Hey there, fellow Pokemon trainers! I’m sure you’re as obsessed with Pokemon Go as I am, if not more. For some of us, this enchanting world of pocket monsters isn’t just a game—it’s a lifestyle. For others, it’s a nostalgic journey back to our childhoods. Either way, I’m here today to share with you some tips and tricks that have helped me and, hopefully, will aid you in your quest to be the very best.
Understanding In-Game Currencies: PokeCoins, Stardust, and Candy
In Pokemon Go, the main in-game currencies are PokeCoins, Stardust, and Candy, each serving a different purpose.
PokeCoins
PokeCoins are the premium currency of Pokemon Go. They are used to purchase items like Poke Balls, Incubators, Lucky Eggs, Lure Modules, Incense, and more from the in-game shop. Players can earn PokeCoins by defending Gyms or purchase them using real money.
Stardust
Stardust is a resource that is used to power up your Pokemon, increasing their CP (Combat Power) and HP (Hit Points). You can earn Stardust by catching Pokemon, hatching eggs, completing certain Field Research tasks, or participating in battles and raids.
Candy
Candies are Pokemon-specific and are used to evolve and power up Pokemon. You can earn Candy by catching Pokemon, transferring them to Professor Willow, or walking with a Pokemon as your buddy.
The Pay-to-Win Aspect in Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go is a free-to-play game, but it also includes microtransactions and in-app purchases. While it’s not entirely a pay-to-win game, spending money can certainly speed up your progress and provide some advantages.
Purchasing PokeCoins
Buying PokeCoins with real money can give you access to more resources. You can purchase items like Incubators to hatch more eggs simultaneously, Lucky Eggs to double your XP, or Lure Modules and Incense to attract more Pokemon to your location. These items can significantly enhance your gameplay and speed up your progress.
Raid Passes and Remote Raid Passes
Raid Passes and Remote Raid Passes are particularly significant purchases. Raids offer the opportunity to catch rare and powerful Pokemon, but you can only participate in a limited number of raids for free each day. Buying extra Raid Passes allows you to join more raids, hence increasing your chances of acquiring rare Pokemon.
Adventure Boxes
Adventure Boxes, another purchasable item, come loaded with resources that can aid in gameplay. These boxes often include Poke Balls, Berries, Incubators, Star Pieces (which increase the Stardust you earn for a limited time), and more.
However, despite these advantages, it’s important to note that Pokemon Go can still be thoroughly enjoyed without spending a dime. The essence of the game—exploring your surroundings, catching Pokemon, making friends, and completing your Pokedex—remains entirely accessible to free-to-play users.
A level playing field can be maintained with a keen understanding of the game’s mechanics, strategic play, and regular participation. So whether you choose to invest money in the game or not, remember that at the heart of Pokemon Go lies the joy of exploration and the spirit of camaraderie among trainers.
Is Pokemon Go a Pay-to-Win Game?
The question of whether Pokemon Go is a “pay-to-win” game has been asked frequently since the game’s launch. This is largely due to the presence of microtransactions and in-app purchases, allowing players to spend real money to buy PokeCoins, which can be used to purchase various items and resources within the game.
However, categorizing Pokemon Go strictly as a pay-to-win game may not do it justice. Yes, spending money can give players certain advantages and speed up their progress, but the core mechanics and enjoyment of the game do not necessitate it.
The essence of Pokemon Go is exploration and catching Pokemon, which are activities that are fundamentally free. You can catch Pokemon, earn XP, participate in battles, defend or attack gyms, and complete your Pokedex, all without spending any real money. You can also earn PokeCoins, the game’s premium currency, by defending gyms, so even premium items aren’t exclusively reserved for paying players.
Microtransactions in Pokemon Go can be viewed as ‘pay-for-convenience’ rather than ‘pay-to-win’. Buying additional Incubators, for example, can help you hatch more eggs simultaneously, but it doesn’t guarantee the quality of the Pokemon you’ll get. Similarly, buying Raid Passes allows you to participate in more raids, but it doesn’t guarantee your success in those raids.
The game also relies heavily on real-world exploration, community participation, and strategy. No amount of money can replace the experience of exploring your local surroundings, collaborating with other trainers during raid battles, or the thrill of finding a rare Pokemon in the wild. Also, Pokemon battles, both in gyms and raids, require a strategic understanding of Pokemon types and move sets. Money can’t buy the satisfaction of strategically conquering a gym or successfully defeating a raid boss.
So, while spending money can speed up your progress and give you some advantages, it doesn’t guarantee success, nor does it significantly diminish the experience for free-to-play users. Pokemon Go is a game that emphasizes exploration, community, strategy, and a bit of luck, all of which remain accessible to all players, regardless of how much they spend. Thus, it’s safe to say that Pokemon Go, at its heart, isn’t a pay-to-win game. It’s a game that can be enjoyed by everyone, paying and non-paying players alike.
Is it Possible to Get Free PokeCoins in Pokemon Go?
Absolutely! It is indeed possible to earn PokeCoins, the premium currency in Pokemon Go, without spending any real money. While purchasing PokeCoins with real-world currency is an option, the game also provides a way for dedicated and strategic players to earn them for free.
