Pokemon Go introduced the Routes feature in 2023 which gives trainers some helpful bonuses for exploring.
Niantic provided Pokemon Go players with a lot of new content in the last quarter of 2023, such as PokeStop Showcases and the Routes feature.
Routes were originally added to Pokemon Go during the Blaze New Trials event and have remained in the game ever since. They deliver a new element to gameplay and can also provide players with exciting bonuses when made.
Here’s exactly how to make Routes in Pokemon Go.
How to make a Route in Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go players can make public Routes to show off their favorite real-world sights to others.
Routes are paths created by trainers that can show off a fun new trail or interesting sights scattered around real-world locations.
On January 10, 2024, Niantic announced that the entry level to create Routes will be level 37, compared to the previous level 40 requirement.
Trainers, we have lowered the entry level for Route Creation to level 37 from level 40. This means any account level 37 and up can enjoy Route Creation from today.
— Niantic Support (@NianticHelp) January 10, 2024
Aside from the level 37 requirement, creating Routes in the game is fairly simple and trainers can do so by following the steps below:
- Choose a PokéStop or Gym to be your starting point.
- Hit record to begin mapping your Route.
- Fill out some info about your Route, then submit it for review.
- Once accepted, Trainers can follow your Route!
Each Route has to be submitted for review before it can actually be implemented into the game for other players to see, so make sure your Route is as fleshed out and polished as possible before submitting it.
How to explore Routes in Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go trainers can see and explore Routes easily through the ‘Nearby’ screen.
Exploring a Route in the game is just as simple as creating one yourself, and can be done using a new menu option added to the ‘Nearby’ screen. Additionally, there is no level requirement needed to explore a Route, only to create one.
Trainers can explore Routes by following these steps:
- Check the Route tab from the Nearby menu to see local Routes.
- Choose one that catches your eye.
- Follow the Route and enjoy exploring!
The ‘Nearby’ screen is the same menu system where trainers can find nearby Pokemon and Raids to take part in.
Bonuses for exploring Routes in Pokemon Go
Trainers can earn a variety of bonuses for exploring Routes in Pokemon Go.
Players can also earn bonuses for exploring new Routes while playing. First up, trainers can earn the new Route Badge by completely following a Route to its end for the first time. At the time of writing, it’s unclear if these Route Badges will have multiple different tiers or variations.
Trainers can also earn the following bonuses while traveling on a Route:
- Earn Buddy Candy more quickly.
- Earn an XP Bonus for the first Route completed each day.
- Completing Routes for seven days will earn an increased XP bonus.
- Earn a Buddy Heart for your current buddy Pokemon upon completing a Route.
Additionally, using Incense while exploring a Route for the first time will cause more wild Pokemon to be attracted to your current locations.
And that’s everything Pokemon Go trainers need to know about creating Routes in the monster-catching mobile game!