Breaking: Routes & Zygarde come to Pokémon GO

"Blaze New Trails" event begins tomorrow

Author

Cooltrainer Ace
July 20, 2023 • Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

Wouldn’t you know that 5 minutes before this week’s email goes out, Pokémon GO announces the new Routes feature? Consider this a bonus email, sort of like the complimentary Premier Ball from the PokéMart, except much more useful.

Introducing Pokémon GO routes (and Zygarde)

Here’s the rundown on everything involving the new Routes feature and Blaze New Trails event, running Friday, July 21, at 10 a.m. local time to Monday, July 24, at 8 p.m. local time.

How Routes work

Routes are created by you and your fellow trainers. Like gyms, you can earn badges by exploring new routes. You’ll also earn buddy candy more quickly, and Pokémon are more attracted to Incense when you explore a Route for the first time.

The first Route you complete each day rewards an XP bonus. Completing Routes for 7 days also gives an increased XP bonus. Your buddy gives a Heart when you complete a Route with them.

You can make a route by choosing a PokéStop or Gym as your starting point, then:

  1. Hit record to begin mapping your Route.

  2. Fill out some info about your Route, then submit it for review.

  3. Once accepted, Trainers can follow your Route!

Exploring a route

You can also explore routes created by other trainers.

  1. Check the Route tab from the Nearby menu to see local Routes.

  2. Choose one that catches your eye.

  3. Follow the Route and enjoy exploring!

Zygarde Cells

Zygarde cells spawn on Routes, which you collect in a Zygarde cube and use to change Zygarde’s form. You can catch your very own Zygarde by completing the “From A to Zygarde” Special Research story.

Blaze New Trails event

  • Runs Friday, July 21, at 10 a.m. local time to Monday, July 24, at 8 p.m. local time.

  • 7 km eggs include Rockruff, Skwovet, and Falinks.

  • 2/3 distance to earn Buddy Candy while exploring Routes.

  • Increased chance to encounter Shiny Yungoos.

  • Growlithe, Ponyta, Doduo, Lillipup, Blitzle, and Yungoos appear more frequently (all shiny unlocked).

Until next time,
Cooltrainer “Zygarde hunter” Ace