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Pokémon Go is now available on Android and iOS to a select group of users. Among those with access are Australians, New Zealanders, people in Japan and North American beta testers, all of whom are coming together to teach the Pokémon Go-less how to play the game before they get their hands on it.
Some of us on staff are currently playing Pokémon Go for ourselves, and we're happy to share what we've learned thus far with those less fortunate. Follow along below for the answers to some of the most pressing Pokémon Go questions — and let us know in the comments if you have any others.
[Update: If you happen to be in the "what's a Pokémon" stage of your investigation, we've made an additional guide: Six Pokémon Go tips for the ultimate beginner. Read that, then come back here!]
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Pokémon Go isn't about catching 'em all — it's about catching them together
How do I log into the game?
There are two options for logging into Pokémon Go. The easier method is to use an existing Google account. Otherwise, players can either sign in with or sign up for a Pokémon Trainer Club account, which comes with added privileges. These include a subscription to a monthly newsletter, which sometimes offers download codes for rare Pokémon.
Can I name and customize my trainer?
You sure can! Nicknames must only be spelled with letters and numbers, and if you have a common name, you may already be out of luck: There are no duplicates allowed. (To whoever already took the name "Allegra," we've got our eye on you.)
Naming aside, there are several skin tones, hair colors and outfits to choose from. The selection is slightly less varied than what's available in Pokémon X and Y, for reference.
Do I get a starter Pokémon?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Once your trainer has a name, Professor Willow — this game's leading Pokémon scholar — will walk you through catching Pokémon. He doesn't outright give you a starter, instead directing you to the open map around you, where a Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle appear out of nowhere. Trainers can choose which of the three they want to catch and, at the conclusion of the world's easiest battle, whoever they picked will now be theirs.
There's a secret fourth starter Pokémon, however. If Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle aren't quite your speed, there's a way to choose Pikachu instead. The method, which involves walking away from the initial trio multiple times, is a little bit complicated, but if Pikachu's your favorite, it may be worth the effort. Check out our breakdown on what you have to do to start the game with Pikachu for more.
This is the biggest change from the recent beta, which some of us tried and didn't quite love late last month. In that version of the game, testers embarked upon their Pokémon journeys unaccompanied.
Sweet! Can I name my Pokémon?
Yep. No worries if you forget to do so once you catch one; you can always go into the Pokémon section of the menu and edit your monsters' names.
