The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Playing Pokemon Go in 2024

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Playing Pokemon Go in 2024

Pokemon Go continues to evolve, introducing fresh mechanics nearly a decade after its launch. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a returning player, or a newcomer venturing into the game for the first time in 2024, our comprehensive guide will serve as your companion on this adventure.

Launched in 2016, this mobile game brings together numerous Pokemon from all nine generations of the beloved franchise. While many elements have been adapted from the console versions, the gameplay has been tailored to fit mobile experiences.

This implies that even longtime fans might need some assistance navigating the game’s nuances — and that’s precisely what this guide offers.

Getting Started: How to Download the App

If you’re entirely new and have never interacted with the game before (which is completely fine; everyone starts somewhere!), your first step is downloading the app on your preferred device.

The game is accessible for both Apple and Android devices, and while tablets can also run it, the touch controls may be less intuitive on larger screens.

For an optimal experience, we recommend playing on a smartphone, as they are more portable and easier to handle during your adventures.

Bulbasaur as shown

2024: The Perfect Year to Play

Pokemon Go is an excellent outlet for anyone looking to enhance their exercise routine, mingle with others, or simply enjoy the great outdoors.

The year 2024 is especially inviting for both new and returning players, as it has been hinted that the Galar region’s Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics will soon be introduced. Moreover, updates have refined Mega mechanics, and there are numerous daily tasks to keep players engaged, even when special events are not underway.

Despite certain challenges like Remote Raid Pass restrictions and accessibility for rural players, the game offers a wealth of features for players to explore.

Niantic aims to gather players, encourage physical activities, and foster a sense of community through shared experiences. Regardless of whether you’re from a bustling city or a quaint village, collaborating with friends to capture new Pokemon, conquer challenging Raids, and tackle exciting quests can lead to memorable adventures.

Key Features

There are numerous engaging features available for every player, regardless of their familiarity with the franchise, including:

  • Accessible Shiny hunting.
  • A shop in-game offering rotating items and daily free boxes.
  • A pedometer feature to track your daily steps.
  • Customizable player avatars that can be regularly updated with new outfits and accessories.
  • Regular global events that enhance gameplay.
  • Progressive player leveling system.
  • Multiplayer interactions turning fitness into a communal affair.
  • PvP battles & raid bosses to challenge.
  • Quests and Research Missions that promote walking and exploration.
  • The ability to capture, train, and battle with various Pokemon.
  • Engagements with Team Rocket, facing off against Grunts, Arlo, Cliff, Sierra, and even Giovanni.
  • Weekly Spotlight Hour events enabling easier captures of specific Pokemon.

Do You Need Experience with Pokemon Video Games to Enjoy Pokemon Go?

Anyone can jump into Pokemon Go, irrespective of their prior experience with the Pokemon universe. The mobile app distills the expansive lore of the video game series into a more manageable format, utilizing simplified mechanics and accessible gameplay to ensure enjoyment for all.

While some familiarity with Pokemon types and battle strategies can be beneficial for newcomers, these concepts can easily be grasped through actual gameplay — it might take a little time to get accustomed to certain features.

Choose Your Team: Mystic, Valor or Instinct?

Blanche, the Mystic team leader in Pokemon Go

When it comes to selecting a team in Pokemon Go, it’s important to know that it really doesn’t affect the gameplay significantly, with most impacts being quite minimal. Players will interact with their team’s leader during Pokemon appraisals and collaborate with allies to take control of Gyms during explorations.

Players are divided into three teams: Mystic, Valor, and Instinct. Each team is guided by a unique leader who provides guidance throughout the gameplay. Here’s a brief overview:

  • Mystic – Leader: Blanche. This team takes a strategic approach, with an emphasis on data and well-thought-out outcomes.
  • Valor – Leader: Candela. A more passionate and energetic team, ready to charge into combat and fierce challenges.
  • Instinct – Leader: Spark. Perfect for cheerful trainers, this team brings a playful spirit to challenges without getting too serious.

When Pokemon Go first launched, I struggled with team selections too. In my area, Valor was the overwhelming majority, making it tough to successfully occupy Gyms. However, team distribution has evolved, and an in-game item now allows players to shift their alignment, permitting a more personalized choice that resonates with their personality.

