Pokemon GO is an augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic, released in 2016. The game uses a freemium business model, meaning it’s free to download, but players can purchase in-game items. Within three years of its release, the game had over one billion downloads worldwide on the Google Play Store and App Store. It also pulled in over $6 billion of revenue by 2020, making it one of the most successful and profitable mobile games ever created.
Despite the commercial success of the AR game, it received mixed reviews from fans and critics. While the concept was praised and influential in the AR genre, the app experienced various technical problems. However, the problems didn’t end there, as people complained about the nuisance of Pokemon GO players in public spaces. Along with accidents occurring, the game also was used in several crimes, with criminals using rare Pokemon areas to catch people off guard. The news wasn’t all negative, with people praising its promotion of physical activity and increasing foot traffic to local businesses.
Pokemon GO Premise
Pokemon GO follows the traditional Pokemon format of battling and capturing Pokemon to build up your collection. However, the game features augmented reality and GPS location. After players create and customize their characters, they are dropped into a map of their geographical location. To capture and battle Pokemon, players must physically move around their area. Your avatar moves around on the screen as you move. As you walk around your area, different Pokemon will spawn, similar to the tall grass mechanic in traditional Pokemon games. The Pokemon’s rarity will depend on your location, with high-density areas having rarer Pokemon.
Clicking on a Pokemon in front of you will begin the encounter. This is where augmented reality comes into play. The app uses your phone’s camera and places the Pokemon on your screen right in front of you. Players can only capture wild Pokemon with Pokeballs, as there is no fighting involved. You’ll have to travel to gyms or raids in your area for Pokemon battles. There you can battle other trainers with your Pokemon.
Players can also choose their own team to join. At the start of the game, players will be presented with three options: Team Instinct (yellow), Mystic (blue), or Valor (red). While teams don’t have a huge impact on players who only focus on the wild Pokemon aspect of the game, it does matter in multiplayer. Team members can join forces to take over local gyms and defeat the oppositions Pokemon to reign supreme.
The game started out with 150 wild Pokemon for players to encounter and capture. As the game has received constant updates, this number steadily increased. While the number of Pokemon in the franchise is just over 1000, Pokemon features a staggering 904 Pokemon. It also features the Pokemon GO Plus device that syncs with your phone via Bluetooth. Players can use this device to automatically spin PokeStops or capture Pokemon without having to take out their phones. This addition is great for Trainers who are hardcore players and want exclusive items and Pokemon, like Nighttime Snorlax.
Pokemon GO Main Characters
Pokemon GO features some reoccurring characters but mainly focuses on the players themselves. The game, after all, is meant to be your journey and connect you with other players, so NPCs are kept to a minimum.
- Professor Willow: Professor Willow helps new players learn the basics of Pokemon GO. Throughout the game, he can offer Trainers tips, tricks, and tasks experienced players with research quests.
- Candela: Candela is the leader of Team Valor.
- Blanche: Blanche is the leader of Team Mystic. Team Mystic is the most popular team in the game.
- Spark: Spark is the leader of Team Instinct. Team Instinct is the least popular team in the game.
- Team GO Rocket: Team GO Rocket are the main antagonists of Pokemon GO. As a team, their goal is to take over every PokeStop around the world. Players can battle the trainers at PokeStops or Team Go Rocket Balloons. The team features grunts and leaders that will reward different items after defeating them in battle.
Pokemon GO Titles in the Series
While Pokemon GO does not have a sequel, players can still get the experience by playing other Pokemon titles. The Pokemon franchise began in 1996 and has released games for over 25 years. The franchise is one of the most successful franchises in video game history and has its own line of playing cards, toys, and adaptations for both TV and film.
- Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow (1996)
- Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (1999)
- Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (2002)
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004)
- Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (2006)
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009)
- Pokémon Black and White (2010)
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012)
- Pokémon X and Y (2013)
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014)
- Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017)
- Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! and Let’s Go Pikachu! (2018)
- Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019)
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021)
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)
Pokemon GO Cheat Codes
Pokemon GO does not feature any cheats or cheat codes for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the game is largely multiplayer, where players can battle in gyms or compete in raids with other Trainers. Having cheat codes would give players an unfair advantage against one another and take away from the leveling-up feature in the game. Secondly, the game contains in-app purchases for players to be extra items. This function serves as a revenue stream for the developers, and bypassing this system would hurt future updates. Pokemon GO has already seen a decrease in revenue in the past few years.
While notable glitches and bugs have allowed players to move freely without moving themselves, they are patched. Any website or video that claims you can get cheats or free items should be avoided, as they can put your device at risk. If you wish to get more items, you can wait for discounts to appear in the store or use promo codes sent out by the developers. This is the safest option as it won’t put your device at risk and helps support the team behind the game.
Pokemon GO Cheat Code FAQ
Are there cheat codes in Pokemon Go?
No, Pokemon Go does not contain any cheat codes. Cheat codes would give players an unfair advantage in gym battles. For players who want more items, utilize the in-game shop and promo codes to get a discount on all your favorite items. Any attempts at cheating in the game will result in a ban, which can be temporary or permanent for your account.
What is the best hack for Pokemon Go 2023?
While there are hacks for Pokemon GO, these should be avoided as they put your account at risk for a ban. Spoofing is the most popular hack, which allows your avatar to travel anywhere in the world without the player actually moving. The developers have strict policies against using hacks and actively monitor the game for signs of cheating. Players will get temporary bans and warnings before their permanent ban.