For years, all fans of video games related to the world of Pokémon have literally consumed their Game Boys and Nintendo DS to capture, train and enhance their teams of Pokémon. With the arrival of the new Pokémon GO, the natural line that divides the game from real life has thinned more than ever. With a few simple steps you can learn how to be a successful Pokémon trainer and maybe someday you will reach the coveted milestone of catching all the Pokémon in existence.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Download, Install and Configure the Pokémon GO App
Step 1. Access the app store linked to the operating system installed on your mobile device
Pokémon GO is available for both Android and iOS systems. From the home screen of an iOS device, swipe the screen from left to right, then type the keywords "App Store" in the search field that appears (if you are using an Android device, you must use the string "Play Store"). To access the App Store or Play Store, simply tap on the relevant icon that appears in the search results.
Step 2. Search for the Pokémon GO application
Tap the button Search for located at the bottom of the screen, then type the keywords "Pokémon GO" into the search bar that appears. To view the list of results, press the button Search for.
Step 3. Download the Pokémon GO app
Identify within the search results list. Push the button Get located in the upper right corner of the results bar. You may need to enter the Apple ID linked to the device and its password. After entering the data, the application download should start automatically.
Step 4. Launch the Pokémon GO app
To return to the main screen of the device, press the Home button, then tap the Pokémon GO app icon that just appeared.
If the new application is not present on the home screen of the device, swipe your finger on the screen, from right to left, until the Spotlight search field appears on the screen (in the case of an iOS device). At this point, type in the keywords "Pokémon GO", then select the relevant icon from the list of results
Step 5. Authorize the Pokémon GO app to access your geographic location
In this way you can play by taking full advantage of all the features made available by the application.
Step 6. Enter the date of birth
At the end of this step, press the button Confirmation.
Step 7. Proceed to create your Pokémon GO account
You can do this by choosing between two options:
- Sign in with Google. If you have a Google account, you can choose this option to link your Gmail account with that of the game, being able to share data between the two profiles. At the moment, this registration procedure seems more stable and reliable than the "Pokémon Trainer Club" feature.
- Log in with Pokémon Trainer Club. The purpose of this feature on the Pokémon.com website is to create a community that welcomes all Pokémon players, so they can communicate, fight or trade Pokémon and other elements of the game. If you are interested in joining this great group, this is the ideal way and time to do it.
Step 8. Customize your Pokémon Trainer avatar
After accepting the terms of the agreement regarding the conditions to be respected in order to use the video game and after listening to a short introduction conducted by Professor Willow, you will be directed to a new screen where two avatars will be visible.
- After choosing the one you prefer, you will be taken to a screen where you can change different physical aspects of the selected avatar.
- To change all the different aspects, you will have to touch the icon of each of the sections that enclose them, then use the arrows at the bottom of the screen to choose the look that suits you or suits you best.
- When you are done customizing your avatar, press the check mark button in the lower right corner of the screen. Well done, you are now ready to begin your real world adventure!
Part 2 of 5: Capturing Pokémon
Step 1. Check the "Pokémon Nearby" bar
When new Pokémon are in your vicinity, a gray bar appears at the bottom right of the screen, showing the silhouettes of Pokémon that are near your current location. Here is how to find out the distance that separates you from them based on the footprints present:
- 1 footprint: the Pokémon is in an area with a variable radius between 50 and 100 meters;
- 2 footprints: the Pokémon is in an area with a variable radius between 100 and 150 meters;
- 3 footprints: the Pokémon is found in an area with a variable radius between 150 and 200 meters.
Step 2. Watch the grass rustle
Watch your device screen for grass or leaves moving in the distance. If you notice a graphic effect of this type, it means that there may be a wild Pokémon in that spot.
Step 3. Walk to the point identified in the previous step
Yes, that's right, you literally have to walk, using your beloved feet, towards the grass or leaves you saw moving on the map earlier. Once you reach the indicated point, you may get lucky and see a new Pokémon appear on the screen to catch.
Step 4. Tap the Pokémon that appeared
When you get close enough to the pokemon, tap it to enter the game's "capture" mode. Now it's time to fight a little.
Step 5. Check the CP level of the detected Pokémon
These are the "Battle Points" or PL level and is the number that is shown on the right side of the gray bar above the head of the Pokémon in front of you. This value indicates the strength of the specimen you are trying to capture. A Pokémon with a low CP will be much easier to catch than one with a higher CP.
