Since the launch of Pokémon Go last August 6, hundreds of trainers have gathered together using Twitter and Facebook event invites. Restaurants and malls were quick to get on the bandwagon with their Poké-pun-tastic social media ads offering lures or even tips on rare Pokémon. Even motels were on it, too – it’s crazy! And to help you brave this new world, we’ve curated 7 Pika-perfect Pokémon Go tips for you to become a responsible trainer.

1. Always observe traffic rules and road safety

We cannot stress this enough; traffic rules and your safety should always come first. Do not use your mobile when crossing the street, and always use pedestrian lanes and bridges if possible. Be careful not to bump into people while looking at your display, lest you drop your mobile and run the risk of getting a broken screen. No Pokémon Go at all times when driving – the anti-distracted driving act has just been passed!

2. Be aware of your safety and belongings

Pokémon Go’s GPS utilization means you have to go out of your way to catch monsters, but it doesn’t mean you can’t prioritize the places you go to. Examine the places you are in if there are security guards around, but do not be too reliant on them. Your belongings are always your responsibility and always be cautious of snatchers or salisi thieves. It might be better to go in groups so you can help watch each other’s backs.

3. Use protective casings or safety straps for your mobile

While a plastic or rubberized casing would not protect your phone completely, it will serve as a shock absorber of sorts and can minimize scratches and bumps. We also recommend attaching hand straps or coil straps from your backpack or pants’ belt loops to your mobile. Coils straps may not look impressive, but at least your mobile’s safe from accidental drops.

4. Know that some places may be off limits

Churches, temples, graveyards, somebody else’s backyard, high places near electric posts – we believe there has to be a limit as to when a spot should be deemed proper or off limits. It may be permissible for the folks running the establishment or not – this is going to wildly vary, so play it by ear. If it’s a neighbor’s garden; you could try asking. If it’s just another Zubat, don’t even bother!

5. Get a competent power bank

Don’t get stuck in a mall hallway or coffee shop charging your mobile for hours; get a power bank. Recent improvements on battery technology have seen a huge price drop on power banks lately. Anything around 7,200mAh (milliampere hour; measure of charge rate) can get you 2-3 full charge cycles on most android and IOS phones. This way, you can pace your breaks with occasional phone charges in between gym fights and monster hunts.

6. Pokémon Go should never get in the way of school or work

You finally get a break from the case study you were working on, or your boss just left for a 1-hour meeting. The temptation to capture another monster or do battle in that gym two streets away sinks in. We have to remember though that Pokémon Go is like any other video game. It should never take over your priorities in life. Realize that when you pass up on these chances that these chances are constant, and will present themselves again later on. There should never be a thought that you’re getting “left behind” in Pokémon Go, because that would mean you have to get left behind in real life, in exchange.

7. Up your social game with Pokémon Go

We’ve always thought that Pokémon Go is an elegant excuse to socialize. Friend gatherings will never be the same where lunches and afternoon coffees will be filled with stories of how you were able to capture a Zapdo (first in your country or kwentong barbero lang), or how you and your best bud brought down an opposing team’s strongest gym in less than an hour

What’s so amazing about this is that online communities often produce real life friendships, and it will be an avenue where we can adopt and foster new hobbies or interests. Bicycle rides and out of town trips are encouraged to the point of pleasant necessity – and I don’t see that as a bad thing.

Pokémon Go is only out for a couple of weeks, but the possibilities are already staggering. The augmented reality game model isn’t exactly new, but Niantic, Pokémon Go’s California-based developers, packaged it in the most familiar of Japanese anime characters and created an easily-relatable world.

The incredible noise it has generated on social media and news channels come as no surprise. With something this big in tow, it behooves us to be responsible now that we are in a world of video games ingrained in the real world. It’s an impressive concept and we hope these tips and pointers can help you and your friends prepare for the world of Pokémon Go.

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