Pokemon GO
by Niantic, Inc. · Games · Casual
Explore the real world to catch Pokemon, battle in raids, and connect with trainers in your neighborhood.
Quick Answer: Pokemon GO has a verified Real Score of 3.7/5 based on 97,250 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.3/5. Mixed reviews from verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 97,250 verified reviews
Gap Alert: Pokemon GO's App Store rating is 0.6 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Gets you outside and walking
- Community events are great
- Nostalgia factor is strong
- AR technology is impressive
Common Complaints
- Battery drain is extreme
- Rural players disadvantaged
- Remote raid pass limits
- Niantic makes unpopular decisions
Verified Reviews (20)
Still walking for Pokemon in 2025
Started in 2016 and still playing. The game has gotten me to walk more than any fitness app. The exercise benefit alone makes it worthwhile.
Remote raids were better before
Niantic limiting remote raid passes was a terrible decision. Not everyone can physically go to raid locations. The accessibility was better before.
Community Days are the highlight
Monthly Community Days bring local players together in parks. Met real friends through Pokemon GO community events. The social aspect is genuine.
Rural players get nothing
Living in a rural area means barely any Pokestops, gyms, or spawns. The game is designed for cities and suburbs. Rural players are second-class trainers.
Nostalgia keeps me hooked
Catching Pokemon I loved as a kid in the real world never gets old. The AR catches near landmarks are share-worthy. Nostalgia is a powerful motivator.
Battery dies in an hour
The combination of GPS, camera, and graphics destroys battery. A 2-hour walk needs a portable charger. Battery optimization is the biggest technical need.
Routes feature adds exploration
The new Routes feature encouraging exploration of new paths in your area adds a fresh dimension. Discovering new places through Pokemon is the original promise delivered.
Niantic doesnt listen
The company consistently makes decisions the community opposes. Remote raid limits, increased prices, removed features. They prioritize their vision over player feedback.
PvP is surprisingly deep
The GO Battle League has surprising strategic depth. Team building, shield management, and switch timing create a genuinely competitive experience.
Walking incentive works
I walk 5km more per day because of Pokemon GO egg hatching. The gamification of walking actually changes behavior. Health benefit is real and measurable.
Events are too frequent
There are so many events overlapping that it feels exhausting to keep up. FOMO-driven event scheduling is tiring. Let me play at my own pace.
Raid hour brings community together
Wednesday raid hour where the local Pokemon GO community meets up is a genuine social event. Real friendships formed through virtual Pokemon battles.
Shiny hunting is addictive
The hunt for shiny Pokemon variants is surprisingly addictive. That flash of sparkles when a shiny appears is pure excitement. Collecting them all is the real game.
AR photography is underrated
Taking AR photos of Pokemon in real-world locations creates fun shareable content. The AR+ with sizing and placement is technically impressive.
Monetization creeping up
The game is becoming more expensive to play actively. Remote passes, storage expansions, incubators, event tickets. The free-to-play model is getting stingier.
Mega Evolutions add variety
The Mega Evolution system adds a new strategic layer to raids and battles. Temporarily powering up Pokemon provides dynamic gameplay options.
GO Fest is magical
Attending GO Fest in person with thousands of trainers catching Pokemon together is a magical experience. The live events are worth traveling for.
Storage management is tedious
Managing Pokemon and item storage is a constant chore. The game gives you too much stuff and not enough space. Expanding storage costs money.
Cross-generation family game
Three generations of my family play Pokemon GO together. Grandparents, parents, and kids all sharing the same gaming experience. Truly universal appeal.
Love-hate relationship
I love the concept and community. I hate Niantics decisions and monetization. Pokemon GO is the best game run by a frustrating company.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026