Last week, Niantic released the highly anticipated Pokémon GO, an augmented reality game available on iOS and Android. If you're one of the few people who hasn't downloaded the game yet, you're missing out. In the game, you are a Pokémon trainer, and you walk around in real life to find Pokémon. Once you find them, they show up on your phone screen through your camera, so you see them in real life places through your phone screen. Eventually, you can level up, join a team, go to gyms, and battle. Basically, it is fulfilling everyone's childhood dream of becoming a real life Pokémon trainer. If you do play the game (maybe a little too much), you know this list explains what it is like to become a Pokémon trainer. If you are thinking about playing the game, this is what you have to look forward to.
1. Downloading the game
Maybe you were curious and wanted to see what the hype is all about, maybe you have been waiting your whole life for this. In any event, downloading the game is just to the start.
2. Catching your first Pokémon
Maybe it was a Squirtle in your backyard, or a Charmander in your living room, but once you caught that first Pokémon, there is no denying you felt a rush and wanted to catch more.
3. Finding PokéSpots
Is it just me, or are all of these at churches? Regardless, getting free PokéBalls and eggs is always a good thing.
4. Catching more Pokémon
From Weedles to Zubats to Goldeens, you gotta catch 'em all.
5. Leveling up
It makes you feel like you're accomplishing something.
6. Going through withdrawals when the server is down
Since everyone and their mother has been playing this game, servers have been overloaded and have been having issues. I'm sorry, but I don't think other Pokémon trainers have to experience server issues.
7. Leaving your house solely to look for Pokémon
There are only so many you can catch in your backyard, so I guess this game is good for getting people out of their houses.
8. Evolving your first Pokémon
Now you're really invested. You have been with your Pokémon from the beginning to when it's all grown up and ready for battle.
9. Reaching level 5
This is when things really get intense. You can now join a team and battle.
10. Joining a team
Decisions, decisions. Will you join Team Instinct, Mystic, or Valor?
11. Going to the gym
Pro tip: Just tell people you are going to the gym when you leave your house. They'll be impressed that you're trying to get in shape. They don't need to know the truth.
12. Battling
13. Letting the game slowly take over your life
You will play this game everywhere, at any time, even during important life events, like this guy
, who caught a Pidgey while his wife was giving birth.14. Realizing there is no turning back
And somehow being perfectly okay with that.
So go out there, be the best Pokémon trainer you can be and catch 'em all.
