Pokémon Go Reworks Tracker, Starts Starbucks Promotion

This story from 2016 looks at a Pokemon Go update that reworked the tracking system, as well as a Starbucks collab.


Published: December 9, 2016 11:22 PM /

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Artwork for the 2024 Pokemon Go World of Wonders update, which depicts several Pokemon standing in a field

It seems that Pokémon Go has received another update, and this one once again reworks the game's tracker.

In the past, Pokémon Go would use steps to show how close Pokémon were to the player. After several tracker reworks, including step removal, the newest version changes how things work depending on how many PokéStops are in your area.

If there are less than three PokéStops, then the tracker will continue to show which Pokémon are nearby using the classic method, a hot and cold-like system that shows what's nearby.

A shot of Hisuian Samurott in a later update for Pokemon Go

If you have more than three PokéStops near you, then instead, the game will show a picture of the PokéStop and which Pokémon is near it. For example, if there's a park nearby with an Abra in it, then you'll see a picture of the park with an Abra next to it.

The idea is to show you specific PokéStops to go to and what you'll find around there, though it's still unclear whether people will prefer this method over the steps system. At the very least, Niantic says this feature is up for testing and that it will change based on player feedback, so make sure you let the developer know how you feel.

Furthermore, Pokémon Go has now partnered up with Starbucks to add more PokéStops and Gyms around the world. Starbucks has announced that all 7,800 company-owned Starbucks will become either PokéStops or Gyms, opening up new places for players to go.

Phones showing the player visiting Starbucks locations in Pokemon Go

Furthermore, Starbucks will be offering a special Pokémon Go frappuccino for a limited time. This comes after a similar partnership was announced with Sprint earlier this week. Now you can get a special drink while your monsters punch each other in the face.

How do you feel about the new tracker? Got a sudden urge for a frappuccino? Still searching for specific Pokémon? Let us know in the comments!

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


Samuel Guglielmo TechRaptor
| Reviews Editor

I'm Sam. I have been playing video games since my parents brought home a PlayStation whenever that came out. Started writing for TechRaptor for 2016 and,… More about Samuel

More Info About This Game
Learn more about Pokemon Go
Game Page Pokemon Go
Developer
Niantic
Publisher
Niantic
Platforms
Android, IOS
Release Date
July 6, 2016 (Calendar)
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