Choosing Your Starter Pokemon

Pokemon Go Starters

During the account setup phase of Pokemon GO, you will have the option to choose between Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander as your initial companion — however, the choice of starter is not critically important.

You will soon encounter Pokemon that are stronger than your starter, and wild captures don’t necessitate battling, so opt for the Pokémon you prefer. You can then take your chosen starter along as a buddy, even if they don’t dominate every Raid or PvP encounter.

Total Pokemon in Pokemon Go

As of August 2024, Pokemon Go features over 850 unique species. This count continues to grow as new species are continually introduced through various events.

With 1,025 Pokemon available across all generations, the mobile app is quickly approaching a complete representation of the National Pokedex.

Catching Pokemon in Pokemon Go

Surrounded Pokemon Go

To capture Pokemon in the wild, simply tap on the desired Pokemon in the GPS view, initiating a catch encounter. No battle is necessary for wild captures.

Understanding Catch Difficulty

Identifying the catch difficulty of Pokemon is straightforward — a colored ring appears on your target when attempting a catch. The five difficulty ratings are as follows:

  • Green – Very Easy
  • Lime-Green – Easy
  • Yellow – Average
  • Orange – Difficult
  • Red – Very Difficult
Green catch Pokemon Go
Yellow Catch Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go Yellow Catch
Orange Catch Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go Red Catch

The difficulty level is determined by the Pokemon’s Combat Power (CP), your player level, and any items affecting catch rates. A Pokemon marked as “???” indicates it has a significantly higher level than what you’ve typically encountered.

Executing Nice, Great & Excellent Throws in Pokemon Go

While throwing a Poke Ball, players can achieve three types of throws based on the circle’s size. Getting these right yields XP bonuses and can complicate the capture process:

  • Nice Throw – Land the ball within the large difficulty circle. Grants 20 XP if successful.
  • Great Throw – Land the ball within the medium-sized circle. Provides 100 XP upon successful capture.
  • Excellent Throw – Land the ball within the small circle. Yields 1,000 XP for successful captures.

Amassing an extra bonus is possible by performing a Curveball throw. Simply press and hold the Poke Ball, spin your finger until it begins to sparkle, then release it towards your selected target.

Critical Catches Explained

Executing an Excellent Throw within the smallest difficulty circle results in a Critical Capture — this guarantees capturing standard wild Pokemon. While not applicable to all encounters, this is a rewarding achievement when it occurs.

Types of Poke Balls in Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go features six types of Poke Balls: Poke Balls, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, Master Balls, Premier Balls, and Beast Balls. Many of these can be acquired from the shop, rewards from PokeStops, or as prizes from completed research tasks.

Poke Ball
Great Ball
Ultra Ball
Master Ball

However, Master Balls are scarce, while Premier and Beast Balls are exclusive to specific catching scenarios.

Premier Balls can only be obtained during the Bonus Challenge catch segment post-Raid battles and when encountering Shadow Pokemon. Beast Balls are specifically for catching Ultra Beasts.

Ball Level Required Catch Boost
Poke Ball Level 1 Base catch rate
Great Ball Level 12 (Can be obtained from Special Research before this) 50% increased catch chance
Ultra Ball Level 20 Doubles the base catch rate
Master Ball No level, awarded via Special Research Immediately catches most Pokemon

Obtaining Master Balls in Pokemon Go

Master Balls, the rarest type of ball available, can only be earned through difficult Special Research and Time-Limited Research events, which include:

  • Let’s GO! Special Research
  • Timed Investigation: Master Ball
  • Special Research: Master Ball (for those who did not finish the Timed Investigation)
  • Masterwork Research: Catching Wonders
Master Ball Original Image

The legendary Master Ball can capture any Pokemon it’s used on, so use them wisely for significant encounters. Currently, Master Balls cannot be purchased from the shop or acquired from PokeStops and Gifts.

Acquiring & Utilizing Stardust in Pokemon Go

Stardust is earned by successfully catching Pokemon, completing tasks, playing PvP matches, hatching eggs, and opening gifts. It’s a vital resource for enhancing your Pokemon’s CP and facilitating evolutions.

