A new feature has arrived in the game Pokémon GO! This exciting feature allows players to create and explore Routes.
Routes in Pokémon Go are designed as a sort of tour, connecting PokéStops and Gyms within the game in a creative way to encourage players to move and discover interesting landmarks.
Routes can be short (500 meters) or very long (up to 20 kilometers) and can even be interesting shapes on the map.
The Route feature aims to provide a more engaging gaming experience by presenting gameplay paths that connect interesting locations or those frequently used by other players for gatherings.
What is a Route in Pokémon GO?
A Route is a predetermined gameplay path that players can follow while exploring. These paths can be created by Niantic, official partners, or even Pokémon Trainers.
While journeying along a Route, players have the chance to encounter rare Pokémon and various valuable items.
Additionally, completing a Route will provide exciting rewards. Players will also be awarded a unique badge that showcases an image of the starting or ending point of the Route.
Exploring Routes in Pokémon GO
Finding Routes in Pokémon GO is quite easy. Players simply need to tap the Binoculars menu and select the Routes tab to view a list of available Routes in their vicinity.
This list of Routes will display locations that serve as starting points for the Routes. Choose a Route that piques your interest and review its details, such as the number of other players who have followed the Route, the distance, and the estimated time required to complete it.
Creating Your Own Route in Pokémon GO
Not only that, but players are also given the opportunity to get creative by creating their own Routes. The process is straightforward: choose a PokéStop or Gym as the starting point of the Route, then press the "record" button to start mapping the desired Route path.
Add interesting information about the created Route and don't forget to submit it for review, so it can be enjoyed by other players if approved.
In October 2023, the ability to create new Routes is only available to players at Level 40 or higher. Niantic announced that they will soon expand access to this new Route creation feature.
It's important to note that Route creation is not available for players who log in with a child account through Pokémon Trainer Club or Niantic Kids.
Zygarde Cells: Boost Your Pokémon's Power
In addition to exciting Routes, players will also encounter a new item called Zygarde Cells. Zygarde, known as the "Order Pokémon," is part of a new Special Research storyline called "From A to Zygarde."
Players can enhance Zygarde's power by using Zygarde Cells stored in the Zygarde Cube. Learn how Zygarde evolves in Pokémon GO!
In its complete form, Zygarde possesses incredible strength and can defeat other Legendary Pokémon like Xerneas or Yveltal.
Completing Routes
Completing Routes in Pokémon GO brings various advantages. Each successfully completed Route will grant a unique badge.
The more Routes you complete, the higher your Route Badge level, and the more interesting rewards you can obtain.
Routes will not start until the player is close enough to the starting point of the Route. If a player is too far from the starting point, a message will appear on the map display.
The starting point of the Route will be marked with a blue flag above the PokéStop on the map display, and the Route will automatically start once the player is close enough to the starting point.
Enjoy Exciting Bonuses!
To entice players to explore Routes, Niantic offers various enticing bonuses, including:
- New Route Badges: Get a unique badge every time you complete a Route.
- Faster Buddy Candy: Players will earn Buddy Candy more quickly while exploring Routes.
- Increased Incense Attraction: When exploring a Route for the first time, players will find more attracted Pokémon.
- XP Bonuses: Players will receive XP bonuses when completing their first Route each day. If a player completes a Route for seven consecutive days, they will receive a larger XP bonus.
- Buddy Hearts: Players will earn a Buddy Heart after completing a Route while exploring with their Pokémon Buddy.
Currently, some Routes have been created by Niantic, but there are also Pokémon GO players who have started making their own Routes.
It is expected that Niantic has plans to continue developing this feature and offer even more enticing rewards to encourage players to explore locations they have never ventured into before.