At long last, Pokémon Go is here. Players all over the world are now downloading and capturing Pokémon in the real-world, thanks to the game's augmented reality functions.
The game is rapidly climbing both the iOS and Android app charts, and soon, millions of players will be exploring their backyards and local parks in search of powerful pocket monsters.
However, before embarking on a journey to become your town's local gym leader and Pokémon master, it pays to know ahead of time what to expect. Below are some quick tips for getting started in the game and some public safety announcements in regards to avoiding danger and a dead battery when it comes to running around town in search of digital creatures.
Head Into Town
You'll want to travel to busy, more frequently-visited locations to get the most out of Pokémon Go. Traveling to a mall or a local park is a great way to find Pokémon or items that will help you on your journey. Keep in mind that the blue icons on the map represent a point of interest, so those locations are where you'll want to go. Those points are often noteworthy buildings, sculptures or other landmarks. You'll need to get close to each location to see what they have in store.
Don't Hurt Yourself
Pokémon Go often requires players to venture to real-world locations in order to capture Pokémon. It's part of the game's appeal. Landmarks, prominent buildings and other locations often serve as hiding spots for powerful pocket monsters, so players will need to do some walking/biking/driving to get all the best ones. That being said, the real world can often be a dangerous place. Some locations that have the pleasure (or displeasure) of hosting a creature in the augmented reality world of Pokémon Go are advising players to be safe. Always look both ways before crossing the street. Be aware of your surroundings, and don't do anything reckless. That Charizard will still be there in the next five minutes, so take your time.
Charge Your Battery
As has been previously reported, Pokémon Go will seriously drain your phone's battery. Considering Pokémon Go is mostly played on, well, the go, that's a serious problem. Be sure to fully charge your phone before embarking on an across-town monster hunt, and you might even want to invest in a portable charger. It's also a good idea to take note of the game's built-in battery-saving function, which can be turned on if you expect you might soon run out of juice.
Transfer Any Duplicates
As you continue your Pokémon Go journey, you may end up capturing multiples of the same Pokémon. It's a good idea to keep whichever creature has a higher CP and better attacks. You can then transfer the duplicate to Professor Willow, who will then reward you with candy for the Pokémon you transferred. Earn enough candy, and it can be used to evolve that Pokémon into its next form.
Know Your Pokémon
Pokémon Go gives players an idea of Pokémon in their area, but it doesn't reveal those pocket monsters outright. Instead, a cloaked-in shadow outline of the nearby monsters will appear in the bottom right of the app if you have yet to catch a Pokémon of that type. Knowing the shape of Pokémon you are interested in, or all of the Pokémon in general, will make it easier to identify which areas you'll want to travel to.