Fast Stardust Farming

To harvest Stardust rapidly, utilize a Star Piece and catch as many Pokemon as possible during your play session. Star Pieces double the Stardust acquired for 30 minutes, allowing for efficient farming.

Obtaining Star Pieces in Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go Star Piece

Star Pieces can be gathered as rewards for completing Special Research tasks, or they can be purchased within the Pokemon Go app.

These items are priced at 100 Poke Coins each or can be bought in bundles of eight for 640 Poke Coins. They may also appear in different bundle offers at various rates.

How to Obtain and Use Berries

Currently, you can collect five types of Berries in Pokemon Go: Razz, Pinap, Nanab, Golden Razz, and Silver Pinap. These helpful items offer buffs for capturing new companions and can be acquired through gifts, PokeStop spins, Raid victory rewards, daily in-game store boxes, and Research Task results.

Razz Berry
Pinap Berry
Nanab Berry
Golden Razz Berry
Silver Pinap Berry

Overview of Berries in Pokemon Go & Their Functions

Here’s a rundown of the different types of Berries and what benefits they offer when used during encounters:

  • Razz Berry – Boosts the chance of a successful catch by 1.5 times.
  • Pinap Berry – Grants extra Candy upon successful capture: 3 for Stage 1 Pokémon, 5 for Stage 2, and 10 for Stage 3.
  • Nanab Berry – Slows down the target’s movements, making it easier to aim.
  • Golden Razz Berry – Greatly enhances the capture chances with a 2.5 times boost.
  • Silver Pinap Berry – Provides a significant Candy bump upon capture and a 1.8 times catch success rate boost. Candy drop is increased by 2.3 times.

How to Obtain Golden Razz Berries

Golden Razz Berries are less common than standard Razz Berries and can be obtained through specific Research Tasks and spinning PokeStops or Gym Disks with a Great Buddy. They can also be earned as rewards for completing Raid Battles.

How to Obtain Silver Pinap Berries

Silver Pinap Berries, which are also harder to find, can be obtained by finishing certain Research Tasks, earning weekly Adventure Sync rewards, or completing Field Research Tasks.

Gyms in Pokemon Go Overview

Gyms are essential locations within Pokemon Go, where players can engage in battles for territory or participate in Raid challenges. Gyms occupy notable places and are marked with a distinct gym symbol, as illustrated below:

Pokemon Go gym symbol with gym battles in background.
Niantic

The color of the Gym indicates which team holds control. If a trainer from an opposing team overcomes the Pokemon defending the Gym, they can lay claim to it for their own.

Gyms can be rotated like PokeStops by tapping on their disk to collect items.

Creating a Gym

To create a Gym in Pokemon Go, players must reach level 37 and submit a suggestion for an improvement to Niantic. Follow these steps:

  • Tap the desired PokeStop or Gym from the GPS map.
  • Tap the arrow in the top right corner to enter the Photo Disk area.
  • Click on the three dots to access the suggestion menu.
  • Choose the desired alteration for the venue.
  • Provide the necessary details for the suggestion and submit.

It’s noteworthy that you must be at least level 37 to submit a request, and submitting does not ensure that a Gym will be created.

Gyms Offer Daily Free Raid Passes

To acquire your complimentary Daily Raid Pass, simply visit a Gym within range and spin the disk. This action generates a free Raid Pass, usable in any in-person Raid event.

Understanding Remote Raid Passes

Remote Raid Passes allow players to participate in raids without needing to be physically at the Raid location. While they previously were an excellent solution for accessibility from 2020 to 2022, they are now constrained. Players can only utilize five Remote Raid Passes per day, and these may not apply to all raid types. For specifics on obtaining and using these passes, consult our detailed Remote Raid Pass guide.

As of now, Remote Raid Passes cannot be employed for Dynamax Raids and may also be restricted for certain event raids. Information regarding this is typically included in the event details provided by Niantic.

Legendary Pokemon Overview

Legendary Pokemon can primarily be captured when they occupy Gyms. During special events, specific Legendary species appear in five-star Raids for trainers to challenge. Those who successfully defeat a Legendary will have a chance to catch it afterward.

