nests") for certain Pokémon, or planning to get together to go hunting in groups.
Here is a bunch of people gathered on the West Haven boardwalk last night, one of Connecticut's "hotspots" for catching em all.
The best part about this is it's all free, unless you want to buy some of the in-app purchases, but most things can be earned or acquired through gameplay for free.
I've outlined some of the main facets of the game below. It is a great thing to do to get your kids (or yourself) outside and active, or to make activities such as walking your dog or your commute (if you walk or bike) more engaging.
Account Creation
When you begin to play the game, you will need to make an account. This can be done with an existing Google account, or by creating a Pokémon Trainer Club account. You will be prompted to make a unique username and to create an avatar, which is fairly customizable with many options for skin tone, hair color, and clothing.
Example Avatar. Image Courtesy: Teen Vogue
Catching Pokémon
If there are Pokémon near you, they will appear in your "nearby" listing. Note: this has now been renamed "sightings." This means that Pokémon are within a close proximity to your person. You can begin to move in any direction and watch how the Pokémon list will shift to show you which one is closest, until eventually you have encountered the Pokémon. At this point, the Pokémon will appear on your screen and you can click on it to try and catch it. You will lob Pokéballs at it until you successfully hit the Pokémon and if it stays in the ball, you have captured it and it will be added to your collection.
Pokéstops
Unfortunately, you do not have an infinite supply of Pokéballs. You need to visit Pokéstops to collect these items. In cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford, Pokéstops seem to be every few feet, but don't worry if you're in the suburbs, there should still be Pokéstops near you, too. Pokéstops are common at churches, cemeteries, schools, police stations, monuments, parks, benches, plaques, murals, you name it. In fact, visiting Pokéstops is a great way to learn about your community.
A screenshot from last night at the West Haven Boardwalk. The Pokéstop icon will appear when you are close enough to a Pokéstop to retrieve its items. Pokéstops you have visited will turn purple. You can revisit a Pokéstop after 5 minutes.
Players can also use Lure Modules at any Pokéstop, which will generate Pokémon up to one per every five minutes for a half hour. Lure Modules are received as rewards for leveling up. Everyone around you will benefit from the Lure and will see it marked clearly in the app.
Image via imore.com
Eggs
As you traverse through the real and virtual world as a Pokémon trainer, one of the many items you will find at Pokéstops are eggs. You can carry up to nine eggs at a time. These eggs will need to be incubated using the unlimited use incubator you receive at the beginning of the game, or using a three-use one acquired as a reward for "leveling up."
Image via rpgvaliant
An incubator can accommodate only one egg at a time. An egg will require you to walk either 2km, 5km, or 10km, as it incubates, with the Pokémon inside the eggs becoming rarer with the amount of distance necessary.
Egg hatching sequence. Image via imore.com
Teams and Gyms
After catching a number of Pokémon, and maybe even evolving them, you will reach level 5. Once you reach level 5, you can enter gyms to train or battle, but before you do either you must pick a team. There are three teams, Team Valor (Red), Team Mystic (Blue), and Team Instinct (Yellow). Once you make your decision, you can begin to use gyms. If you encounter a gym that is lead by members of your team, you can train (meaning battle other Pokémon) or, if there is room, leave your Pokémon there and collect coins as a "Gym Defender."
Screenshot of game prompt to join teams.
These facets of the game lead to new interactions either with one's community or with other players and helps to get people outside and moving around.
So go out there and catch em all!
Let me know in the comments if you've been playing, and share any advice with our readers!
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