Pokémon GO Routes: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating and Sharing Your Adventures

Pokémon GO has consistently evolved since its launch, introducing new features to keep trainers engaged. One of the most exciting additions is the Routes feature, allowing players to create and share custom walking paths with others. These routes not only provide a fresh way to explore your surroundings but also offer unique gameplay opportunities, including encounters with Zygarde Cells and bonus rewards. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating Pokémon GO Routes, from the initial steps to best practices for designing engaging trails.

What are Pokémon GO Routes?

Routes are player-created walking paths that other trainers can follow within Pokémon GO. Think of them as personalized tours of your favorite spots. When a trainer follows a Route, they’ll be able to collect Zygarde Cells (needed to change Zygarde’s forms), encounter Pokémon that are drawn to the route, and earn bonus rewards like Stardust and XP. Creating Routes gives you the chance to showcase interesting locations in your area, share your favorite walking routes, and contribute to the broader Pokémon GO community.

Why Create Pokémon GO Routes?

There are several compelling reasons to create Pokémon GO Routes:

* **Share Your Local Knowledge:** Highlight interesting landmarks, hidden gems, and scenic spots in your neighborhood.
* **Contribute to the Community:** Provide other trainers with exciting and rewarding walking experiences.
* **Earn Recognition:** Become a recognized Route creator and gain a reputation within the Pokémon GO community.
* **Unique Gameplay Opportunities:** Routes are tied to special events and research tasks, offering unique gameplay opportunities beyond standard catching and battling.
* **Zygarde Cells:** Perhaps the biggest draw is the ability to collect Zygarde Cells. These are essential to changing the forms of the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde.
* **Bonus Rewards:** Walking routes rewards players with extra stardust, experience points and encounter bonuses.

Requirements for Route Creation

Before you can start creating Routes, ensure you meet the following requirements:

* **Trainer Level 37 or Higher:** Route creation is unlocked once you reach Trainer Level 37. This requirement is in place to ensure that creators have a good understanding of the game and its mechanics. Niantic has historically been strict on the level requirement to prevent abuse or low-quality route submissions.
* **A Compatible Device:** Your phone needs to have a functioning GPS and be able to run Pokémon GO smoothly. Route creation relies heavily on GPS data, so a stable connection and accurate location tracking are crucial.
* **Safe Walking Environment:** Choose a location that is safe for walking and free from hazards. Avoid creating Routes in dangerous areas, private property, or locations where trespassing is prohibited. Safety should always be your top priority.
* **Respectful of Local Rules:** Be mindful of local laws and regulations when creating Routes. Do not create Routes that encourage or facilitate illegal activities, such as trespassing or disrupting public order.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Pokémon GO Routes

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the route creation process:

**Step 1: Access the Route Creation Tool**

1. **Open Pokémon GO:** Launch the Pokémon GO app on your mobile device.
2. **Access the Main Menu:** Tap the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen to open the main menu.
3. **Go to the Route Creation Tab:** Look for the “Routes” tab in the lower right corner of the screen. Select this to open up the Route screen.
4. **Start Recording:** Tap the “Create a Route” button. If this is your first time creating a Route, you might see a brief tutorial screen.

**Step 2: Record Your Route**

1. **Set Your Start Point:** When prompted, select a PokéStop or Gym as your starting point. This is where trainers will begin following your Route. The game will show you available locations that are suitable for creating a route.
2. **Start Walking:** Once your starting point is set, press the record button and begin walking your desired path. Walk at a normal pace and try to maintain a steady GPS signal.
3. **Follow Your Path:** Walk the route you want to create. As you walk, the app will record your movements and create a path on the map. Try to keep the route interesting and varied.
4. **Avoid Obstacles:** Be mindful of obstacles such as roads, fences, or bodies of water. Try to create a Route that is easily walkable and avoids these obstructions.
5. **End Recording:** When you reach the end of your desired path, press the stop button. You will be prompted to select an end point. Choose a PokéStop or Gym that is near your location. The game will create the full route from your start to end point.