Step 6. Use the correct type of Pokéball
There are different types of Pokéballs that can be used to catch Pokémon, each with a different degree of effectiveness. A Pokéball is the basic and least powerful version of all the Pokéball models you will find available in the game; moreover, it is the version that you will have available for free at the beginning of your adventure as a manager.
- Inside the PokéStops you can stock up on Pokéballs, an activity that will be discussed in detail later in this same article.
- You can also buy Pokéballs from the PokéShops found along the route.
Step 7. Wait for the right time
To catch a Pokémon with a Pokéball, timing is everything; look at the color of the small circle that appears inside the round icon that contains the Pokémon you want to catch. It can turn red, orange and green, depending on the degree of difficulty of the catch. In addition to changing the color, the size also varies: when the circle narrows it means that the Pokémon is more vulnerable, consequently the chances of being able to catch it increase (but only if the Pokéball you launched hits the inside of the colored circle).
Step 8. Throw the Pokéball at the Pokemon in front of you to try to catch it
All you have to do is slide your finger across the device screen. If you miss it or if the Pokémon manages to free itself from the Pokéball's grip, you can attempt a new throw until it runs away. If the Pokémon runs away, don't be discouraged and don't panic; consult the map again, then simply move to the next spot where a Pokémon is indicated to locate it and attempt to capture it.
Step 9. Master the Pokéball throwing technique
The most important factor affecting the odds of being able to catch a Pokémon is the technique by which the Pokéballs are thrown. To successfully throw a Pokéball, you simply have to make your finger make the correct movement on the screen of the device. To improve your throwing technique, follow these tips:
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Use the correct angle.
By accidentally throwing the Pokéball too far to the right or left of the Pokémon's position you will surely miss it.
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Use the right amount of force.
A finger movement that is too slow or too short will result in a weak throw; conversely, too fast or too wide a movement will throw the Pokéball too far. Try to throw the Pokéballs with an adequate amount of force, but don't overdo it, otherwise you'll miss the mark!
- Disable the AR (augmented reality) mode of the camera. If you use AR mode when trying to catch a Pokémon, you need to make even more precise throws to be successful. It is therefore best to turn off the AR view mode to have a better chance of catching the Pokémon you encounter in your path. To do this, you can use the game settings menu.
Part 3 of 5: Using PokéStops
Step 1. Look at the map for PokéStops
As you move around the game world, spot the blue colored cubes suspended in midair. PokéStops are located in these points of interest, where you can acquire new items useful for your Pokémon Trainer adventure.
Step 2. Walk to the PokéStop indicated on the map
When you get close enough, the icon that identifies it will change shape, turning into a medal very similar to a Pokéball. This change indicates that you are close enough to the PokéStop to take advantage of its potential.
Step 3. Tap the PokéStop icon
A more detailed view of the selected PokéStop will be shown.
Step 4. Use your fingers to spin the PokéStop medal icon as fast as possible
In this way, numerous collectible items will be displayed on the screen.
Step 5. Tap an item to add it to your inventory
Step 6. Locate another PokéStop's blue icon
After using the services of a PokéStop, its icon will turn purple, indicating that you have used it recently and therefore it needs time to recharge and be used again. To get more useful items, you need to locate another PokéStop on the map, which features the blue cube icon.
Part 4 of 5: Fighting Inside the Gyms
Step 1. Reach level 5 as a manager
Gyms are places in the game world where all coaches like you can meet and compete. To find out how to quickly increase your coaching level, see the "Advanced Strategies and Tips" section of this article.
Step 2. Use the map to locate a gym
Gyms are indicated by "towering" structures that appear on the map: they are the largest icons you can see. In practice they are similar to pedestals surmounted by animated and luminous objects.
- You are more likely to locate a gym in major real-world gathering places. If you do not find any in the immediate vicinity, try viewing a larger portion of the map on the screen using the zoom out function.
- The gyms can be claimed and controlled by the three teams present in the game, they will then be identified by the three distinctive colors of each of them: yellow, blue and red.
Step 3. Walk in the direction of the identified gym
When you're close enough to a gym, tap on its signature icon to engage in an introductory dialogue with Professor Willow.
Step 4. Choose the team to bond with and fight for
You will be asked to join one of the three teams in the game: the Blue named "Wisdom", the Yellow named "Instinct" or the Red named "Courage". Choose the team you wish to join, keeping in mind that the one that has the same color as the gym is the one that currently controls it.
