With the Pokemon Buddy System being released, there is a lot of perplexity in the atmosphere. So, here are a few things you need to know about the new Pokemon Buddy System:

1. Each Pokemon that you select as your buddy has a specific candy that is meant for that particular Pokemon. For example, if you want to be like Ash and select Pikachu as your buddy, you will stumble upon Pikachu-related candies.
2. Each Pokémon requires you to walk or creatively maneuver for a specific amount of distance. These distances are usually 1, 3, or 5 kilometers. Once you have completed the required distance, you will be awarded with the candies.

Thanks to The Silphroad, we are able to know how many kilometers are needed for each Pokemon to receive their respective candy:

3. The candies are used to evolve the particular Pokemon that candy is pertained to. For example, if you receive a Pikachu candy, it will only be used to evolve Pikachus into Raichus.
4. Once you have evolved a Pokemon, the amount of distance associated with that Pokemon is completely erased.
5. The Pokemons that have “unavailable km per candy rewards” are described as such due to their required km being unknown.

That sums up all you need to know. Happy Pokemon Go’ing!

In a previous article, I faintly discussed about the ethics of the way most people play Pokémon Go. The article was then ended by posing a question regarding your thoughts on these technological and creative practices used to hatch eggs. For for those of you who favor those methods of hatching eggs, I have quite the news for you. The news address the “speed rule” since there is a lot of confusion and/or ignorance about it.

If you skim through the official Pokémon Go support page, you’ll see the section that pertains to hatching eggs.  In that section, Niantic doesn’t provide concrete information, if not any information, as to how fast you can go to hatch your eggs – which leaves you puzzled considering that “speed rule” is implemented in the game. So I took the liberty in doing some observational research and came up with an answer. The speed limit is 15-20 mph.

Now, I know you are thinking that it is not concrete at all and you are correct, but there are two significant reasons as to why it is not concrete. These are:

1. There is no official statement on what exactly the speed limit is.
2. Due to mechanical error, the calibration for how many mph you can go up to may differ from person to person. (The number was not consistent)

I hope this serves as a “morning sun” to that “rain dance”.

It was not until recently at San Diego Comic Con, “The Comic Con”, that we received further news about what Niantic intends on doing in the future when it comes to Pokémon Go. This news update consisted of different aspects such as:

• New servers
• Expansion on the game’s inclusivity (More countries being able to have it in their systems.)
• The release of the legendary Pokémons
• Breeding
• Pokémon Trading
• Buddy system
• Bug Fixes (Who didn’t see that coming?)

However, I want to focus primarily on the Pokémon Trading and partially on the breeding aspects. It is important that I mention that from this point, the content of this article is speculative.

Upon the implementation of the Pokémon Go Trading system, it will of no surprise to find out that it is only limited to certain regions – considering that Pokémon Go is not available in most countries. In addition to that, there most likely will not be international trades. Reason being is because Niantic is a relatively small company when you consider that they only have two homerun hitters – Ingress and Pokémon Go. Not to mention, they are working on acquiring new servers – which means the amount of data and resources needed to operate an international system supersedes their capabilities. So, things are certainly looking grim for that goal, but it is worth mentioning that they are getting pampered by Google and Nintendo – which could make that goal more obtainable. (See statistics here.)

Another potential reason why initially there wouldn’t be international trade is simply the fact that that sort of move is very unprecedented in regards to Pokémon content. By that I mean Nintendo, the creators of Pokémon in its entirety, never immediately implemented an international trading system when it came to Pokémon games. It was always a progressive move to accomplish that goal. Nevertheless, the inclusion of Pokémon Go Trading system will completely change the standard of the game – especially when it breeding is added to Pokémon Go’s arsenal.

Now there is not much to talk about when it comes to how effective breeding is in a Pokémon game – especially if you’ve played the handheld Pokémon games, but if you did not, here are two main things to look forward to:

• Better Pokémon in circulation (higher IV stats)
• The creation of Pokémon Go’s Black Market

Note: This is not set in stone and is nothing more than speculations. Take this with a grain of salt.

With the recent release of Pokemon Go, it has completely altered the way of outdoor activities. Dare I say that it is revolutionary? That being said, Poke’ Goers have been able to fully utilize the exploratory requirement of the game – particularly in the case of hatching eggs which is obtainable at Poke Stops. There were and are many efficient and creative ways people have done this. Whether it is using a drone or any other creative hacks, everything is done for the benefit of gaining more and exerting less effort – which is essentially the same idea or motive for the progression in technology. Though, people have not become too creative by the ignoring what I would call the “speed rule” – which is basically a mechanism that the developers placed to ensure some level of difficulty of hatching eggs.

Being aware of this makes you think of the motives and experiences that would enable Poke Goers to seek out alternatives to walking. Of course, there are numerous of reasons such as not having the time to walk, trying to win a competition of who can catch em’ all, being lazy, or maximizing efficiency. All of these are most likely the motives behind seeking alternatives. The question is does it defeat the purpose of what the game was designed for? Or how the game is meant to be played?

