Pokemon Go is about to add a new way to share how you play, as Niantic has announced the next major social feature for its flagship title, Routes, is launching today.
Routes lets a player choose a PokeStop or Gym as a starting point, and then record the paths in which they play Pokemon Go around their neighborhood. After completing the session and filling out information about the path they marked, the player can send their findings for review.
Once approved, other Pokemon Go players in the vicinity can then find and travel the exact “Route” as recorded. Players who wish to explore Routes in their surrounding area can check the new in-game Route tab, find one that interests them, and then activate the route and begin traveling on it.
The game will offer special bonuses while traveling on a player-generated Route, which include the following:
- Follow a Route to its end for the first time to earn a new Route Badge.
- Buddy Candy will be earned more quickly while on a Route, and a Buddy Heart will be earned once the Route is completed.
- Selecting a Route for the first time will make Pokemon more attracted to Incense while on the Route.
- An XP bonus will be awarded after completing the first Route of the day, with another bonus available after completing one Route every day for seven days.
A new item will also be available while traveling on a Route: Zygarde Cells, which can be used to change the mythical Pokemon Zygarde’s form after catching it. Zygarde will make his Pokemon Go debut alongside Routes, and he can be caught via the Special Research story “From A To Zygarde.”
Pokemon Go is available to download now for free on both iOS and Android devices.
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