Contents
What Are Pokémon GO Routes?
Routes are a new exploration-based feature in Pokémon GO that allow trainers to walk along designated paths to earn exclusive rewards, including:
- Zygarde Cells – Used to upgrade Zygarde into its Complete Form
- XP, Stardust, & Items – For completing a Route
- Route Badges – Track completed Routes
Each Route is created by players, submitted for approval, and once approved, other trainers can follow them.
How to Find & Follow a Route
If Routes are available in your area, here’s how to find and use them:
1️⃣ Tap the “Nearby” Menu
- Open the Pokémon GO app and tap on the Nearby Pokémon Menu (bottom-right).
- Slide over to the Routes Tab (next to Pokémon & Raid tabs).
2️⃣ Select a Route
- If Routes are available, you’ll see a list of nearby Routes.
- Tap on one to view details such as distance, duration, and start location.
3️⃣ Start Walking the Route
- Navigate to the start point and tap “Follow” to begin.
- A blue path will highlight your progress.
4️⃣ Complete the Route
- Walk along the path until you reach the finish line (marked with a red flag).
- Earn XP, Stardust, and rewards upon completion.
📌 Tip: You cannot complete the same Route twice in one day, but you can do multiple different Routes daily.
How to Create a Route in Pokémon GO
If you can’t find any Routes nearby, you may want to create your own. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Travel to a PokéStop or Gym
- You must be physically near a PokéStop or Gym to start a new Route.
2️⃣ Select “Create Route”
- Open the PokéStop or Gym menu and tap “Create a Route”.
- Choose this location as your starting point.
3️⃣ Walk & Record Your Route
- Walk your desired path (avoid doubling back or going too far off-course).
- Follow natural walking trails like parks, riversides, or city paths.
- End the Route at a different PokéStop or Gym.
4️⃣ Submit for Approval
- Once you finish recording, add a name and description.
- Pokémon GO reviews and approves Routes, which can take time.
- You can submit up to 4 Routes per week, but not all will be approved.
⚠️ Approval Tips:
✔ Create Routes in parks, walking trails, or scenic areas.
✔ Keep the Route engaging but not too long.
✔ Avoid unusual or unnecessary turns.
How to Get Zygarde Cells in Pokémon GO
Zygarde Cells are green glowing items found along Routes. Collecting them is the key to forming Zygarde’s Complete Form.
Steps to Find Zygarde Cells
1️⃣ Follow an Active Route
2️⃣ Look for Green Glowing Objects on the Map
3️⃣ Tap the Zygarde Cells to Collect Them
How Many Zygarde Cells Do You Need?
🔹 10 Cells → Unlock Zygarde 10% Forme
🔹 50 Cells → Evolve to Zygarde 50% Forme
🔹 100 Cells → Unlock Zygarde Complete Forme
📌 Important: Many trainers haven’t found Zygarde Cells yet because they may only appear during special events (e.g., the “Blaze New Trails” event starting soon).
Common Issues with Pokémon GO Routes
⚠️ “No Nearby Routes Found”
✔ Routes are player-created, so they may not exist in every area yet.
✔ Try checking densely populated areas, parks, or city centers.
✔ If no Routes exist, create your own!
⚠️ “Error Completing Route”
✔ This is likely a bug—restart the app and try again.
✔ Ensure you’ve fully walked the entire Route.
⚠️ “Zygarde Cells Not Appearing”
✔ Zygarde Cells may only spawn during events (check the “Blaze New Trails” event).
✔ Try multiple different Routes to increase chances.
Final Thoughts: Is the Routes Feature Worth Using?
✔ Pros:
✅ Encourages exploration & walking
✅ Provides free XP, Stardust, & rewards
✅ A fun way to interact with the community
✅ Essential for getting Zygarde
❌ Cons:
❌ Limited Routes available (until more are created)
❌ Buggy launch (some players experience errors)
❌ Zygarde Cells are difficult to find