As a longtime Pokémon GO fan, I’m always looking for new methods to find and catch my favorite Pokémon. Routes are a great way to do just that, allowing players to discover Pokémon and earn rewards just by exploring in the game. Here’s everything you need to know to start following Routes in Pokémon GO.
What are Routes in Pokemon Go?
Routes are pre-set paths that you walk along while playing Pokémon GO. As you follow the Route, you’ll encounter wild Pokémon like Rhyhorn and find items along the way. Completing a Route will earn you a badge as well as additional rewards, such as Stardust.
How to follow Routes in Pokemon Go
To follow a Route, you first need to tap on the Nearby menu in the bottom left of your screen, then switch to the Route tab. This tab provides a map that shows you all the nearby Routes in your area. You can tap on a Route to see additional details, such as the distance and estimated time required to complete it.
Travel to the starting point of the Route and tap the Follow button. This starting point will always be a Poké Stop or Gym marked by a flag. You’ll see a gray path highlighted on the Map View; simply walk along this path to complete the Route. You have to follow the exact path as shown on your screen, or you risk losing credit for completing it.
As you follow the Route, the path will change color to reflect your progress. You can pause or quit a Route at any time by navigating back to the Route tab in the Nearby menu. When you reach the end, you’ll receive a Route Badge as well as item rewards, depending on the distance you traveled.
How to Make a Route in Pokemon Go
Currently, Route creation is unavailable for most Pokémon GO players. All Routes available in the game right now were created by Niantic. When the feature becomes global, players will be able to record their own Routes by following these steps:
- Travel to any Poké Stop or Gym.
- Open the Nearby menu, swap to the Route tab, and select the Poké Stop/Gym as your starting point.
- Choose your Route’s end point (Note: this can be changed while recording your Route).
- Press Record and start walking along your Route.
- Once you reach the end point, fill out any requested information about your Route, then submit it for review.
Pokemon Go Route Bonuses
As you follow a Route in Pokémon GO, you’ll receive certain bonuses. These bonuses incentivize players and reward you for using a Route while exploring. Here are all the bonuses provided by Routes:
- Route Badge: You’ll earn a Route Badge the first time you complete a Route. Like Gym Badges, completing the same Route multiple times will level up your badge.
- Buddy Candy: Players earn Buddy Candies more quickly while following a Route.
- Incense: While exploring a Route for the first time, Pokémon will be more attracted to your incense.
- Bonus XP: Similar to Poké Stops, the first Route you complete each day will award you with bonus XP. Completing a seven-day streak will grant you an even greater bonus.
- Buddy Heart: Completing a Route while adventuring with your Buddy will earn you a Buddy Heart.
Related: Active Pokemon GO Friend Codes
What are Zygarde Cells in Pokemon Go?
While following a Route, you’ll occasionally find Zygarde Cells, which appear as small sparkles on the ground. You can collect these cells with the Zygarde Cube. As you collect more and more cells, you’ll be able to change Zygarde from its 10% Forme to its 50% Forme and, eventually, its Complete Forme, an extremely powerful Legendary Pokémon.
Want more guides for Pokémon GO? Pro Game Guides has you covered with Barbaracle Best Moveset in Pokémon GO.
Morgan Staggs is a lifelong gamer and writer. When she isn't playing Roblox, Minecraft, or Skyrim on her PC, you can find her at a local coffee shop buried in a book.