Legendary and Mythical Pokemon may also be acquired as rewards at the conclusion of designated Special Research Tasks. These tasks often require a paid ticket associated with large-scale events.

Reasons to Capture Legendary Pokemon

Legendary Pokemon are renowned for their impressive stats, making them valuable options for trainers who enjoy Raids or PvP battles. Their elevated attack and defense metrics often lead them to feature in competitive teams.

Moreover, these encounters are available only during specific periods, typically tied to Raid events during unique seasons. This rarity adds another layer of excitement for collectors within Pokemon Go.

Complete List of Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Go

As of October 2024, there are 69 Legendary Pokemon within the mobile app, spanning all nine generations. 47 of these have been featured in various Raid events since the game’s inception.

Below is a comprehensive list of Legendary Pokemon currently available, along with their debut details:

Pokémon Region Debut Date
Articuno Beautiful 2017
Zapdos Beautiful 2017
Moltres Beautiful 2017
Mewtwo Beautiful 2017
Armored Mewtwo Beautiful 2019
Raikou Management 2017
Entei Management 2017
Suicune Management 2017
Lugia Management 2017
Ho-Oh Management 2017
Regirock Hoenn 2018
Royal Hoenn 2018
Registeel Hoenn 2018
Broads Hoenn 2018
Latios Hoenn 2018
Kyogre Hoenn 2018
Primal Kyogre Hoenn 2023
Groudon Hoenn 2017
Primal Groudon Hoenn 2023
Rayquaza Hoenn 2018
Uxie Sinnoh 2019
Mesprit Sinnoh 2019
Azelf Sinnoh 2019
Dialga Sinnoh 2019
Palkia Sinnoh 2019
Giratina Sinnoh 2018
Heatran Sinnoh 2019
Regigigas (Altered Form) Sinnoh 2021
Giratina (Origin) Sinnoh 2019
Cresselia Sinnoh 2018
Cobalion You become 2019
Terrakion You become 2019
Virizion You become 2020
Tornadus (Incarnate) You become 2020
Tornadus (Therian) You become 2021
Thundurus (Incarnate) You become 2020
Thundurus (Therian) You become 2021
Landorus (Incarnate) You become 2020
Landorus (Therian) You become 2021
Reshiram You become 2020
Zekrom You become 2020
Kyurem You become 2020
Xerneas Kalos 2021
Yvetal Kalos 2021
Zygarde Kalos 2023
Holy Cocoa They have allowed it 2022
Holy Lele They have allowed it 2022
Tapu Bulu They have allowed it 2022
Kill Finn They have allowed it 2022
Cosmog They have allowed it 2022
Cosmoem They have allowed it 2022
Solgaleo They have allowed it 2024
Lunala They have allowed it 2024
Necrosma They have allowed it 2024
Dusk Mane They have allowed it 2024
Necrosma (Dawn Wings) They have allowed it 2024
Zacian Disease 2021
Zamazenta Disease 2021
Regieleki Disease 2023
Regidrago Disease 2023
Galarian Articuno Disease 2022
Galarian Moltres Disease 2022
Galarian Zapdos Disease 2022
Lover (Incarnate) Hisui 2024
Origin Dialga Hisui 2024
Origin Rewards Hisui 2024

Strategies for Rapid Leveling Up in Pokemon Go

To tackle Gyms, Raids, and Team Rocket invasions, it’s essential to level up quickly. Fortunately, nearly every action contributes to your XP, but some methods expedite this process:

  • Catch Pokemon – The most efficient way to earn XP is by capturing as many species as you can.
  • Complete Field and Special Research Tasks – Finishing tasks provides XP along with corresponding rewards.
  • Engage in the GO Battle League – Competing with other trainers is a fantastic way to amass XP and make your mark in the community.
  • Hatch Eggs – Keep your incubators active while playing, as hatching eggs is an excellent passive XP source.

When working on farming XP, consider using Lucky Eggs, obtainable as task rewards or via the in-game store. Activating these during key moments will double your XP earnings for half an hour.

What is the Maximum Player Level?

