What is Pokémon GO and how to play it

Who are Pokemon?

Our story will not be complete without a short excursion into the history of the origin of Pokémon. It is especially useful for those who were born recently or, conversely, have already forgotten everything.

The word "Pokemon" is derived from the English phrase Pocket Monster, that is, a pocket monster. A super popular series of games, films, comics, toys and all that, invented in Japan in 1996, is dedicated to these creatures.

During its existence, Pokémon have been both at the peak of worldwide popularity and in the abyss of complete oblivion. We are now seeing an unexpected resurgence of this glorious brand.

However, over the 20 years of its existence, the Pokemon world has developed so much, overgrown with so many written and unwritten rules, traditions and conventions that an uninitiated person will not be able to figure them out right away.

If you come across something strange and incomprehensible in Pokémon GO, do not try to explain it using logic. It’s just that it’s accepted in this universe. Relax and take it as it is. Point.

So, in the Pokémon GO universe, the main characters are pocket monsters - Pokémon. They are very different: more than 721 species are known in total, but so far only 174 of them are included in the game. However, this is enough for a start, because each Pokemon has its own set of unique characteristics, its own history and development path.

The first task of the player is to capture the Pokémon. However, this can only be done on the street, because the game is inextricably linked with our real world. To do this, you need to activate GPS and mobile data, launch Pokémon GO and go for a walk. All your movements will be displayed on the map built into the application.

Where to find Pokemon and how to catch them?

There are no exact designations for the habitats of Pokémon on the map. But there are indirect signs of their presence. First of all, pay attention to those places on the map where grass and leaves move.

Watch out for the indicator in the lower right corner. On it, images of Pokémon appear that are roaming somewhere near you. But, again, there is no guarantee that you will meet a Pokemon on the way. And this uncertainty makes the game even more interesting.

If you come across a Pokemon, its image will appear on the map next to you. Tap on it and you will be taken to the capture screen. At the bottom of the screen is a Pokeball (red and white disc), and right in front of you is a Pokemon. We take the pokeball and throw it in the direction of the monster, while choosing the moment when the pokemon will be in the green circle. Just a few attempts will be enough to understand the mechanics of this simple action.

Got it, and what's next?

One of the most important tasks of Pokémon GO is to capture at least one Pokémon from every available category. Your entire collection is collected in Pokedex, and you need to strive to fill it completely.

But that's not all we need Pokémon for. They also know how to fight each other, and they do it in accordance with very intricate rules, about which a little below. Here, we will just mention that each monster has its own unique characteristics that can be pumped through training. These include Hit Points (HP), Combat Points (CP), and Attacks (Moves).

Let's add to this the ability of Pokémon to evolve. This is important for capturing Pokémon that are difficult to find in nature. For example, if there are a lot of irrigations in your area, but it is difficult to find polivirls, catch as many irrigations as possible so that one of them will eventually evolve into a polivirl. All clear?

What are these rotating things on the map?

These are PokéStops - special caches that contain Pokeballs, Pokemon eggs, and other cool stuff. They are usually located in interesting places, such as public art installations or monuments of architecture, history and culture. So, while playing Pokémon GO, you can at the same time get acquainted with interesting objects nearby, which you had no idea about before.

When you get close enough to the PokéStop, it will expand in size and your smartphone will vibrate. Touch it on the map, and you will see a photograph of this place in the form of a disk. Make a swipe - the disc will start spinning, and bonuses will drop out of it. Collect them by touching each one.

But those big towers?

When you reach the fifth level, you will be invited to join the team. But these very towers (in the terminology of the game they are called "gyms") are the habitat of the teams.

You will be able to identify captured Pokémon in a Free Gym or in your team's Gym, while each player can only place one Pokémon in a given Gym. Pokémon added to the Gym can be trained in battles, thereby increasing the level of prestige of this training hall.

The higher the prestige of the gym, the more difficult it will be to recapture it from the opposing team. If Gym Prestige is reduced to zero, the defending team loses control of the Gym, and you or another player can take control of it by assigning your Pokémon there.

The team with the most extensive and pumped set of monsters can gradually conquer more and more training halls.

Should I play Pokémon GO?

If you like walking and adventure, then explore all the interesting corners in your area in search of Pokémon and PokéStops.
If you love card games and evolution simulators, then collect a complete collection of Pokémon and follow their development.
If you prefer team-based multiplayer games and battles, then fight for control of the gyms and make your team the coolest in town.