In Pokémon GO, you can create routes. How does this work and what are they good for? We summarize all the important details.
What are routes in Pokémon GO? The routes were introduced in summer 2023. These consist of specific paths from one PokéStop to another PokéStop. These can be created and walked by trainers.
Once a route is released, all trainers can find and walk it in the game to secure rewards.
But how do you actually create such a route? We summarize it for you here.
How to create a route in Pokémon GO – Requirements, Process
What level do I need for a route? If you want to create a route, you must currently be at least level 37. Anyone can use routes that have already been created.
How do I create a route? Essentially, you have to choose a route path, walk it, describe it, and submit it. Then it will be evaluated by Niantic and approved if it is accepted.
In detail, it works like this:
- Click on “Create New Route” in the “Nearby” menu at the bottom right.
- Select a starting point for your route.
- Select a destination point.
- Now you need to conduct a “recording” of the route by walking it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to film anything.
- After completing the path, you need to assign a title and a description as well as tags for the route.
- Now submit the route.
- Now wait for approval by Niantic. Check back occasionally to see if it is now active.
Having trouble creating a route?
Unfortunately, it occasionally happens that routes remain in the review process for a long time or are even rejected. Especially during the early days of routes, it sometimes took a very long time for them to appear.
Currently, there is no official approval time.
Modifying routes: When you switch to your trainer menu, you can see your created routes there. If they have been rejected, a corresponding note will appear underneath.
A justification may also be given, such as that it does not comply with route guidelines. This can happen, for example, if the route is assessed as “private residential properties,” or something similar.
You can appeal here if you consider it a mistake. For some routes, modification is also possible, allowing you to resubmit them.
You can find tips on what to pay attention to when creating here.
How do I start a route? First, you need to find a route. You can use either the “Nearby” view at the bottom right or the Campfire app for that.
Then go to the starting PokéStop of the route and activate it there. You must then walk it all the way to the destination PokéStop to finish it.
Caution when creating: According to Niantic’s description, your Pokémon GO account may be blocked if you submit routes too often that do not comply with the guidelines. So don’t act irresponsibly here.
What can you use routes for?
What benefits do routes bring? The routes provide you with Pokémon spawns and two different, special rewards:
- You can find the rare Zygarde cells on routes.
- At the end of a route, you can meet the researcher Mateo. He exchanges gifts with you, which you can use for the postcard book and Vivillon.
How do I find a route? You can either check the “Nearby” view at the bottom right and scroll over to the routes, or you can use the Campfire app.
What experiences have you had with routes so far? After all, the possibility has been around for a while now: The feature was released in summer 2023. Have you created routes since then? Were they approved, rejected, or are you still waiting for approval? And where did you encounter problems? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