As of September 2024, the cap for player levels stands at level 50. It’s noteworthy that levels 1-40 require solely XP, while levels beyond that necessitate meeting special criteria.

For many players, topping level 40 is a significant feat. While the level itself does not heavily impact gameplay overall, Pokemon CP is more critical, leveling serves as a fun way to track achievements throughout your gaming experience.

Level-Up Research Requirements for Ranges 41-50

  • Level 41 Research
    • Power Up Legendary or Mythical Pokemon 20 Times
    • Win 30 Raids
    • Catch 200 Pokemon in a single day
    • Achieve 5 Gold Medals
  • Level 42 Research
    • Evolve Eevee into every Eeveelution
    • Use items to evolve 15 Pokemon
    • Make 3 Excellent Throws
    • Use 200 Berries
  • Level 43 Research
    • Earn 100,000 Stardust
    • Execute 200 Supereffective Charged Attacks
    • Capture 5 Legendary or Mythical Pokemon
    • Earn 5 Platinum Medals
  • Level 44 Research
    • Win 30 Trainer Battles in the Great League
    • Win 30 Trainer Battles in the Ultra League
    • Win 30 Trainer Battles in the Master League
    • Participate in the GO Battle League 20 Times
  • Level 45 Research
    • Defeat 100 Team GO Rocket Grunts
    • Purify 100 Shadow Pokemon
    • Defeat a Team GO Rocket Leader 50 Times
    • Attain 10 Platinum Medals
  • Level 46 Research
    • Complete 100 Field Research Tasks
    • Snap a photo of Pokemon for 7 consecutive days
    • Make 50 Excellent Throws
    • Hatch 30 Eggs
  • Level 47 Research
    • Win 30 Raids using a team of all unique species
    • Secure victory on a three-star Raid with Pokemon having a max CP of 1500
    • Power Up 3 Pokemon to their maximum CP
    • Earn 20 Platinum Medals
  • Level 48 Research
    • Receive 10 souvenirs from your Buddy
    • Accumulate 300 hearts with your Buddy
    • Walk 200 km with your Buddy
    • Walk 25 km in a week on Adventure Sync 8 times
  • Level 49 Research
    • Complete 10 trades with Pokemon caught at least 300 km apart
    • Obtain 50 Lucky Pokemon through trades
    • Send 500 Gifts to friends
    • Earn 35 Platinum Medals
  • Level 50 Research
    • Execute 999 Excellent Throws
    • Successfully capture 5 Mythical or Legendary Pokemon consecutively
    • Defeat Team GO Rocket leaders 3 times using Pokemon with CP of 2500 or less
    • Achieve rank 10 in the GO Battle League

Building and Growing Your Team in Pokemon Go

Lycanroc Pokemon Go

Your mobile adventure would not be complete without a beloved team of companions — much like in console games, your party requires a bit of nurturing.

To utilize any captured Pokemon effectively in combat, trainers must enhance their CP, select optimal movesets, and evolve them for maximum efficiency.

Enhancing a Pokemon’s CP

CP Increase Pokemon Go

To elevate a Pokemon’s CP, access your storage and select the Pokemon you’d like to upgrade. Each CP enhancement will require Stardust and Candy. To finalize the boosting process, hit the “Power Up” button located beneath the target’s stats.

Every Pokemon has a maximum CP threshold; surpassing this limit will prevent any further power-ups.

How to Earn Candy & XL Candy

Candy can be acquired by capturing Pokemon of a particular species or transferring redundant Pokemon of the same type. To amass substantial amounts of Candy for a specific Pokemon, partake in events, spotlight hours, and Community Days.

XL Candy is more challenging to collect but can occasionally be boosted during events.

What is Mega Evolution in Pokemon Go?

Megs Charizard Pokemon Go

Currently, 48 Mega Evolutions are accessible in Pokémon Go. Mega Evolution allows specific Pokemon to attain a temporary evolved state. This mechanic debuted with Pokémon X and Y, and the majority of these Mega forms have now been introduced to Pokémon Go as of 2024.

Players can encounter Mega-capable Pokemon during Mega Raids. They battle in their Mega forms and revert to their base forms during the catching stage post-battle. Players need to acquire Mega Energy to utilize this special evolution during future encounters.

