Despite a difficult beginning to the year, Pokemon GO received notable updates. Amid multiple controversies, such as the recent Remote Raid nerf, the developers have also introduced many exciting features like the Campfire App integration. Among these new elements is the highly anticipated in-game Routes feature.
Niantic’s intentions are transparent, as the recent updates mainly focus on exploration and collaborative gameplay. The Pokemon GO Routes feature makes the game more engaging and creative than before. It adds more layers to the gameplay and heightens the fun element involving the entire community. That said, everything currently known about the game’s Routes system is here.
Pokemon GO: What Are Routes
Pokemon GO Routes allows trainers to document and share their walking routes with the community. The feature offers a wide range of possibilities; players can record their paths, from hiking trails to local jogs or in-game activities that involve walking.
Niantic encourages innovation and expects players to use the feature creatively. The feature allows trainers to record and share their walking paths and discoveries with others. This enables the exploration of unique and hidden locations, making it easier for players to discover interesting spots and experiences.
Players can create a route with multiple Pokemon GO gyms and PokeStops that offer many powerful spawns. One can make a route shaped of their favorite Pokemon or collaborate with different routes making out a sizable in-game landmark. The possibilities are immense; this feature can mark out routes with multiple Raid locations clustered nearby; it can also help trace routes that offer numerous Community Day featured spawns. These are just a few examples; there are several creative ways to use it.
Regarding its limitations, Niantic developers aim to suppress offensive or inappropriate Routes, like those passing through restricted areas or shaped inappropriately. The Routes feature offers a free-form type of User Generated Content.
How to Create Routes in Pokemon GO
Creating Routes in Pokemon GO is a relatively straightforward process. One has to open the game, access the Routes feature, and mark their destination. The game automatically tracks and maps their path as they walk, allowing trainers to share their recorded Route with the fan community.
To create Routes in Pokemon GO:
- Visit a PokeStop or Gym
- Navigate to the Route tab in the menu (same as the Nearby function) and select the starting point
- Choose the Route endpoint (modifiable during mapping)
- Press 'Record' at the PokeStop or Gym to map the Route
- Move to the Route endpoint to finish recording
- Provide necessary info about the Route and submit it for review
How to Find and Follow Routes in Pokemon GO & Exploration Bonuses
Routes offer two primary advantages. Firstly, trainers can catch different Pokemon along these paths, providing a benefit. Secondly, while walking on Routes, trainers receive buffs that contribute to their gameplay experience and serve as a valuable source of XP. This feature caters more to rural Pokemon GO players or those seeking more XP opportunities. That said, here is how to find and follow other players' Routes and first-time exploration bonuses.
To find and follow Routes in Pokemon GO, follow these steps:
- Open the 'Nearby Pokemon' menu
- Navigate to the 'Routes' tab or select 'See Nearby Routes'
- Preview and review a Route by tapping on it
- Click 'Follow' to start tracking the Route
- Locate the Route's starting point
- Follow the marked path to the Route's endpoint
- Collect the Route completion rewards
Exploring Routes for the first time offers the following bonuses:
- Earn a Route Badge by completing a Route for the first time
- Using Routes rewards Buddy Candy more quickly
- Attract more Pokemon with Incense while exploring a Route for the first time
- Receive an XP bonus for completing the first Route each day, with an increased bonus after seven consecutive days
- Completing a Route with a Buddy Pokemon earns a Buddy Heart
Pokemon GO is available for Android and iOS.