10 Best Beginner Tips And Tricks for Pokemon GO

Pokémon GO has been capturing players around the world since its launch, blending the classic thrill of catching Pokémon with real-world exploration. Whether you’re new to the game or returning after a long break, getting started can feel a bit overwhelming with so many features, events, and systems in place. From choosing your starter to battling in raids, there’s a lot to learn. In this guide, we’ve put together 10 of the best beginner tips and tricks to help you level up faster, catch smarter, and make the most of your Pokémon GO adventure.

#10: Master Catching Pokémon

Catching Pokémon is at the heart of Pokémon GO, and doing it well makes a big difference. Use curveballs for bonus XP and higher catch chances—just spin the Poké Ball in a circle before throwing. Aim for the colored ring (especially when it’s small) to land “Nice,” “Great,” or “Excellent” throws for even more rewards. Also, don’t waste Poké Balls on everything—focus on Pokémon you need for your Pokédex, evolutions, or events. The better you get at catching, the faster you’ll level up and fill out your collection.

#9: Understand Pokémon Types

Knowing type matchups is key if you want to win battles and catch stronger Pokémon. Every Pokémon has one or two types—like Fire, Water, Grass, Electric—and each type has strengths and weaknesses. For example, Water is strong against Fire but weak against Electric. This matters not just in battles, but also when choosing which Pokémon to power up or use in raids. Learning type advantages will help you deal more damage, take less in return, and make smarter decisions during Gym battles, Team Rocket fights, and PvP matches.

#8: Evolve Pokémon Wisely

It can be tempting to evolve every new Pokémon you catch, but doing so without a plan can waste valuable resources like Candy and Stardust. Focus on evolving Pokémon with high IVs (strong stats), useful battle potential, or those needed to complete your Pokédex. Save your evolutions for when you activate a Lucky Egg—this doubles your XP for 30 minutes and makes mass evolutions a great way to level up quickly. Be patient, collect enough Candy, and evolve with a purpose for the best long-term results.

#7: Manage Your Inventory

Keeping your item and Pokémon storage organized is key to making progress in Pokémon GO. Don’t hold onto everything—transfer low-IV or duplicate Pokémon to free up space, especially if they don’t have battle potential. For items, prioritize essentials like Poké Balls, Berries, Revives, and Potions. Discard extras of things you rarely use, especially if you’re running out of room. As you level up, consider expanding your storage with coins earned from gyms. A clean, well-managed inventory helps you stay ready for events, raids, and unexpected catches.

#6: Battle Smart in Gyms and Raids

Jumping into battles without a plan can cost you time and resources. When battling in Gyms or Raids, always consider type advantages, dodge when needed, and choose Pokémon with strong movesets and good durability. Use your best counters—like Electric-types for Water raids or Fighting-types for Normal gyms—to maximize damage. Don’t just rely on your strongest CP Pokémon; sometimes lower-CP ones with the right type can do better. And always heal your team after a fight—you never know when you’ll need them again. Battling smart is the key to winning more and wasting less.

#5: Explore Different Locations

One of the best parts of Pokémon GO is that it rewards real-world exploration. Different types of Pokémon spawn in different areas—parks, beaches, cities, and rural zones all have unique spawn pools. Visiting new places also helps you discover more PokéStops and Gyms, collect valuable items, and complete certain research tasks. Some Pokémon are even region-specific, so traveling (even a few miles) can make a big difference in your collection. Get out there, explore safely, and you’ll find new Pokémon and better opportunities to progress.

#4: Use Lures and Incense

If you want to attract more Pokémon without walking too far, Lures and Incense are your best friends. Lures attach to PokéStops and attract Pokémon to that location for 30 minutes, making them great for stationary play or group sessions. Incense works wherever you are, drawing Pokémon to you even if you’re not moving much. Both are especially useful during events with boosted spawns or when hunting for specific types. Use them wisely—ideally during Lucky Egg XP boosts or timed research—and you’ll catch more Pokémon in less time.

#3: Add Friends and Trade

Adding friends in Pokémon GO unlocks a ton of benefits. You can send and receive gifts, earn bonus items, build friendship levels for extra XP, and even unlock damage boosts in raids when fighting alongside high-level friends. Once you’ve built enough friendship, you can also trade Pokémon, which helps complete your Pokédex and gives a chance for Lucky Pokémon—stronger and cheaper to power up. Be active with your friends list: send gifts daily, coordinate trades, and raid together for faster progress and better rewards.

#2: Participate in Events

Pokémon GO constantly hosts events that offer boosted spawns, special research tasks, limited-time rewards, and exclusive Pokémon. These events are some of the best opportunities to catch rare Pokémon, earn bonus XP and Stardust, and complete challenges you normally wouldn’t have access to. Whether it’s Community Day, Spotlight Hour, or seasonal events, joining in gives you a big edge as a beginner. Stay up to date on the in-game news or check the event calendar so you don’t miss out on limited-time chances to grow your collection and level up faster.

#1: Stay Safe While Playing

As fun and engaging as Pokémon GO is, safety should always come first. Since the game encourages you to walk around and explore, it’s easy to get distracted—so always stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid crossing streets without looking, don’t play while driving, and be mindful when visiting unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit, public places, especially when playing at night. It’s also a good idea to play with friends or let someone know where you’re going during longer sessions. Catching Pokémon is great—but staying safe is even better.

Conclusion

Getting started in Pokémon GO is an exciting journey, and with the right tips, you’ll be leveling up, catching rare Pokémon, and battling like a pro in no time. From mastering your throws and managing your inventory to exploring new areas and participating in events, these beginner tips are designed to help you build a strong foundation and enjoy the game to the fullest. Keep learning, stay active, and most importantly—have fun out there, Trainer!