Acquiring & Using Mega Energy

Charizard Mega Energy
Mega Evolution Pokemon Go

To Mega Evolve a compatible Pokemon in your inventory, players must spend Mega Energy — it costs 200 Mega Energy to evolve a Pokemon for the first time. After the first use, Mega Evolution is free. This transformation lasts eight hours before the Pokemon reverts back to its standard form.

The best way to collect Mega Energy is by participating in Mega Raid Battles, where defeating the Mega Pokemon rewards you with Energy, or completing Special Research offer Mega Energy as a reward.

Keep in mind, Mega Energy is specific to each Pokemon; you’ll only receive Mega Energy for the Pokemon you defeat in raids. Hence, defeating Mega Charizard will award you Mega Charizard Energy—but cannot be used to evolve another Pokemon.

As Mega Energy accumulates at a slower rate than Candy, it’s useful to track active Mega Raid Battles to maximize your collection efforts during the time-limited appearances of particular Mega Pokemon.

Healing Your Pokemon in Pokemon Go

To restore the health of your Pokemon after battles in Raids, Gyms, or the GO Battle League, you’ll need a good supply of potions and revives.

Since there are no Pokemon Centers in Pokemon Go, maintaining your team’s health relies entirely on the surplus of healing items in your bag. Below is a complete list of these useful items.

Healing Items, Revives & How to Obtain Them

Item Name Function How to Obtain
Potion Pokemon GoPotion Heals a Pokemon for 20 HP Be level 5+Rewards for tasksGiftsPokeStop spinsBattle victories
Super Potion Pokemon GoSuper Potion Heals a Pokemon for 50 HP Be level 10+Rewards for tasksGiftsPokeStop spinsBattle victories
Hyper Potion Pokemon GoHyper Potion Restores a Pokemon for 200 HP Be level 15+Rewards for tasksGiftsPokeStop spinsBattle victories
Max Potion Pokemon GoMax Potion Fully heals the target’s HP Be level 25+Rewards for tasksGiftsPokeStop spinsBattle victories
Revive Pokemon GoRevive Restores half the HP of a fainted Pokémon Be level 5+Rewards for tasksGiftsPokeStop spinsBattle victories
Max Revive Pokemon GoMax Revive Fully restores a fainted Pokemon’s HP Be level 30+Rewards for tasksGiftsPokeStop spinsBattle victories

Utilizing Healing Items

To use a healing item, open your menu, navigate to your bag, and select the desired item. This will lead you to a screen displaying your injured or fainted Pokemon. Tap on the Pokemon you wish to heal.

Healing items can be used while exploring the GPS map, as well as before battles in Raids, Gyms, and PvP.

Pokemon Healing items

Strategies for Accumulating Healing Items

To gather healing items efficiently, choose a day without significant events. Proceed to an area in your town with a high concentration of PokeStops and Gyms in close proximity. Walk around to spin these points, allowing enough time for cooldowns to gather a good supply of items.

Remember, healing items take up space in your storage, so consider discarding unnecessary berries or upgrading your bag if you need the extra room.

Maximum Item Storage in Pokemon Go

Maximum Item Storage: 7,300

The highest item storage players can achieve in Pokemon Go through bag upgrades is 7,300.

To reach this cap, players need to purchase bag expansions for 200 PokeCoins via the in-game shop. Each upgrade adds 50 slots to your maximum capacity.

Maximum Pokemon Storage in Pokemon Go

Maximum Pokemon Storage: 8,300

Pokemon Storage is capped at 8,300 slots. Like item storage, players can buy Pokemon Storage upgrades in the in-game shop for 200 PokeCoins, which can be earned or purchased, expanding your available storage by 50 slots per upgrade.

These upgrades must be purchased and cannot be earned through Special Research tasks or by leveling up.

Trading in Pokemon Go

Step-by-Step Guide to Trading

Trading is an exhilarating way to connect with fellow players and unlock unique bonuses. To trade, both you and your partner must be physically situated close to each other.

