Pokemon GO Routes: A Complete Guide (2025)

Since their introduction in mid-2023, Pokemon GO Routes have transformed how trainers explore their surroundings. These custom-made paths have become an essential part of the game, offering unique rewards and experiences. From collecting mysterious Zygarde Cells to earning unique badges and discovering hidden gems, this feature has added a whole new dimension to how we experience Pokemon GO. Keep reading to learn everything about Pokemon GO routes here:

What Are Pokemon GO Routes

Routes are custom walking paths in Pokemon GO that connect PokeStops and Gyms. Think of them as recommended paths other players or Niantic created that show you interesting places to explore while playing the game. Each Route has a clear starting point marked with a blue flag and an endpoint marked with a red flag.

When you follow a Route, you’ll see a colored path on your map showing exactly where to go. As you walk, the path fills in with color, so you can easily track your progress. Routes typically take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on their length and how often you stop to catch Pokemon or battle at gyms.

How to Create a Pokemon GO Route

Let’s first begin by creating a Pokemon GO route so you can map out your own path and share it with others. Pokemon GO allows players above level 35 to create various routes. Furthermore, routes must be between 0.5 to 20 km. To create a Pokemon GO route, follow the steps below.

• Visit a Pokestop or Gym and open the Route menu.
• Here, choose any one of the above as your starting point.
• Select another Pokestop or Gym as your route endpoint and tap “Record.”
• Now begin walking with the game open and get to your endpoint.
• Once done, insert info about your route and submit it for review.

If your Pokemon GO route is accepted, fellow trainers will be able to walk it for rewards and boosts. Furthermore, try to choose a safe route, as unsafe ones get rejected. This means no route going through private property and shady areas will do.

How to Find Pokemon GO Routes

Besides creating them, you can also join Pokemon GO routes. Follow the steps below to learn how to do so:

• On the main screen, click on the “Nearby Pokemon” menu to open it. Once you open that, select the option “Route.” This will show every route near your general vicinity.
• Then, select the route from the Route menu. It will show you all the available routes. You can also reverse the route if you are at the endpoint already.
• Once you’ve decided on a route, select it by tapping the “Follow” button. The route will appear in a blue line. You don’t have to be on the line but should follow the general directions.
• A red flag with the distance written on it indicates the end. Once you reach it, you can exchange gifts with Mateo once per day and receive the route completion rewards.

2 / 6

And it’s that easy to join Pokemon GO Routes. So, if you see a route available near you, use it.

Pokemon GO Route Rewards and Benefits

While Pokemon GO routes might sound unnecessary, Niantic does reward trainers who do so. Routes offer several exciting bonuses that make them worth exploring. These are:

• Zygarde Cells: Keep an eye out for glowing green spots along your path. These Zygarde Cells are essential for changing Zygarde’s form in the “From A to Zygarde” unique research.
• Gift Exchange with Mateo: Near the end of each Route, you might meet Mateo, who offers to exchange gifts once daily. This feature lets you receive postcards from trainers worldwide, helping you collect different Vivillon forms.
• Route Badges: Completing a Route for the first time earns you a unique badge featuring an image from the path. Like gym badges, these can be leveled up by walking the exact Route multiple times, improving your rewards.
• Extra Spawns and Bonuses: While following Routes, you’ll notice increased Pokemon spawns (marked with a special Route symbol), faster buddy candy earning, and various items as completion rewards.

Routes work best when the whole community contributes. If you spot an interesting path in your area that would make a good Route, take some time to map it out and submit it.

Whether you’re hunting for Zygarde Cells, looking to exchange gifts with trainers from around the world, or simply wanting to make your daily Pokemon GO sessions more enjoyable, Routes offers a straightforward way to add more purpose to your walks.

In the comments below, let us know if you plan to use any Pokemon GO routes or actively walk on one.