Pokemon Go is the new app that is taking the nation by storm. It is a gaming app that sticks to the original Pokémon concept of catching them all and defeating the gym leaders. But this app literally makes people jump out of their seats with excitement.
Pokemon Go uses Google Maps to place Pokemon around the world. Players use a tracking system to locate Pokémon within a 30 meter radius. Once the player finds the Pokémon, they use their smartphone camera to aim and throw a Pokéball at the Pokémon to capture it.
An estimated 9.5 million people are joining together to become the next Pokémon Master. The app has groups of friends searching their towns and cities to catch them all. Sounds fun, right? So here are five basic tips to get you started, so you and your friends can join in on the action.
1. The tracking system
- The tracking system is located in the lower right corner of your phone and shows you which Pokémon are within a 30-meter radius of your location via Google Maps.
- Do you notice how your person emits a constant circle almost as if they were using radar or echolocation? This circle extends up to 10 meters so you can more accurately identify Pokémon.
- Activate the tracking system now. Do you notice that there are footprints of each Pokémon? Each footprint represents 10 meters. So if the Pokemon has three footprints, then they are 30 meters apart. If the Pokémon has a footprint, then they are only 10 meters away from you and you have to go catch them!
2. Pokémon Candy and Stardust
- Pokemon evolve once you get the correct amount of candy shown in their summary.
- Stardust is used to increase your Pokémon’s Combat Level (CP).
- It is recommended to wait to use them on a high CP Pokémon so that when they evolve they will have as much CP as possible.
3. Where to find Pokémon
- Many Pokémon are concentrated in popular places around you, such as the city center or famous places.
- If you want to find a certain type of Pokémon, look for it in its natural environment. You’ll find Water Pokémon around water sources, Ghost Pokémon at night, and Grass Pokémon in fields and forests.
- Some Pokémon can only be caught by walking a certain number of kilometers to hatch them or by evolving them.
4. Important articles.
- Pokeballs are naturally the most important item you need to catch Pokémon. Be sure to regularly stop by Pokestops to flip the icon with a swipe to get more.
- Items like incense and lures will draw wild Pokémon to you, but use them sparingly as there aren’t many of them.
- Be sure to get rid of any items to make room for more, as your backpack can only hold a limited number of items.
5. Challenging gyms
- You can challenge gyms once you are level five.
- Attack other Pokémon by quickly tapping them.
- You can dodge by sliding your finger to the right or left.
- Use a special attack by pressing and holding your finger on the other Pokémon.
Pokemon Go is still a new app, and not everyone has figured out all the secrets yet. Gather your friends, download the app, find the secrets, and become the next Pokémon master! Good luck!