A screenshot shows the app Campfire
Niantic/The Pokemon Company
  • Begin by tapping your avatar’s profile picture located in the lower left corner of the screen.
  • From there, head to the “Friends” tab.
  • Locate the buddy you wish to trade with in the list and tap their profile avatar.
  • Ensure you both complete the preliminary steps mentioned, then tap “Trade” to initiate.

Daily Limit on Special Trades

Special trades involve trading an unregistered, Legendary, eligible Mythical, Shiny, Purified, or Ultra Beast Pokemon and can only be performed once daily, unless a special event boosts that limit. This can be frustrating, particularly since trading is a fantastic method to fill gaps in your Pokedex if you have the Stardust to spare.

Stardust Costs for Trading in Pokemon Go

All trades in Pokemon Go require Stardust, with costs that increase if the Pokemon is new to the recipient’s Pokedex or is classified as Shiny. Fortunately, increasing friendship levels can help to reduce these costs. Here are the Stardust cost details for standard trades based on friendship tiers.

Regular Pokemon Charges

Friendship Level Caught New
Good Friend 100 Stardust 20,000 Stardust
Great Friend 100 Stardust 16,000 Stardust
Ultra Friend 100 Stardust 1,600 Stardust
Best Friend 100 Stardust 800 Stardust

Legendary & Shiny (Special Trades)

Friendship Level Caught New
Good Friend 20,000 Stardust 1,000,000 Stardust
Great Friend 16,000 Stardust 800,000 Stardust
Ultra Friend 1,600 Stardust 80,000 Stardust
Best Friend 800 Stardust 40,000 Stardust

Pokemon That Cannot Be Traded

Not every catch is eligible for trading in Pokemon Go. Below is the list of currently non-tradeable Pokemon:

  • Shadow Pokemon
  • Active Buddy
  • Spoofed Pokemon
  • Pokemon located at Gyms
  • Eggs
  • Fused Pokémon
  • Active Mega Evolutions
  • Active Primals
  • Previously traded Pokémon
  • Fainted or injured Pokemon

Do Pokemon Evolve Through Trading in Pokemon Go?

some Pokemon evolve solely through trading in Pokemon Go. Currently, there are 10 trade evolutions available.

It’s crucial to remember that these trade evolutions cannot be reverted back to the original trainer. Avoid trading away prized Pokemon just to avoid the Candy and Stardust cost of evolution, as it could lead to permanent loss!

Friend Limitations in Pokemon Go

Trainers can maintain a maximum of 450 friends simultaneously. With numerous Pokemon to trade and daily trading incentives, connecting with active players via local gatherings or trusted online groups can help you fill up this friend list.

Doing so will allow you to build friendship levels through consistent interactions that can lessen Stardust costs.

Strategies for Boosting Friendship Levels

Improve friendship levels by sending and opening daily gifts, exchanging postcards, participating in Raids together, and trading. Remember, only one of these activities can yield friendship points daily.

This means reaching Best Friend status can be more challenging than it seems. One effective method for accelerating friendship growth is through daily gifts. Ensure you take the time during your play sessions to open gifts received and send gifts from your own inventory.

Understanding Buddy Pokemon

A Buddy in Pokemon Go is a Pokemon that a player selects to accompany their avatar throughout the journey.

For many, the Buddy feature is a gratifying aspect of daily gameplay. Players can engage with their Buddy by feeding, petting, and snapping photos, which increases their Buddy Level.

Assigning a Buddy in Pokemon Go

To select a Buddy, open your Pokemon storage and choose the Pokemon you’d like to assign as your Buddy.

Scroll to the bottom of its stats, then tap on “Assign Buddy”or “Swap Buddy”. This allows the Pokemon to accompany you as you traverse the map.

While designated as a Buddy, this Pokemon cannot be traded or transferred until you remove its Buddy status.

Buddy Swap Button Pokemon GoBuddy Swap Pokemon Go

Interacting with Your Buddy Pokemon

To interact with your Buddy, tap their image next to your avatar in the lower-left corner of the screen. This opens a Buddy stats overview.

From here, you can monitor your Buddy’s Candy collection progress, review any remaining daily activities for hearts, and tap on your Buddy for interactive features.

