Pokémon GO

Gameplay

Players can customize their avatars after creating an account, with the option of keeping the default avatar. Avatars are displayed on the game map according to the player's GPS location. The map features "PokéStops" and "Gyms"; players can equip PokéStops with "Lure Modules" to attract wild Pokémon, including potentially rare ones. Gyms serve as battle arenas for team-based king-of- the-hill matches. These locations are typically at points of interest and originally adapted from Ingress portals. Some Gyms and PokéStops have been placed in problematic locations, such as the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the abandoned Bagram Air Force Base. Since 2019, player submissions have also been included in these locations, subject to review by other players. Players' avatars move across the game map to reflect their real-world location as they explore their surroundings. Different Pokémon species appear in various regions worldwide, with Water-type Pokémon typically found near bodies of water. When players encounter a Pokémon, they can view it against a live-rendered background or in augmented reality (AR) mode. AR mode uses the camera and gyroscope on the player's mobile device to display a Pokémon as if it were present in the real world. Players can capture screenshots, called "Snapshots", of the Pokémon they encounter, regardless of whether the AR feature is enabled. The game is free to play but offers in-app purchases for items such as Incense, Lure Modules, and Lucky Eggs, which enhance gameplay. These items can be purchased with PokéCoins or real money. Incense attracts Pokémon for 60 minutes, Lure Modules attract Pokémon to a PokéStop for 30 minutes, and Lucky Eggs double experience points for 30 minutes. Pokémon have Combat Power (CP), which measures their battle strength; higher CP Pokémon become more challenging to catch as players level up. The "Appraisal" feature helps users evaluate their Pokémon's strength.