Surely, we can conclude that the game was designed for by simply reading Niantic’s blog, but what about how it is meant to be played? This is a topic that is certainly up for debate. One could say that it is meant to be played like how it is portrayed in the anime. Another can say that the way it is portrayed is unrealistic.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have Pikachu or Charizard, walk right along side you as you walked to the supermarket or just hung out at the park? What it would be like, to have your favorite Pokemon as an everyday companion in your day to day life? Well, wonder no more my fellow Pokehunters. Niantic, the power house company behind Pokemon Go, has just confirmed the rumor, that a new “Buddy” system will be implemented sometime this fall. Allowing that dream to become a reality.

This new feature will allow you to take your favorite Pokemon with you anywhere and everywhere you wish. And, you aren’t limited to only one Pokemon either. You will be able to switch them out as you please. But, you will only be able to have one with you at any given moment. If you feel that Pikachu best suits your walks in the park and Charizard best fits your morning walk, then you will be entitled to do just so.

By allowing your Pokemon to walk with you, you will be able to unlock “Unique in-game rewards and experiences”, from what Niantic says. One feature that has been announced, allows you to gain candy for the Pokemon you have walking along side you. Essentially, it is the same aspect as hatching an egg. The further you walk, the more you obtain for said task. More than likely though, Niantic will put a limit on how much candy each Pokemon can acquire in a 24 hour period. Doing this, will stop your more active and athletic players, from becoming extremely overpowered, in a relatively short span of time.
On the visual side of things, you will also be able to see your Pokemon traveling along side your on screen avatar. This will be a very interesting to see. For, it will show the relative size of each Pokemon compared to the average size of a human. Also, depending upon the Pokemon, their movement style will also change their animations as well. Butterfree will fly side by side with you, while Pikachu would just hobble along in his merry little way. Whether or not earth or water type Pokemon, will have their own style of visuals, is still to be seen. In my opinion, it would be really neat to see Geodude burst out of the ground and dive back in as if he was a dolphin at play. Now, how they will address the water type Pokemon visuals, is going to be interesting, to say the least.
What do you think about this new feature? Anything you would like to see implemented? Any interesting takes on what the animations of different base types should be? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear your personal take on it.
And, as always… GO TEAM MYSTIC!!

Beginners Corner: Have you noticed those pink leaves surrounding some Pokestops and wondered what it meant? Well, it means that someone has used a “Lure Module” on that specific Pokestop. This causes more Pokemon to flock to that certain area, increasing your chances at acquiring that rare Pokemon you been keeping your eye out for.

In July of 2016, Pokemon Go was released to the public and took the world by storm. Since then, it has acquired 5 world records, countless amounts of controversy and has caused mass gatherings of gamers unlike anything that we have ever seen before. Not only has it surpassed expectations, it has taken communities of like-minded Pokemon lovers and made them into a family, and that family, has a few secrets to share. And it just so happens to be, that one of those secrets involves the cutest little Pokemon you will ever see. Eevee…
Not only is Eevee the cutest, but also, the only Pokemon capable of evolving into 3 different types. An electric type (Jolteon), a water type (Vapereon) and a fire type (Flareon). The chances of your Eevee evolving into your favorite, is only 33.33%. I know what you’re saying… “So, I have to catch 3, and hope and pray that just one of those evolves into Jolteon?” And to that, I say nay my fellow Pokemaster!! How, do you ask? Simple… nickname it. And no, I don’t mean nickname it Fido, Killer or Bobby Sue. The name you choose is very specific for the base type you want her to evolve into.
Before we get into the base type and the name associated with it though, let’s talk about how to nickname Eevee. First, go into your Pokemon list and find her. Once you have selected Eevee, just tap on the pencil icon next to her name and you’re all set. Easy breezy so far, right?
Okay… Now that you’re ready, you’re going to want to change her name depending upon the evolution you want her to go through. For Jolteon, you must give Eevee the nickname, Sparky. If you’re feeling hot and want to go with her fire type evolution, Pyro is the nickname you must use. And last but not least, for her water type evolution you’re going to want to nickname her Rainer.

(Location of your nickname button)

Once you have done this, your next step is to simply restart Pokemon Go. That’s right… Just a simple restart. Once you have done this, go back into your Pokemon list and find the Eevee you nicknamed, evolve her and your all set.

(Photo courtesy of VGU)

(From left to right: Jolteon, Pyro and Rainer)
By being able to control which type she evolves into, this gives you the capabilities of a well rounded team, with little effort and a bunch of hitting power. But, you will always want to level up your Pokemon before evolving. This allows you to have an extremely high CP base before evolution. By doing this, you allow the evolved form to start off stronger and to be way more efficient in your never ending battle for domination over your local gyms. And that my friend, is how you evolve the cutest little Pokemon, we will ever set eyes on.
Before I go, I must say one last thing… Go Team Mystic!

Beginners Corner: Are you tired of running out of Pokeballs during your adventures? Does it make you want to cry when that rare Pokemon you been chasing finally comes around and you are left with nothing to do, but watch, as it laughs at you for not being prepared? Well, worry no more my fellow Pokemasters! Simply tap the Pokeball if it misses the Pokemon you’re trying to catch. This allows you to pick it back up and use it again. By utilizing this technique, you will maintain a lot more of them, giving you that little extra you need, to catch ’em all.