How to Get a Place to Become a PokéStop
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So, you want to immortalize your favorite local landmark in the augmented reality world of Pokémon GO? It’s a noble quest! Turning a real-world location into a PokéStop requires a blend of understanding the game mechanics, community involvement, and adhering to Niantic’s (the game developer) guidelines. Here’s the lowdown:
The core process involves nominating a location through the Niantic Wayfarer system. But there are important prerequisites. First, you must reach level 37 in Pokémon GO. Once you’ve hit that milestone, you can access the nomination feature within the game settings. Navigate to Settings, then Uploads, and finally tap “New PokéStop.” This launches the nomination form.
You’ll need to provide a compelling case for why your chosen spot deserves to be a PokéStop. This includes:
- A Title: A short, descriptive, and accurate name for the location.
- A Description: A longer explanation of what makes the location special, its history, or its significance to the community.
- A Photo: A clear, well-lit, and visually appealing photo of the nominated location. This photo is critical, as it’s what reviewers will use to assess the nomination.
- A Supporting Photo: An additional photo showing the surrounding area, helping reviewers understand the context and accessibility of the location.
- Location Accuracy: Pinpointing the exact spot on the map. Accuracy is paramount to ensure players can easily find and interact with the PokéStop.
- Why it’s a Great Place: The most important section! This is your opportunity to argue why the location meets Niantic’s criteria for a PokéStop. Emphasize its historical, cultural, artistic, or recreational value.
Once submitted, your nomination enters the Niantic Wayfarer review process. Other players (Level 38+ in Pokémon GO and Level 12+ in Ingress) act as reviewers, evaluating nominations based on Niantic’s criteria. A location needs multiple approvals to become a PokéStop.
Not every nomination is guaranteed acceptance. Understanding what makes a good PokéStop candidate is crucial. Niantic looks for locations that promote exploration, exercise, and social interaction. Ideal candidates fall into categories like:
- Places of historical or cultural significance: Historical markers, museums, landmarks.
- Unique architecture or art installations: Statues, murals, interesting buildings.
- Public parks and recreation areas: Playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails.
- Libraries and community centers.
- Locations with a compelling story or local relevance.
Avoid nominating locations that are:
- Private residences: These are strictly prohibited.
- Schools (K-12): These also are not eligible.
- Dangerous or inaccessible: Locations with no pedestrian access or potential hazards.
- Generic businesses: Unless they have unique historical or cultural significance.
- Temporary or seasonal displays: Holiday decorations or short-term exhibits.
The entire process can take weeks or even months, so patience is key. You’ll receive email updates regarding the status of your nomination.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for a PokéStop nomination to be reviewed?
Review times vary significantly. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the volume of nominations and the availability of reviewers in your area. Niantic states it takes “several weeks or months.”
What happens if my PokéStop nomination is rejected?
If your nomination is rejected, you’ll receive an email explaining the reason. Carefully review the feedback and consider revising your nomination or choosing a different location. You can resubmit a rejected nomination, but make sure to address the issues raised in the rejection notice.
Can I nominate multiple locations at once?
Yes, you can have multiple nominations pending at the same time. The exact number might be limited, but it’s generally possible to have several nominations in the queue.
What level do I need to be to review PokéStop nominations?
To review nominations through Niantic Wayfarer, you need to be level 38 in Pokémon GO, or level 12 in Ingress and have passed the Wayfarer test.
What makes a good photo for a PokéStop nomination?
A good photo is clear, well-lit, and accurately represents the location. It should be taken during the day and showcase the key features of the nominated spot. Avoid photos with people or personal information.
Can a business sponsor a PokéStop?
Yes, businesses can partner with Niantic to become PokéStops or Gyms. This is a separate process from individual nominations and typically involves a commercial agreement with Niantic.
Do PokéStops ever get removed?
Yes, PokéStops can be removed if they no longer meet Niantic’s criteria, if the location becomes unsafe or inaccessible, or if there are valid complaints from the property owner.
How often can I spin a PokéStop?
You can spin a PokéStop every 5 minutes to collect items.
What is a PokéStop Lure?
A Lure Module is an item that can be attached to a PokéStop to attract wild Pokémon to the location for 30 minutes. It benefits all players in the vicinity.
Can I suggest that a PokéStop become a Gym?
No, you cannot directly suggest that a PokéStop become a Gym. Gyms are automatically created by Niantic’s algorithms based on the number of PokéStops in a specific area (an S2 cell). Specifically, when a level 14 S2 cell has 2, 6, or 20 PokéStops, one will become a gym. The PokéStop with the highest photo score (number of photos plus votes) is selected.
Is there a limit to how many PokéStops I can spin in a day?
Yes, there’s a limit of 1200 spins per 24 hours.
What happens when I spin a PokéStop for the first time in a day?
Spinning a PokéStop for the first time each day gives you bonus XP and extra items. This bonus increases if you spin a PokéStop every day for seven consecutive days.
Can a playground be a PokéStop?
Yes, playgrounds in public parks are excellent candidates for PokéStops. They promote outdoor activity and community engagement.
What if a PokéStop is on private property without permission?
If a PokéStop is on private property without permission, the property owner can request its removal through Niantic’s support channels.
How do powered-up PokéStops work?
Powered-up PokéStops provide more powerful or valuable items when spun. They have a ring around the Photo Disc that indicates the level of power-up. Not all PokéStops are eligible for power-ups.
Turning a real-world spot into a PokéStop is a rewarding endeavor. By understanding the criteria, submitting compelling nominations, and engaging with the Wayfarer community, you can help enrich the Pokémon GO experience for players in your area.