Getting Started
Introduction
Welcome to Pokémon GO, a free-to-play augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic. You explore the real world to find and catch Pokémon, battle at Gyms, and complete tasks. This guide focuses on your first hour, common pitfalls, and a clear day-one plan to get you moving quickly.
Download & Installation
Pokémon GO is officially available only on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices via the App Store or Google Play Store. There is no official PC, console, or emulator version. Any claims otherwise are scams. The game is free with optional in-app purchases.
First Steps: Character Creation & Tutorial
When you first launch the game, you'll:
1. Choose a username (must be unique, can contain letters and numbers).
2. Customize your avatar: skin tone, hair style & color, eye shape, clothing. You can change these later for PokéCoins, so don't stress.
3. Professor Willow appears to guide you through the tutorial. You cannot skip this.
4. Select your starter Pokémon: you'll encounter Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur. To get Pikachu as your starter, walk away from these three after they appear – after a few steps, Pikachu will spawn. This is the only way to get Pikachu as a starter.
5. Catch your first Pokémon by throwing a PokéBall. Practice the throwing motion: swipe up on the ball when it's inside the shrinking circle (aim for the colored circle – green is easiest, red is hardest).
Controls (All Platforms)
Pokémon GO uses touch controls exclusively. There are no controller or keyboard shortcuts.
| Action | Gesture |
|---|---|
| Move character | Walk in real world; your avatar moves on the map to match GPS |
| Tap on screen | Interact with Pokémon, PokéStops, Gyms, menus |
| Swipe | Throw PokéBalls (when catching), scroll menus, rotate PokéStop discs |
| Pinch | Zoom in/out on the map |
| Press and hold | Curved throw preparation or view item details |
| Drag | Move camera in AR mode (toggle AR+ in settings) |
UI Overview
Your main screen is the overworld map showing:
- Your avatar (center)
- Nearby Pokémon (bottom-right): Shows silhouettes of nearby wild Pokémon. Tap to see distance (grasses).
- PokéStops (blue cubes) and Gyms (tall towers). Spin PokéStops by tapping them and swiping the photo disc.
- Menu button (bottom-center, PokéBall icon): Opens the main menu with items, Pokémon, shop, Pokédex, etc.
- Profile button (bottom-left): Your avatar, level, XP, badge progress.
- Nearby button (bottom-right): Toggles the nearby list and raid/event tabs.
- Research button (top-right): Field Research tasks and Special Research.
- Weather icon (top-right): Real-world weather affects wild Pokémon spawns and types.
- Follow the tutorial; it gives essential items.
- Catch everything you see initially – even common Pokémon like Pidgey, Rattata, Weedle give XP and stardust.
- Visit every PokéStop you pass. Restock items daily.
- Complete the Special Research “A Mythical Discovery” (Mew quest) – it’s beginner-friendly.
- Use your free Incense (given at level 1) immediately. It lasts 30 minutes and attracts Pokémon to your location.
- Pinip Berries on Pokémon you want to catch easily – feed them before throwing.
- Wasting resources on high-CP wild Pokémon early. Your low-level balls and weak throws will fail. Focus on low-CP targets.
- Spending PokéCoins on Revives or Potions – you get plenty from stops early on. Save coins for bag/item upgrades or lucky eggs.
- Trading or PvP battling before Level 10 – you lack strong Pokémon, and trading costs stardust.
- Transferring Pokémon before checking IVs (appraisal) – keep high-CP or high-IV for later evolutions.
- Ignoring weather boosts – Pokémon with cloudy/dark/hurricane symbols in the catch screen have higher CP and IVs, catch them!
Essential Early Objectives
Your first goals are:
1. Catch at least 10 different Pokémon to unlock daily bonuses.
2. Spin a PokéStop to get items (PokéBalls, Potions, Berries, Eggs).
3. Complete the first Field Research task (from a PokéStop) to earn a reward.
4. Level up to Level 5 to unlock Gyms and choose a team.
5. Evolve a Pokémon (e.g., Pidgey to Pidgeotto) using Candy and Stardust.
6. Activate a Lucky Egg when you have a mass evolution session to double XP.
What to Do First vs. What to Avoid
Do First
Avoid
Early Resource Priorities
| Resource | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| PokéBalls | High | You need them to catch anything. Always spin stops to restock. |
| Stardust | High | Used to power up and trade. Spend only on strong Pokémon you plan to keep (e.g., your starter, high-IV wild catches). |
| Candy | High | Evolve and power up. Use Pinap Berries to double candy from catches (especially rare ones). |
| Lucky Eggs | Medium | Save for mass evolutions (use when you have 60+ Pidgey candy and a session). |
| Incense | Medium | Use when walking in low-spawn areas to attract Pokémon. |
| Berries | Low | Use Razz Berries for tough catches, Pinap for candy, Nanab for slow down (rarely needed). |
| Premium Items | Low | Don't buy anything until you understand the game. Focus on free resources. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Overpowering too early – powering up a low-level Pokémon wastes stardust. Wait until Pokémon has high CP and good IVs (check appraisal: “Amazing” by team leader).
2. Throwing away ‘useless’ Pokémon – keep at least one of each species for future collection tasks. Also, trash Pokémon can be traded for candy through the Meltan Box event or use for mass evolve sessions.
3. Not using AR mode – AR+ (if supported) can give more XP and stardust for Excellent throws. Practice with AR off first to learn the throw curve.
4. Ignoring daily bonuses – First catch and first spin each day give bonus XP, stardust, and items. Set a reminder.
5. Spending coins on revives/potions – you’ll get plenty from Gyms and stops. Instead, save coins for storage upgrades (Pokémon storage, item bag) or lucky eggs.
6. Walking a low-tier buddy – choose a Pokémon you need candy for (e.g., your starter, or a rare like Magikarp). Buddy distance earns candy gradually.
7. Opening Gifts without checking inventory – gifts give items, but if your bag is full, items are lost. Manage inventory before opening.
Day-One Checklist
Complete this checklist to start strong:
- [ ] Download Pokémon GO from official store.
- [ ] Create character, choose username, customize avatar.
- [ ] Complete tutorial, catch starter (Pikachu optional).
- [ ] Use free Incense immediately.
- [ ] Visit 3–5 PokéStops (spin them) to get items.
- [ ] Catch at least 10 unique Pokémon (check Pokédex).
- [ ] Complete the first Field Research task (spin a stop, then tap the binoculars icon to claim reward).
- [ ] Activate a Lucky Egg and evolve any Pokémon you can (e.g., Pidgey -> Pidgeotto) for double XP.
- [ ] Power up your starter Pokémon once (don’t overdo it).
- [ ] Set a Buddy Pokémon (choose one you need candy for).
- [ ] Walk around your neighborhood for at least 15 minutes to hatch Eggs (use the free incubator).
- [ ] Check the Weather icon – catch weather-boosted Pokémon for higher CP.
- [ ] Save all future Lucky Eggs and Incense until you understand mass evolution strategies.
- [ ] Connect to Pokémon GO Plus or Poké Ball Plus (optional) if you have one.
After day one, aim to reach Level 5 to choose a team (Instinct, Mystic, or Valor) and start raiding.
Good luck, Trainer!