Pokémon GO: Complete Guide
Pokémon GO Pokédex →Pokémon GO is a free-to-play mobile game for iOS and Android, developed by Niantic and launched on July 6, 2016. Instead of controlling a character on a fixed map, you walk around the real world, and Pokémon appear on your phone's screen wherever you are.
The core loop is simple: find a Pokémon, throw a Poké Ball to catch it, and use the Candy it gives you to power up and evolve your collection. Around that loop sit PokéStops that hand out supplies, Raid Battles where players team up against a powerful Pokémon, and a ranked player-versus-player league.
It suits casual players who want Pokémon in their daily routine, collectors chasing a full Pokédex, and fans of the main series who want a different, more social way to play. It is also the source of Meltan and Melmetal, which link the game to the Nintendo Switch.
GO quick facts
| Release date | July 6, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Platform | iOS, Android |
| Developer | Niantic |
| Versions | Pokémon GO |
| Starters | Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Pikachu |
How the game works
Pokémon GO has no fixed storyline. You create a trainer, choose a first partner and set out to explore, and the game's progress is measured in trainer level, Pokédex entries and the strength of your team rather than in chapters.
What changes over time is the content around you. Seasonal events, limited-time spawns and special battles rotate through the game, so a Pokémon that is rare this month may be common next month.
Exploring and collecting
Pokémon appear in the world around you, and different habitats attract different types. Water Pokémon gather near lakes and coasts, for example, while others favor parks or cities.
Raids and Gyms
Landmarks act as Gyms, where teams hold territory, and as Raid locations, where a powerful boss Pokémon appears for a limited time. Beating a boss lets you try to catch it.
Teams
At trainer level five you join one of three teams: Mystic, Valor or Instinct. The choice is a matter of identity, since it does not change how strong your Pokémon are.
Core mechanics explained
Catching and throws
Encounters happen on a screen where you flick a Poké Ball at the Pokémon. A shrinking circle shows how accurate your throw can be, and a smaller circle at the moment of release earns a Nice, Great or Excellent bonus. Curveball throws, which spin the ball, add a further bonus.
Tip: Use a Razz Berry on a stubborn Pokémon before you throw. It makes the catch easier, and a Great or Excellent curveball adds to your chances.
Raids and Go Battle League
Raid Battles pit a group of trainers against one boss Pokémon, and every player uses their own team. The Go Battle League is a ranked mode where two trainers fight with three Pokémon each, using a simplified, tap-and-swipe battle system.
Tip: Pick raid attackers that hit the boss's weakness. Look up the boss on its Pokémon page to see its type and weaknesses before you join.
Buddy Pokémon and walking
You can set one Pokémon as your buddy and earn Candy for it as you walk. Eggs found at PokéStops hatch after you walk a certain distance, and the longer the distance, the rarer the Pokémon inside tends to be.
Tip: Always keep a buddy set. The Candy adds up, and it is the easiest way to collect evolution and power-up resources for Pokémon you cannot find easily.
First partner Pokémon
At the start of the game, the professor offers one of three first partners. A fourth is hidden: if you walk away from them a few times, a different partner appears.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | Venusaur | GrassPoison |
| Charmander | Charizard | FireFlying |
| Squirtle | Blastoise | Water |
| Pikachu | Raichu | Electric |
Bulbasaur line
Charmander line
Charmander evolves into Charizard, whose Fire attacks are strong against Grass, Bug, Ice and Steel opponents.
Watch out: It struggles against Water, Rock and Ground attacks.
Squirtle line
Pikachu line
Pikachu is a classic Electric partner whose attacks are effective against Water and Flying opponents.
Watch out: It is fragile, and Ground-type attacks are a danger.
Our recommendation
Your first partner does not lock you in, because all of these Pokémon appear in the wild and you can catch more of them. We suggest Charmander for new players, since Charizard is a strong all-round attacker. The hidden Pikachu is a fun choice if you want the classic experience.
About this release
Pokémon GO is a single, continuously updated game rather than a pair of versions, so there is nothing to choose between.
- It is free to download and play, with optional in-app purchases for items such as extra Poké Balls and storage.
- It connects to the main series: you can send Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, and Mystery Boxes from the Nintendo Switch games unlock Meltan, which evolves into Melmetal.
- An optional wearable accessory can let you spin PokéStops and catch Pokémon without looking at your phone.
More GO guides
Tips for new players
- Spin every PokéStop you pass. They are your main source of Poké Balls, berries and other supplies.
- Keep a buddy set at all times, and walk with the game open to earn Candy and hatch eggs.
- Use berries on higher-difficulty catches, and save your best Poké Balls for rarer Pokémon.
- Transfer duplicate Pokémon to the professor for extra Candy rather than leaving them in your storage.
- Spend Stardust and Candy on Pokémon you will actually use in raids or battles, not on every catch.
- Join raids with other trainers. Coordinated groups beat bosses much more easily than lone players.
- Play during event windows when your favorite Pokémon spawn more often.
- Look after your safety. Pay attention to your surroundings and never play while driving.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pokémon GO free?
Yes. Pokémon GO is free to download and play on iOS and Android. It offers optional in-app purchases, but you can enjoy the game without spending money.
Do I have to walk to play Pokémon GO?
Walking helps a lot, since it hatches eggs and earns buddy Candy, but you can catch Pokémon that appear near you without covering long distances.
Which team should I pick in Pokémon GO?
The three teams, Mystic, Valor and Instinct, are cosmetic. They do not change your Pokémon's stats, so pick whichever you like or whichever your friends join.
Can I move Pokémon from Pokémon GO to the main games?
Pokémon GO connects to Pokémon HOME, which can then send supported Pokémon on to compatible games.
Where can I see every Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Use our Pokémon GO Pokédex, which lists each Pokémon's stats, catch and flee rates, and moves.