Niantic has officially launched Routes, the latest feature in Pokémon GO. To celebrate the addition of Routes, trainers are invited to join the Blaze New Trails event starting today, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. (local time) until July 24 at 8:00 p.m. (local time). This event marks the official game debut of Zygarde.
In the event, trainers get an increased chance to encounter Shiny Yungoos. There's also the 2/3 distance needed to earn Buddy Candy while exploring Routes with the buddy.
Here are the other activities trainers can do during the event:
- These Pokémon appear more frequently in the wild:
- Growlithe
- Ponyta
- Doduo
- Lillipup
- Blitzle
- Yungoos
- These Pokémon hatch from 7 km Eggs:
- Rockruff
- Skwovet
- Falinks
- Yungoos is available to encounter after completing Field Research tasks.
- Encounter Zygarde in the Special Research story From A to Zygarde.
Discover Routes
As mentioned, Routes are a new way to explore the community while enjoying the game. Here are some quick details to remember:
- Make a Route
- Choose a PokéStop or Gym to be the starting point.
- Hit record to begin mapping the Route.
- Fill out some info about the Route and submit it for review.
- Once accepted, trainers can follow the Route created.
- Exploring a Route
- Check the Route tab from the Nearby menu to see local Routes.
- Choose one.
- Follow the Route and enjoy exploring.
- Bonuses for Exploring Routes
- Follow a Route to its end for the first time to earn a new Route Badge.
- Earn Buddy Candy more quickly.
- Pokémon are more attracted to Incense when exploring a Route for the first time.
- Earn an XP bonus for the first Route completed each day.
- After completing Routes for seven days, receive an increased XP bonus.
- Earn a Buddy Heart when completing a Route while adventuring with a buddy.
Zygarde Cell
While going through different Routes, trainers should also keep their eyes peeled for a Zygarde Cell, which makes up Zygarde. Trainers can collect Zygarde Cells in their Zygarde Cube and use them to change the form of Zygarde.
Pokémon GO is available on Android and iOS.