**Step 3: Route Information and Submission**

1. **Route Name:** Give your Route a descriptive and engaging name. This will help other trainers find and identify your Route. The name should reflect the route’s theme, location, or highlights. Be creative and avoid generic names like “My Route.” For example, “Scenic Park Loop” or “Historical Downtown Walk”.
2. **Route Description:** Write a detailed description of your Route. Include information about the landmarks, points of interest, and Pokémon that trainers might encounter along the way. Make it engaging and informative to entice others to try your Route. For example, “This route takes you through the heart of the city park, past the duck pond, and around the historical monument. Keep an eye out for Grass-type Pokémon!”
3. **Route Tags:** Select relevant tags to categorize your Route. These tags will help trainers find Routes that match their interests. Examples include “Nature,” “Historical,” “City,” “Park,” or “Exercise.” Choose tags that accurately reflect the type of Route you have created.
4. **Route Image:** Add a visually appealing image of your Route. This could be a photo of a scenic landmark, a group of Pokémon, or a map of the area. The image should be eye-catching and representative of the Route. A good image can significantly increase the visibility and appeal of your Route.
5. **Accessibility Information:** Provide information about the accessibility of your Route. Is it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or people with mobility impairments? Including this information will make your Route more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of trainers.
6. **Submit for Review:** Once you have filled in all the required information, submit your Route for review. Niantic will review your Route to ensure that it meets the guidelines and is safe for other trainers to follow.

**Step 4: Route Review and Publication**

1. **Review Process:** After submitting your Route, it will be reviewed by Niantic. This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the volume of submissions. Niantic checks for safety, accuracy, and adherence to the guidelines.
2. **Approval/Rejection:** If your Route is approved, it will be published and made available to other trainers. If it is rejected, you will receive feedback from Niantic on why it was rejected. You can then make the necessary changes and resubmit your Route.
3. **Monitor Your Route:** Once your Route is published, keep an eye on its performance. Check the number of trainers who have followed it, read the reviews, and respond to any questions or comments. This will help you improve your Route and create even better ones in the future.

Tips for Creating Engaging Pokémon GO Routes

To create Routes that are popular and rewarding, keep the following tips in mind:

* **Plan Your Route Carefully:** Before you start recording, plan your route in advance. Identify interesting landmarks, points of interest, and Pokémon spawn points along the way. This will help you create a Route that is both engaging and rewarding.
* **Keep it Interesting:** Vary the scenery and include different types of environments. A Route that is visually appealing and offers a variety of experiences will be more enjoyable for trainers.
* **Highlight Local Landmarks:** Showcase the unique landmarks and points of interest in your area. This will give trainers a reason to explore and learn more about their surroundings.
* **Consider Pokémon Spawns:** Try to create Routes that pass through areas with high Pokémon spawn rates. This will increase the chances of trainers encountering rare or interesting Pokémon along the way.
* **Ensure Safety:** Always prioritize safety when creating Routes. Avoid dangerous areas, private property, and locations where trespassing is prohibited.
* **Provide Accurate Information:** Be accurate and honest in your Route description, tags, and accessibility information. This will help trainers make informed decisions about whether to follow your Route.
* **Promote Your Route:** Share your Route on social media, Pokémon GO communities, and local forums. This will help you reach a wider audience and attract more trainers to your Route.
* **Consider Route Length:** Generally, Routes between 0.1 and 2 kilometers are a good starting point. Very short routes may not provide enough interesting gameplay and very long routes may be tedious to follow.
* **Look for Natural Loops:** Routes that loop back to their starting point are often more convenient for players.
* **Check for Intersections:** Be mindful of busy intersections, especially if your route involves crossing the street. It is important to prioritize player safety.

Troubleshooting Common Route Creation Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter while creating Routes and how to troubleshoot them:

* **GPS Issues:** If you are experiencing GPS issues, try restarting your phone, clearing the app cache, or moving to an area with a stronger GPS signal. A stable GPS signal is crucial for accurate route recording.
* **App Crashes:** If the app crashes while you are recording a Route, try closing and reopening the app. Make sure your phone has enough storage space and is running the latest version of the app.
* **Route Rejection:** If your Route is rejected, review the feedback from Niantic and make the necessary changes. Common reasons for rejection include safety concerns, inaccurate information, or violation of the guidelines.
* **Difficulty Finding Routes:** If you’re having trouble finding the route creation option, ensure your game is updated to the latest version. Sometimes clearing the game’s cache can also help.
* **Low-Quality Image:** If the image associated with your route is blurry or unappealing, try taking a new photo in better lighting or a more interesting location.

