Pokémon GO Tips for Rural Players

Hey there, fellow trainers! Living in the countryside can be awesome, but it can make playing Pokémon GO a bit tricky. Don’t worry, though! With a few tricks and a bit of know-how, you can still have a blast catching Pokémon, even if you’re miles from the nearest PokéStop.

1. Become a PokéStop Pioneer!

Ever wish there was a PokéStop at that cool old barn down the road? Or maybe at that awesome mural downtown? Guess what? You can make it happen! Niantic Wayfarer is a tool that lets you submit new PokéStops and Gyms for Pokémon GO (and other Niantic games).

It might seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it’s easier than you think, and totally worth it. Plus, you’ll be a hero to other players in your area!

How to find and submit awesome PokéStops:

• First things first: You need to be at least level 38 in Pokémon GO to submit PokéStops through Niantic Wayfarer.
• Look for cool stuff: Think of interesting landmarks, historical spots, unique art pieces, or even cool local businesses. Good candidates for PokéStops include:
  • Historical markers or plaques: Got a bit of history in your town? Perfect!
  • Unique buildings or architecture: That quirky old house with the weird roof? Submit it!
  • Public art: Murals, sculptures, fountains – they all make great PokéStops.
  • Parks and nature trails: Help people explore the great outdoors!
  • Community gathering spots: Like libraries, churches, or town squares.
• Snap a great photo: When you find a potential PokéStop, take a clear, well-lit photo. Make sure it’s focused on the subject and shows it off nicely.
• Write a catchy description: Tell people why this place is special! Keep it short, sweet, and informative.
• Pinpoint the location: Use the map in Niantic Wayfarer to drop a pin on the exact spot. Accuracy is key!
• Submit and wait: Once you’ve submitted your PokéStop, other players will review it. If it gets enough good ratings, it’ll go live in the game!

Tips for Finding PokéStop Gems:

• Explore your surroundings: Take a walk or a drive around your area and keep your eyes peeled for interesting places.
• Use online resources: Check out websites or apps like Google Maps, Atlas Obscura, or even the Ingress app (also by Niantic) to find potential candidates.
• Think like a tourist: What would someone visiting your town find interesting?
• Be mindful of safety and accessibility: Make sure the location is safe and easy for people to get to.

Submitting PokéStops while traveling:

• Do your research: Before you head out on a trip, research potential PokéStops in the area.
• Be respectful of local customs: Not all places are open to having PokéStops. Be mindful of private property and cultural sensitivities.
• Take advantage of downtime: Waiting for a flight or have some free time between activities? That’s the perfect time to submit a PokéStop!

By becoming a PokéStop pioneer, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re making the game more fun for everyone! So get out there, explore, and submit those awesome PokéStops!

2. Team Up with Friends (and Family!)

Got any friends or family who play Pokémon GO? Even better if they live in a more populated area! Playing with others makes things way more fun, and it can be a huge help when you’re in a rural area. Here’s how:

• Gift Exchange: Send and receive gifts with friends to get valuable items like Poké Balls, Revives, and even rare Pokémon Eggs. Those daily gifts can really add up! Plus, it’s a nice way to stay connected with friends who might live far away.
• Buddy Up for Battles: Team up to take down those pesky Gyms! Having a friend (or two) by your side makes battling way easier, and you can coordinate your attacks for maximum damage. Plus, it’s just more fun to celebrate a victory together!
• Trade ‘Em All: Trading Pokémon with friends is a great way to complete your Pokédex and get rid of duplicates. You might even get lucky and score a Lucky Pokémon with boosted stats! If your friends live in a different area, you can trade for Pokémon that are rare in your region.
• Plan a Pokémon GO Adventure: Why not turn your next hangout into a Pokémon GO excursion? Head to a nearby town or city with lots of PokéStops and Gyms. You can explore new places, catch tons of Pokémon, and make some awesome memories together.

