Pokémon GO Routes have become one of the most important features in the game, allowing Trainers to explore custom walking paths while earning rewards, collecting Zygarde Cells, and meeting Mateo along the way.
Originally introduced to encourage exploration, Routes have continued to grow in importance through seasonal bonuses, Daily Discoveries, and special events. With the Pokémon GO Forever Forward season placing even more emphasis on Route gameplay, now is the perfect time to learn how Routes work and why they’re worth completing.
What Are Pokémon GO Routes?
Routes are player-created walking paths that can be followed within Pokémon GO.
Each Route starts and ends at specific PokéStops or Gyms, guiding Trainers along a designated path while providing rewards for completion.
Routes can vary in length and difficulty depending on the creator, with some taking only a few minutes while others may require a longer walk.
How to Find Routes in Pokémon GO
To find a Route:
- Open the Nearby menu.
- Select the Routes tab.
- Browse available Routes near your location.
- Choose a Route.
- Follow the displayed path until completion.
If no Routes appear, it may simply mean there are currently no approved Routes available in your area.
How to Follow a Route
Once a Route is selected:
- Travel to the Route’s starting point.
- Begin the Route.
- Follow the path shown on-screen.
- Continue until reaching the end point.
- Claim your rewards.
Leaving the Route early or moving too far away from the designated path may cause progress issues.
Pokémon GO Route Rewards
Completing Routes can reward Trainers with:
- XP
- Buddy Hearts
- Items
- Seasonal bonuses
- Route completion rewards
Rewards may vary depending on active events and seasonal bonuses.
What Are Zygarde Cells?
One of the main reasons Trainers complete Routes is to collect Zygarde Cells.
These special items can appear during Route exploration and are required to transform Zygarde into its more powerful forms.
Zygarde Cells are often considered the most valuable reward available through the Routes feature.
Because they can be easy to miss, Trainers should pay close attention while following a Route.
Who Is Mateo in Pokémon GO?
At the end of a completed Route, Trainers may encounter Mateo.
Mateo offers a special Gift Exchange feature that allows players to send one Gift and receive a Gift from another Trainer elsewhere in the world.
This is particularly useful for:
- Collecting postcards
- Working toward Vivillon patterns
- Expanding your collection of international Gifts
For a complete breakdown of the feature, see our Mateo Pokémon GO guide.
Routes During Pokémon GO Forever Forward
Routes have become even more important during the Pokémon GO Forever Forward season.
Several Daily Discoveries bonuses encourage Trainers to explore Routes more frequently, including Scenic Sunday bonuses that improve Route-related gameplay.
During Scenic Sunday, Trainers can enjoy:
- Additional Mateo encounters
- Reduced Buddy Candy distance
- Extra incentives for Route completion
These bonuses make Routes one of the best activities available during the current season.
Can You Create Your Own Pokémon GO Routes?
Yes.
Eligible Trainers can create their own Routes for other players to follow.
Routes must be reviewed and approved before becoming publicly available.
Popular Routes often connect local landmarks, parks, walking trails, and community hotspots.
Learn more about how to create a route, and all the features available.
Are Pokémon GO Routes Worth Doing?
Absolutely.
Routes offer a unique combination of rewards, exploration, and progression that cannot be found elsewhere in Pokémon GO.
Whether you’re searching for Zygarde Cells, looking to meet Mateo, collecting Vivillon postcards, or taking advantage of Pokémon GO Forever Forward bonuses, Routes provide some of the best long-term value in the game.
As Niantic continues expanding Route features and seasonal bonuses, completing Routes is becoming increasingly rewarding for active Trainers.
For more Pokémon GO guides, check out our Pokémon GO Hub, Pokémon GO Forever Forward guide, Pokémon GO Daily Discoveries guide, and Mateo Pokémon GO guide.
