Pokemon Go is not just
about exploring the land and becoming a master -- it's about knowing the game
inside and out. It its current form, Pokemon Go doesn't provide much when it
comes to in-game tutorial to show you how it's really played, but there are
some tips, tricks, and even secrets to reveal outside of the game's core
mechanics.
If you're looking for
ways to get an edge on other players, here are some tips and tricks that you
might find useful.
1.
Get Pikachu as your starter character
When you start the
game, the Professor will ask you to catch your first Pokemon -- traditionally
Squirtle, Charmander, or Bulbasaur.
But instead of
catching one of them, you can walk away -- in real life -- until your
smartphone vibrates. You'll be prompted again to catch one of them. Walk away
again until you get the next prompt and repeat this process five times. Then
Pikachu will appear and you'll be able to capture it as your starter.
2.
How to easily catch a wild Pokemon
Rustling leaves are
used to show where wild Pokemon could be lurking. Once you're trying to capture
one though, the game will shift and use your smartphone camera to show the
creature in augmented reality.
The white ring
surrounding the beastie will change depending on how likely you are to capture
it -- smaller is better. When it turns to green, then it's time to throw your
ball.
3.
Spending Pokecoins
Although Pokemon Go is
free to play, there are plenty of in-app transactions that can be made if you
want to spend money.
This basically earns
you Pokecoins that can be spent on in-game items. Another way to earn these is
by winning battles at gyms. However, avoid using your coins to buy more
Pokeballs though as these are often provided for free by visiting Pokestops. Go
for lures instead and bring the critters to you.
4.
Watch out for your battery
Pokemon Go uses a lot
of your phone's features to work properly. It's pulling in GPS data and using
the camera as well as your cellular connection. Therefore, as expected, it's
going to heavily drain the battery on your smartphone. Both iPhones and Android
phones have optional battery-saver modes that will help prolong battery life.
We'd recommend activating this before stepping outside to play the game.
Also, it's worth
picking up a power pack to help sustain your phone if you're planning to play
the game for a while.
5.
HTML Code Works for Pokemon Names
If you want to add a
little flair to your Pokemon's name, you can use HTML markup to change the
style of the text. Wrap the Pokemon's name in tags and watch the italicizing
again.
6.
Easy XP Trick
You might be tired of
seeing Pidgeys by now, but you should be catching every single one you come
across for some easy XP. Evolving a Pokemon grants 500 XP, but you can double
that to 1000 XP with a lucky egg. With an abundance of Pidgeys, Caterpies, or
Weedles, you can go on an evolution spree and power yourself to absurd levels.
7.
Paw Prints are Used for Tracking
After you've caught
your starter, you can click the window in the lower right hand corner to see
nearby Pokemon. What the game doesn't tell you is that the paw prints under
each creature is actually their distance from you. One print means they're
pretty close, whereas three prints means you're up for an adventure.
8.
The Box Directs You
If you open the bottom-right window, you can focus on tracking a specific Pokemon by clicking it from the menu. The box will then pulsate green if you're moving the right direction.
