“Pokémon Go” tips
Although “Pokémon Go” has exploded in popularity, its developer, Niantic, doesn’t offer much guidance on how to play. The app simply sends players off to collect pocket monsters, telling them little about battles, lures or possible interactions with other players. So here are five “Pokémon Go” tips to help you get the most out of your experience with the game:
1. Equipment: The No. 1 thing you need for a day of hunting is a battery pack. Since you’ll be constantly checking your screen, extra juice is vital not just for the game but for calling someone to get a ride or finding a bite to eat. You’ll also want wear bright clothing or a Team Mystic shirt so people can see you while you’re playing.
2. Use battery saver mode: It automatically dims the screen when the phone is upside down. Ideally, however, you will hold the phone while walking around. When you come across a Pokémon, gym or Pokéstop, the phone should vibrate. When you raise it to look at the screen, it should light up with relevant information.
3. Look for spaces with lures: If you want to catch tons of Pokémon, these are where you’ll find them. Lures are identified by fuchsia-colored cherry blossoms raining on a Pokéstop. They are activated by players or businesses to attract tons of Pokémon — and players, too, of course. Find a wideopen, well-lit spot with a group of players and hang out there to catch Pokémon. If you have incense, use it. Reportedly, it helps draw more Pokémon.
4. Capture anything you find: No, those Pidgeys and Rattatas don’t look appealing, but to heighten your chances of getting the more powerful Pokémon, you should level up quickly. Catching Pokémon earns you candy and Stardust. Collecting enough of each enables you to strengthen weak Pokémon, and collect points, too. Before powering up those Pokémon, activate a Lucky Egg to boost the number of points you’ll earn.
5. Try teamwork: If a Pokémon with 2,600 combat power sits on a gym, don’t be intimidated. By collaborating with other players, you can take down that Dragonite. Holding a gym for roughly a day earns you 10 PokéCoins and 500 in Stardust units. The rewards and bragging rights are well worth the effort.