Pokémon GO’s “Find Location”: Your Buddy’s Nifty Trick
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The “Find Location” feature in Pokémon GO is a perk your Ultra Buddy unlocks when you reach 150 hearts together. It essentially means your buddy Pokémon will occasionally alert you to nearby PokéStops that it finds particularly interesting. When you visit one of these stops indicated with an indicator above it and spin its Photo Disc, you’ll receive bonus items in addition to the usual loot, and an Affection heart in the “Bonus” category. Think of it as your furry, feathered, or scaled friend leading you to hidden treasure!
Unlocking the “Find Location” Advantage
Reaching Ultra Buddy Status
The “Find Location” ability isn’t something you get right away. It’s tied to the Buddy Adventure system and requires dedication. You need to earn 150 hearts with your chosen Pokémon to reach Ultra Buddy status. This involves:
- Walking with your buddy: Earn hearts by walking a certain distance with your buddy on the map.
- Feeding your buddy: Keep your buddy’s hunger meter filled by feeding it berries.
- Playing with your buddy: Interact with your buddy in AR mode.
- Taking snapshots: Capture moments with your buddy in AR.
- Battling together: Use your buddy in battles, raids, and gym fights.
- Visiting new places: Explore new PokéStops with your buddy.
- Earning Souvenirs: Receive gifts from your buddy after reaching Ultra Buddy status.
How “Find Location” Works in Practice
Once you reach Ultra Buddy, your buddy will occasionally display an indicator above the PokéStop on the map. This signals that your buddy has found something special at that location. Head over to the indicated PokéStop and spin the Photo Disc. If you spin the Photo Disc while there is an indicator above the PokéStop, you will earn bonus items and an Affection heart.
Maximizing the “Find Location” Benefit
While the “Find Location” perk is helpful, there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize its benefits:
- Pay attention to the map: Keep an eye out for the indicator to show up above the PokéStop on the map to make sure you don’t miss your buddy’s finds.
- Explore different areas: The more you explore with your buddy, the more opportunities it will have to find interesting PokéStops.
- Be consistent with your buddy interactions: Maintain your buddy’s mood and hunger level for it to keep indicating nearby PokéStops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon GO’s “Find Location” Feature
1. How many hearts do I need to unlock the “Find Location” feature?
You need to earn 150 hearts with your Pokémon to reach Ultra Buddy status, which unlocks the “Find Location” ability.
2. What kind of bonus items can I get from a “Find Location” PokéStop?
The bonus items can vary but typically include extra Poké Balls, Potions, Berries, and sometimes even Evolution Items or Rare Candies.
3. Does the “Find Location” feature work if my buddy isn’t currently on the map with me?
Yes, as long as your Pokémon has reached Ultra Buddy status, it can indicate an interesting PokéStop and you will still receive the bonus items.
4. How often does my buddy find a “Find Location” PokéStop?
The frequency varies and isn’t guaranteed. It depends on factors like your buddy’s mood, your activity level, and the availability of nearby PokéStops. It may be influenced by the biomes, seasons, events, and even the luck of the draw.
5. Does using a Poffin affect how often my buddy finds locations?
While a Poffin keeps your buddy excited for a longer period, it doesn’t directly affect the frequency of the “Find Location” perk. However, an excited buddy is generally more active and may trigger the feature more often.
6. Can multiple people benefit from the same “Find Location” PokéStop?
Yes, if multiple players visit the same indicated PokéStop while the indicator is active, they can all receive the bonus items.
7. What happens if I change my buddy after reaching Ultra Buddy status?
If you change your buddy, you’ll need to build up the friendship level with the new buddy from scratch. This means you’ll lose the Ultra Buddy perks, including “Find Location,” until you reach 150 hearts with the new buddy.
8. Is it worth it to invest in a Pokémon just to unlock the “Find Location” feature?
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your play style and goals. The “Find Location” feature provides additional items and perks, so if you’re looking to optimize your resource gathering and enjoy the added buddy interactions, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. Also, consider that reaching Best Buddy unlocks a CP boost!
9. Can my buddy find special locations during events?
Yes, during special events, your buddy might find PokéStops with event-specific bonuses or rewards.
10. Do Lucky Pokémon affect the “Find Location” feature?
No, Lucky Pokémon don’t directly affect the “Find Location” feature. Luckiness is determined by trading.
11. Does the CP boost from Best Buddy status affect the items found with “Find Location”?
No, the CP boost from Best Buddy status (reaching 300 hearts) doesn’t impact the “Find Location” feature. The CP boost primarily enhances your Pokémon’s combat abilities.
12. How does the “Find Location” feature relate to the Games Learning Society?
While seemingly just a fun game mechanic, the Buddy Adventure system and the “Find Location” feature encourage exploration, social interaction, and long-term engagement, aligning with some of the core principles explored by the Games Learning Society. The game encourages players to learn about their surroundings, interact with real-world locations, and build relationships with their virtual companions, fostering a sense of discovery and learning through play, much like the topics covered by the GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. Can I use the “Find Location” feature to find specific types of items?
No, the “Find Location” feature doesn’t allow you to target specific items. The bonus items are randomly determined.
14. Does the “Find Location” bonus stack with other bonuses?
Yes, the bonus items from “Find Location” stack with other bonuses, such as those from events or daily bonuses.
15. Is there a limit to how many “Find Location” bonuses I can get in a day?
There isn’t a confirmed limit, but the feature is designed to be occasional, so you won’t be able to consistently trigger it at every PokéStop.
The “Find Location” feature in Pokémon GO is a rewarding perk that encourages exploration and strengthens the bond between you and your buddy. By understanding how it works and maximizing its benefits, you can enhance your gameplay experience and collect valuable resources along the way. So, grab your buddy, hit the streets, and let your Pokémon guide you to new discoveries!