Pokémon GO
A location-based game that turns walks around your neighbourhood into hunts for Pokémon
by Scopely Explore, Inc. · listed Oct 21, 2026
Quick verdict
Worth installing if you walk regularly or have local players to join for raids; less rewarding if you live somewhere quiet or dislike constant purchase prompts.
Best for Pokémon fans and casual players who want a game that gets them walking outside
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 21, 2026. How we review
Pokémon GO review
Pokémon GO puts Pokémon on a real-world map. You walk around your town, catch creatures that appear near you, spin PokéStops for items and take on Gyms and Raid Battles at local landmarks. It suits Pokémon fans, people who want a reason to get out and walk more, and anyone who likes a casual game they can play with friends or strangers nearby.
Day to day it works best in short bursts: a few catches on a commute, a longer session on a weekend walk, the occasional group raid. Adventure Sync can count steps through your phone's health data while the app is closed, so eggs and buddy rewards keep progressing in the background. How much there is to do depends on where you live. Cities have plenty of stops and players, while rural areas can feel thin.
Why we picked it: It is still the best-known game for getting people outside and moving, with regular events and a large active community.
Watch out for: In-game purchases are pushed hard around raids and events, the game drains battery and data quickly, and you need GPS and a mobile connection for it to work properly.
What we like
- Encourages real walking, with background step tracking via Adventure Sync
- Raids and community events give a reason to play with others nearby
- Core game is free to download and play
- Long-running game with frequent updates and seasonal content
What could be better
- Heavy battery and mobile data use during play
- Much less to do in rural or sparsely populated areas
- Paid items like raid passes are promoted constantly
- Built for phones; tablets and Wi-Fi-only devices are not well supported
Questions about Pokémon GO
Is Pokémon GO free?
Yes, it is free to download and play. It sells optional in-game items such as raid passes and storage upgrades.
Which devices does it run on?
It is available for iPhone and Android phones. The developer says it is optimized for smartphones, and devices without GPS or that rely only on Wi-Fi may not work properly.
Can I play offline?
No. The game needs a network connection and location services to show nearby Pokémon and stops.
Does it track my steps when the app is closed?
Only if you turn on Adventure Sync, which uses Apple Health or the Android equivalent with your permission to log walking distance.
Is it suitable for kids?
It is rated 9+ on the App Store and Everyone on Google Play. Since it involves walking around in public, younger players should be supervised and parents should keep an eye on in-app purchases.
From the developer: how Pokémon GO describes itself
Join Trainers across the globe who are discovering Pokémon as they explore the world around them. Pokémon GO is the global gaming sensation that has been downloaded over 1 billion times and named “Best Mobile Game” by the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year” by TechCrunch. _______________
UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards!
COMPETE in epic Gym battles and...
TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles! It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO! _______________
With the player’s permission, Adventure Sync uses the Health app to enable the player to earn walking distance when the app is closed.
Notes: - This app is free-to-play and offers in-game purchases. It is optimized for smartphones, not tablets. - It is recommended to play while connected to a network in order to obtain accurate location information. - Compatibility is not guaranteed for devices without GPS capabilities or devices that are connected only to Wi-Fi networks. - Compatibility information may be changed at any time. - Information current as of July 11, 2019. - Compatible with iPhone® 5s / SE / 6 / 6s / 6 Plus / 6s Plus / 7 / 7 Plus / 8 / 8 Plus / X devices with iOS Version 9 or later installed. - Not compatible with 5th generation iPod Touch devices or iPhone 5c or earlier iPhone devices. - Please visit PokemonGO.com for additional compatibility information. - Compatibility is not guaranteed for all devices. - Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically reduce battery life.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
Reviews (0)
Be the first to review.