Step 5. Choose the Pokémon that will make up your team during the battles
You will be taken to a screen showing the starter Pokémon you have chosen. Select the others by pressing the button in the lower right corner of the screen (it features two Pokéballs colliding with each other), then choose the Pokémon you want to battle with.
Step 6. Press the "Glove" button once ready to start the fight
Step 7. Touch the opposing Pokémon that appeared on the screen to attack it
This way his health points (HP) will decrease. When its HP level reaches 0, the Pokémon will KO, and the next team member will be automatically selected to continue the fight.
Step 8. Dodge your opponent's attacks by swiping your finger across the screen to the right or left
If an opponent has just aimed their attack at you, consider dodging it to save health rather than immediately attempting a counterattack.
Part 5 of 5: Advanced Strategies and Tips
Step 1. Begin your coaching adventure by choosing Pikachu
At the start of the game, you'll have the option to choose your starter Pokémon from: Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur. If instead of making a choice, you walk away from the three proposed elements waiting for them to reappear near your new location, on the fourth attempt, you will see Pikachu appear alongside the first three Pokémon.
Step 2. You can find the best PokéStops near places of major cultural and historical interest
You must know that PokéStops are not all the same, those that are located in places of greater interest tend to offer a better selection of items. To locate PokéStops with these characteristics, try visiting points of interest such as:
- Monuments;
- Historic buildings or unique architectural constructions;
- Parks;
- Museums;
- Cemeteries;
- University.
Step 3. Collect eggs to be able to "breed" your Pokémon
In some Pokéstops you will be given the opportunity to collect Pokémon Eggs. After traveling a certain distance with the eggs inserted in the egg incubator, they will hatch, giving life to a new Pokémon that will be added to your team. This way you won't need to catch it.
Step 4. Increase your coaching level
As you move around the game world, you have the opportunity to earn experience points, which allow you to level up as a Pokémon trainer. Once you reach level 5, you will be able to have full access to the gyms scattered across the map, as well as being able to battle with other trainers. By increasing your Trainer level you will also have the opportunity to encounter Pokémon that are increasingly rare and powerful, as well as access to PokéStops that offer increasingly better selections of items. By completing different activities you will earn different amounts of experience points, which will increase as your level as a trainer increases. Here is a list of simple activities you can do at the start of the game to increase your Trainer level more quickly, along with the amount of XP (Experience Points) you will earn from each of them:
- 100 XP - Pokémon caught;
- 500 XP - New Pokémon
- 10 XP - Curved ball;
- 10 XP - Good Pokéball Throw
- 50 XP - Great Pokéball Throw
- 100 XP - Super Throwing a Pokéball
- 50 XP - Access a PokéStop
- 100 XP - Battle a Trainer's Pokémon in a Gym
- 150 XP - Beat a Trainer's Pokémon in a Gym
- 50 XP - Beat a Pokémon in training in a Gym
- 200 XP - Hatch a Pokémon Egg
- 500 XP - Evolve a Pokémon.
Step 5. Use the Special Attack during the fights inside the gyms
While fighting with another trainer, you can launch a special attack. It requires a "loading" time during which you will have to keep your finger pressed on the Pokémon, and then remove it once the relative bar is completely full. These types of attacks are obviously more powerful than those normally available to Pokémon.
For a given special attack to be available for use, its counter (a bar, initially gray in color, located below the HP level indicator) must be fully charged, which can take a long time. For this reason it is possible that this type of attack is not available in all the fights you will take part in
Step 6. Take on opposing Pokémon based on their type
All Pokémon are classified according to "type", an aspect that makes them stronger or weaker when they have to clash with specimens belonging to other types. During fights, try to choose your Pokémon based on your opponent's to give you an advantage for the duration of the fight. The graphic in the image accompanying this passage shows which type of Pokémon is stronger or weaker when it has to face a specimen of another type (the arrows point towards the stronger types of Pokémon).
Step 7. Reduce battery consumption
If you don't take precautions, the Pokémon Go app turns out to be a bit wasteful in terms of power consumption. To prevent your device's battery from running out completely, press the Pokéball-shaped button at the bottom of the screen, then choose the "Settings" item from the menu that appears at the top right of the screen. Choose the "Battery Saver" option to increase the battery life of your device.