During play mode, you can pet, feed, and photograph your Buddy. They may also present you with gifts that can be accessed by touching them during interactions.

Effects of Feeding Your Buddy

Feeding your Buddy has tangible benefits; not only does it enhance their Buddy Level, but it also allows your buddy to accompany you across the map. Walking together increases their affection and adds a fun element to your overall training experience.

Pokemon Go Buddy Levels & Their Benefits

interactions with your Buddy to accumulate affection hearts, offering various perks to trainers who nurture their Pokemon. Below is a detailed breakdown of each Buddy Level and corresponding rewards:

Buddy Level Affection Hearts Needed Reward
Good Buddy 1 Heart Adventuring Buddy (Accompanies you on the map)Visible Mood
Great Buddy 70 Hearts Catch AssistAbility to find presents
Ultra Buddy 150 Hearts Finding SouvenirsLocating Places
Best Buddy 300 Hearts CP Boost Best Buddy Ribbon

The Catch Assist perk is especially useful when catching, as it gives your active Buddy a chance to reflect any missed throws back, improving capture chances.

Utilizing Friendship Evolution in Pokemon Go

Pokemon Buddy Evolution Requirement
Eevee Evolves into Sylveon after collecting 70 Hearts
Floette Evolves into Florges after collecting 20 Hearts
First Evolves into Annihilape upon battling 30 Psychic or Ghost-type Pokemon
Slowpoke Evolves into Galarian Slowbro after catching 30 Poison Pokemon; or into Slowking after catching 30 Psychic-types
Galarian Farfetch’d Evolves into Sirfetch’d after completing 10 Excellent Throws
Hisuian Qwilfish Evolves into Overqwil after winning 10 Raids
Galarian Yamask Evolves into Runerigus after achieving 10 Raid victories
Pancham Evolves into Pangoro after capturing 32 Dark-types
Spritzee Evolves into Aromatisse after using 1 Incense
Swirlix Evolves into Slurpuff after being fed 25 treats
Football Evolves into Naganadel after capturing 20 Dragon-types
Charcadet Evolves into Armarouge after defeating 30 Psychic types; or Ceruledge after battling 30 Ghost types
Woobat Evolves into Swoobat after walking 1 km
Hisuian Sneasel Evolves into Sneasler after walking 7 km during the daytime
Eevee Evolves into Espeon after walking 10 km and evolving during the daytime; or Umbreon after walking 10 km and evolving at night
Mime Jr Evolves into Mr. Mime after walking 15 km
Bonsley Evolves into Sudowoodo after walking 15 km
Happiny Evolves into Chansey after walking 15 km
Feebas Evolves into Milotic after walking 20 km
Pawmo Evolves into Pawmot after walking 25 km
Pokemon Go battle league
Niantic

Engaging in Battles in Pokemon Go

In Pokemon Go, players have two options for battles: Local PvP and The Go Battle League. Local PvP enables trainers to challenge friends, while the Go Battle League facilitates competitive matches against global players with distinct requirements for rewards.

Participating in a Local PvP Battle

Similar to trading, initiates a local PvP match by selecting your avatar profile icon at the lower left of the screen. Then tap “Friends” and select the friend you are with. After both of you complete the necessary steps, tap “Battle” to commence a local match.

Entering the Go Battle League

To start your adventure in the Go Battle League, open your game menu and select “Battle” — this will direct you to the League menu.

The Go Battle League provides players the opportunity to compete globally in various formats that are time-limited. These formats dictate which Pokemon, CP levels, and types can be utilized in matches.

By winning matches, players can earn valuable rewards such as Pokémon Encounters, Stardust, Items, Elite Move TMs, and Rare Candy.

League Levels and Requirements

Here’s a breakdown of each League Level alongside the CP limitations:

League Type Requirements CP Restrictions
Great League No prerequisites Max CP per Pokémon – 1,500
Ultra League 3 Pokémon must have CP of at least 1,500 or higher Max CP per Pokémon – 2,500
Master League 3 Pokémon must have at least 2,500 CP or more No limits

In addition to the standard League types, numerous variants and themes occur throughout the year, ranging from Legendary Cups to regional challenges. These require specific Pokemon in your team to compete.

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