The Future of Pokémon GO Routes

The Routes feature is still relatively new, and Niantic is likely to continue evolving and expanding it in the future. Here are some potential developments we might see:

* **More Rewards:** Niantic may introduce new rewards for creating and following Routes, such as exclusive items, Pokémon encounters, or research tasks.
* **Route Challenges:** Niantic could introduce Route challenges, where trainers compete to create the most popular or innovative Routes.
* **Integration with Other Features:** Routes could be integrated with other Pokémon GO features, such as Raids, Gyms, or Community Days, to create even more engaging gameplay experiences.
* **Expanded Creation Tools:** The route creation tool may evolve over time allowing for things like the ability to add waypoints for specific points of interest.
* **Team-Based Route Creation:** The possibility of creating routes as a team could introduce a collaborative aspect.
* **Dynamic Routes:** Routes that adapt to the environment or time of day, creating unique gameplay experiences based on real-world conditions.

Examples of Great Route Ideas

To spark your creativity, here are some examples of great Route ideas:

* **Historical Walking Tour:** A Route that takes trainers past historical landmarks and points of interest in your city.
* **Nature Trail:** A Route that winds through a scenic park or forest, showcasing the natural beauty of your area.
* **Art Walk:** A Route that features local art galleries, murals, and sculptures.
* **Coffee Shop Crawl:** A Route that visits several local coffee shops, allowing trainers to sample different brews and support local businesses.
* **Community Day Route:** A Route designed specifically for Community Day, highlighting areas with high spawn rates of the featured Pokémon.
* **Fitness Focused Route:** A route specifically for exercising with good spots for jogging, running, and working out.

Maximizing Zygarde Cell Collection

Collecting Zygarde Cells is a primary driver for many players to engage with Routes. Here’s how to maximize your chances of finding them:

* **Follow Diverse Routes:** The more routes you follow, the higher your chances of encountering Zygarde Cells. Don’t stick to the same route every time.
* **Pay Attention to Sparkles:** While following a route, keep an eye out for small, green sparkles on the map. These indicate the presence of a Zygarde Cell.
* **Explore Every Nook and Cranny:** Sometimes, Zygarde Cells can be hidden in less obvious spots along the route. Be thorough in your exploration.
* **Optimal Time of Day:** While the specific timing is unclear, some players speculate that Zygarde Cells may be more likely to appear during certain times of the day.
* **Check Regularly:** Even if you don’t see a sparkle immediately, keep checking your surroundings as you progress along the route. Cells may appear as you move.

Ethical Route Creation Considerations

While creating and sharing routes, consider ethical guidelines to maintain respect and ensure a positive experience for all users:

* **Respect Private Property:** Never create routes that trespass on private property. Stick to public areas and designated walking paths.
* **Avoid Sensitive Locations:** Be mindful of sensitive locations such as cemeteries, hospitals, and schools. Do not create routes that may disrupt or disrespect these areas.
* **Be Mindful of Noise Levels:** Avoid creating routes in residential areas during early morning or late-night hours to minimize noise disturbances.
* **Do Not Encourage Unsafe Behavior:** Ensure that your route does not promote or enable unsafe activities, such as crossing busy streets without crosswalks or ignoring traffic laws.
* **Report Inappropriate Content:** If you come across routes that violate guidelines or promote harmful activities, report them to Niantic promptly.

Conclusion

Pokémon GO Routes offer a fantastic way to explore your surroundings, connect with other trainers, and earn unique rewards. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create engaging and rewarding Routes that will be enjoyed by the entire Pokémon GO community. So, get out there, start exploring, and share your adventures with the world! The Route creation feature adds a new layer of depth to the game, encouraging players to discover their local area in new and exciting ways. Now that you are equipped with this knowledge, you can contribute positively to the Pokemon GO community. Good luck and happy route creating!