Pokemon GO is an augmented reality game that combines real-world location tracking and mapping technology with Nintendo’s popular anime franchise. It’s free to download and play, but users must be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account.
The game features Poke Stops, which are notable locations in the real world marked on the in-game map. These are places where players can nab items, such as free Poke Balls, and collect eggs that hatch into Pokemon.
Location-based scavenger hunt
Players in Pokemon Go use their real-world locations to hunt down adorable virtual creatures and catalog them in their Pokedex. The game uses augmented reality technology that overlays digital images on a player’s physical world through their mobile device. While the technology is impressive, it is not without risks. In fact, several people have been injured while playing Pokemon Go. In one case, a man fell off a cliff and another was stabbed multiple times by a group of predators while playing the game.
Businesses and local governments benefit from increased foot traffic brought on by Pokemon Go players. However, the game can be a safety risk for children and adults, and it is important to take precautions. Consumers should review their mobile device’s privacy settings and consider whether they want to share their location with the app.
No traditional battles
Pokemon Go players will soon be able to take their rivals to battle in Trainer PvP matches, but the feature won’t include any traditional gym or raid mechanics. In Trainer battles, two players will each bring three Pokemon into the fight. Each battle will be timed and a player who defeats all of their opponent’s Pokemon wins the match. The game will also have three different leagues that limit the power of a player’s Pokemon, as well as Team Leaders who offer special rewards and training opportunities.
Battles will be available in person with friends by scanning a QR code or online with Ultra Friends who have been invited via the new Friends system. Each battle will reward the winner with a star, and participants can use a shield to negate damage taken.
PokeStops
PokeStops are real-world landmarks in Pokemon Go. They appear as blue floating cubes in the Map View, and can be accessed by walking within their range. These landmarks can be anything from churches to police stations, and players can visit them to collect items such as Eggs, Field Research tasks, or Gifts. In addition, they can also be equipped with a Lure Module, which lures more wild Pokemon to the area.
Players can submit nominations to Niantic for PokeStops by using the in-game Pokémon GO app. Each submission is reviewed by dozens of players, including OPR reviewers (who are regular Ingress players who have passed the OPR exam).
A high-quality photo of the nominee is required for approval, and must not include people, body parts, live animals, or copyrighted images. Once a nomination is approved, the player can begin spinning it to receive items.
In-game events
The in-game events feature in Pokemon Go is a great way to earn rewards. It allows players to take part in local and global events that are activated by Niantic and are based on real-life locations. These events usually award special Field and Special Research quests. They also often include event-exclusive Pokemon.
In addition to the standard Pokemon hats, there are event costumed Pokemon that are available for a limited time. These Pokémon can be Shiny and know event-exclusive moves. They are also capable of evolving, but they will retain their costume after the event is over.
These event-based features have increased the popularity of Pokemon Go, and players are constantly looking for ways to improve their experience. For example, the new party feature allows players to team up with friends and complete unique objectives.
Pokemon evolution
Pokemon Go takes place in a world populated by exotic, powerful monsters that people called “trainers” capture and use to fight each other. While the game is based on the original handheld games, it also takes some liberties with the franchise.
The Pokemon that players catch can evolve into stronger, more advanced forms, increasing their CP ratings and making them better for battles. These evolutions require a specific amount of Candy. Depending on the Pokemon, some species will require more Candy than others to evolve.
Players can earn Candy by spinning Pokestops, completing tasks as Buddy Pokemon, or using an Evolution item. The game also has a system that prioritizes evolving Pokemon over powering them up, but it is important to know what the CP of your Pokemon is before you decide to evolve it.
