What are Routes in Pokemon Go? How to make a Route, bonuses & more

Pokemon Go players worldwide have created millions of Routes and you can get exciting freebies by exploring them. From their bonuses to level requirements to submission, here’s everything to know about Routes in Pokemon Go.

Pokemon Go introduced Routes to help you get Zygarde Cells and Gifts as well as learn about the common paths used by fellow trainers. Pokemon exclusive to your area also show up more often on Routes, and ignoring this mechanic can very well hinder your progress.

Since their release, Pokemon Go developers have constantly worked on improving Routes and making them more accessible to the massive community. On top of that, several quality-of-life improvements like notifications and better rewards have been promised for future updates.

On that note, here’s everything to know about Pokemon Go Routes, including how to make and find them, the level requirements, and bonuses.

• Pokemon Go Routes explained
• How to make a Route in Pokemon Go
• What level is required to create Routes?
• What are Zygarde Cells?
• Pokemon Go Routes bonuses

Pokemon Go Routes explained

Pokemon Go Routes allow you to create walking paths to show off interesting sights in your location, bringing a new way in which you can experience the AR game, with a focus on community-created content.

You can submit your Routes through Pokemon Go and wait for Niantic’s approval to set it in the game. While Niantic explains that the review process can take up to 24 hours, it can take longer in some cases.

How to make a Route in Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go players can make a Route by choosing a PokeStop or a Gym as a starting point and then mapping their route. If you’re still unsure how to do it, follow this step-by-step guide which was shared by Niantic:

1. Head to the PokeStop or Gym you want as the starting point.
2. Go to the Nearby menu and select the Route tab.
3. Make the landmark your starting point and select your endpoint. The latter can be changed as you record the Route.
4. Hit record to begin mapping your Route.
5. Fill out some info about your Route, then submit it for review.
6. Once accepted, Trainers can follow your Route!

Every Pokemon Go Route starts and ends at a point of interest, which can be a PokeStop or a Gym.

If you’re looking to explore Routes created by others, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Open Pokemon Go and tap on the Nearby menu in the bottom-right corner.
2. Check the Route tab to see local Routes.
3. Choose one Route.
4. Follow the Route and enjoy exploring!

What level is required to create Routes in Pokemon Go?

Only players level 37 and above can create Routes in Pokemon Go. However, you can explore as many Routes as you want regardless of level. Another thing to note is that trainers playing with a Trainer Club or Niantic Kids account cannot access Routes.

What are Zygarde Cells in Pokemon Go?

You can get special encounters while exploring Routes including a special item known as Zygarde Cell. These items can be collected with the Zygarde Cube and are used to change Zygarde’s form.

Legendary Pokemon Zygarde can change its appearance based on the number of Zygarde Cells you have in the Zygarde Cube.

Pokemon Go Routes bonuses

While exploring Routes, Pokemon Go players can enjoy the following bonuses:

• Follow a Route to its end for the first time to earn a new Route Badge.
• Earn Buddy Candy more quickly.
• Pokemon will be more attracted to Incense when you’re exploring a Route for the first time.
• Earn an XP bonus for the first Route you complete each day. After completing Routes for seven days, you’ll receive an increased XP bonus.
• Earn a Buddy Heart when you complete a Route while adventuring with your buddy!

That’s all you need to know about Pokemon Go Routes. For more Pokemon Go content, check some of our other guides:

What are Adventure Effects in Pokemon Go? | How to connect Pokemon Go to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to heal Pokemon in Pokemon Go | How many Pokemon are there? | How to get revives in Pokemon Go | How to get the Master Ball in Pokemon Go | How to get Frigibax in Pokemon Go: Evolution & can it be shiny?