The primary method to earn free PokeCoins is through gym defense. Here’s how it works:
Gym Defense and PokeCoins
In Pokemon Go, trainers can place one of their Pokemon in a friendly gym to defend it. For each minute your Pokemon defends a gym, you earn ‘Defender Bonus’ in the form of PokeCoins.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, trainers earn one PokeCoin for every 10 minutes their Pokemon is defending a gym, and they can earn a maximum of 50 PokeCoins per day across all gyms.
So, if your Pokemon manages to defend a gym for 500 minutes, which is a little over 8 hours, you’d earn the maximum 50 PokeCoins for that day. But remember, these PokeCoins aren’t automatically credited to your account.
To earn your PokeCoins, the Pokemon you placed in the gym has to be defeated and returned to you. Only then will you receive the PokeCoins based on the length of time your Pokemon defended the gym. This means if your Pokemon is incredibly strong and manages to defend a gym for several days, you’ll still only receive a maximum of 50 PokeCoins when it’s eventually defeated.
The system encourages active participation and strategy in choosing which gyms to defend and with which Pokemon. High turnover gyms may not allow your Pokemon to defend long enough to earn many coins, while lower turnover gyms might allow for a longer defense period.
While earning PokeCoins through gym defense does take time and effort, it adds an extra layer of challenge and strategy to the game. So, yes, it is entirely possible to earn free PokeCoins in Pokemon Go, provided you’re ready for a little bit of a battle!
Enhancing Your Journey with Pokemon Go Tips and Tricks
Whether you’re a new trainer starting your journey in the fascinating world of Pokemon Go or an experienced player looking to gain an edge, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome, fellow trainers, to a deep dive into a treasure trove of Pokemon Go tips and tricks that can truly enhance your gaming experience.
Pokemon Go has transcended the boundaries of a typical mobile game. By merging the captivating universe of Pokemon with real-world interactions, it has created a unique blend of exploration, excitement, and nostalgia. As trainers, we venture out into our neighborhoods, cities, and parks, with a common goal: to catch ’em all.
However, as simple as the premise sounds, Pokemon Go harbors a wealth of hidden mechanics and strategic elements beneath its surface. Understanding these can significantly bolster your gameplay, whether you aim to complete your Pokedex, dominate in battles and raids, or conquer local gyms.
The tips and tricks we’ll discuss here are designed to help players at every level. If you’re a newcomer, you’ll discover valuable strategies to fast-track your progress and avoid common pitfalls. If you’re a seasoned trainer, you’ll find advanced tactics to optimize your gameplay and amplify your effectiveness in battles and raids.
Remember, Pokemon Go is a journey—one filled with encounters, discoveries, and camaraderie. These tips and tricks are your companions, ready to enhance this fantastic adventure. So grab your Poke Balls and get ready. The world of Pokemon Go awaits!
Always Keep the App Open and Active
The first tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial. Pokemon Go is based on real-world interaction. The app must be open and active to count your steps, hatch eggs, or notify you about nearby Pokemon. So make sure you have a power bank on hand if you plan to embark on long Pokemon-catching expeditions. Remember, the adventure doesn’t stop until you say it does!
Make Friends and Trade
Pokemon Go is not just about catching Pokemon—it’s also about building a community. Make friends, join local groups, and trade Pokemon. This way, you can fill your Pokedex faster, earn more XP, and even get Pokemon with better stats. And, of course, there’s the simple joy of sharing this experience with others.
Take Advantage of Events
Niantic frequently hosts in-game events that offer bonuses and the chance to catch rare Pokemon. Keep an eye on these events and plan accordingly. They are the perfect opportunity to get a jumpstart on your progress.
Learn the Throw Curveball
It took me a while to get the hang of this, but trust me, it’s worth it. Throwing a curveball increases your chances of catching a Pokemon and earns you extra XP. Just swirl the Pokeball in a circular motion before you throw it. It might take some practice, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll be catching Pokemon left and right.
Utilize Lure Modules and Incense
Lure Modules and Incense are your best friends when it comes to attracting Pokemon. Lure Modules can be placed at PokeStops and draw Pokemon towards the location for 30 minutes, benefiting everyone around. Incense, on the other hand, lasts for an hour and only works for you. They are especially handy if you’re stuck in one place for a while.
Keep an Eye on Your Nearby Radar
Your nearby radar is a valuable tool for finding Pokemon. If you’re hunting for a particular Pokemon, keep an eye on the ‘Nearby’ list in the bottom right corner of your screen. It will show you what Pokemon are in your vicinity and even guide you to their location.
Evolve Your Pokemon Strategically
Evolution is more than just making your Pokemon stronger. When you evolve a Pokemon, you also earn a significant amount of XP. So, save your candies and perform multiple evolutions at once, preferably while using a Lucky Egg to double your XP.
Train Your Pokemon for Battles and Raids
Battles and Raids are an exciting part of Pokemon Go. They give you the chance to earn rare Pokemon and other rewards. Take note of your Pokemon’s type, stats, and moveset, and match them appropriately against opponents. Remember, a well-trained Pokemon with a lower CP can often outperform a higher CP Pokemon if it has the advantage in type and moveset.
Respect Your Surroundings
Always remember to be considerate of your surroundings while playing Pokemon Go. Remember that while you’re immersed in a world of fantastic creatures, the real world with its rules and responsibilities continues around you.
We also have many other tips and tricks for mobile games such as Real Racing 3, Raid Shadow Legends and Mario Kart Tour.