3. Embrace the Online Community

The internet is your friend, especially when you’re a rural Pokémon GO player! Joining online groups and communities can open up a whole new world of Pokémon-catching possibilities.

• Find Your Tribe: Connect with other players who understand the struggles of rural play. Share tips, tricks, and frustrations. You might even make some new friends!
• Remote Raid Party: Apps like Poke Genie and communities like r/PokemonGoFriends let you join remote raids with players from all over the world. This is a game-changer for rural players who might not have many local raiders.
• Coordinate Local Meetups: Even if you’re in a rural area, there might be other players nearby. Use online communities to find local groups and coordinate meetups for raids, Community Days, or just casual play.
• Trade Global: Expand your Pokédex by trading with players from different countries. You can find online communities dedicated to international trading.

4. Make the Most of Every PokéStop

When you do manage to stumble upon a PokéStop in your travels, treat it like the oasis it is! Don’t just give it a single spin and dash off.

Spin it multiple times to maximize the items you receive. The more you spin, the more Poké Balls, potions, and other goodies you’ll collect.

While you’re there, consider using a Lure Module to attract more Pokémon to the area. This is especially helpful in rural areas where Pokémon can be few and far between.

Combine a Lure with an Incense for a super-charged Pokémon magnet!

Remember that PokéStops are vital for stocking up on essential items like Poké Balls, Potions, and Revives. Make sure you’re well-supplied before heading out on your Pokémon journey.

If you know you’ll be passing by a PokéStop, plan your route to include a quick stop, even if you’re just driving by. Every spin counts!

5. Don’t Underestimate Incense

Incense is your best friend in rural areas. Pop one when you’re out exploring, and watch the Pokémon come to you. Combine it with a Lure Module at a PokéStop for maximum effectiveness.

6. Master the Art of Remote Raiding

Remote Raid Passes are a total game-changer, especially for rural players! They let you join raids from anywhere, opening up a new world of Pokémon-catching possibilities.

No longer are you limited by the lack of Gyms in your area – you can battle powerful raid bosses and snag rare Pokémon from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere with an internet connection!).

Here’s how to make the most of remote raiding:

• Stock up on Remote Raid Passes: You can buy these in the in-game shop, and they’re sometimes offered as rewards for completing research tasks or special events.
• Team up with online friends: If you have friends who play Pokémon GO, coordinate raid times and join forces to take down those tough bosses.
• Use raid finder apps and communities: There are tons of resources out there to help you find remote raids. Here are a few popular options:
  • Poke Genie: This app lets you join raids hosted by other players, and it even has a built-in chat feature so you can coordinate with your raid group.
  • r/PokemonGoFriends: This subreddit is a great place to find other players who are looking to do remote raids.
  • Discord communities: Many Discord servers are dedicated to Pokémon GO, and they often have channels for organizing remote raids.
• Be prepared: Before you join a raid, make sure you have a strong team of Pokémon ready to battle. Check out online resources for tips on which Pokémon are most effective against the raid boss.
• Communicate with your team: If you’re raiding with people you don’t know, use the in-game chat or a third-party app to communicate your strategy and make sure everyone is on the same page.

With a little practice and the right tools, you’ll be a remote raiding master in no time! This is a fantastic way to catch rare and powerful Pokémon, even if you live miles from the nearest Gym.

7. Keep an Eye on Events

Pokémon GO has many events, and some are better for rural players than others. Community Days, Spotlight Hours, and certain research tasks can bring rare Pokémon right to your doorstep.

8. Don’t Give Up!

Playing Pokémon GO in a rural area can be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. With a little patience, creativity, and a good dose of determination, you can still become a Pokémon master, even if you’re miles from the nearest city.

Bonus Tip: Use the Ingress app (also by Niantic) to scout out potential PokéStop locations. It shows “portals” which often translate to PokéStops in Pokémon GO.

So, get out there, explore your surroundings, and catch ’em all! Happy hunting, trainers!