Pokemon Go Hacks & Secrets from an Expert

Starting out in Pokémon Go is easy, but as you start to level up, things get more challenging and you end up in need of help.

We’ve already walked you through the essential Pokémon Go tips to level up faster, but there is a lot of disinformation and rumors out there about where to find some Pokémon and the best ways to play the game.

Forget about Pokémon Go hacks that ask for your account and want you to sign up for offers. You can use these Pokémon Go secrets from a level 22 player to learn what mistakes to avoid and the right time to boost the CP of your Pokémon.

If you are just getting started, you should check out the basic guides that will explain how to play Pokémon Go at early levels.

Once you learn the basics of how to play Pokémon Go, you need the advice of someone who has walked where you are now walking and caught the Pokémon you are trying to catch.

Reddit user Kolrich is level 22 in Pokémon Go and is sharing his advice on how to play the game as you progress. These Pokémon Go hacks will give you an edge and help you avoid wasting Stardust, and more.

Where to Find a Rare Pokémon in Pokémon Go?

The first thing that Kolrich addresses is the constant questions on where to find a specific Pokémon. Some users are looking for Pikachu, while others are on the hunt for a rare Pokémon.

Kolrich’s advice is, “Literally any populated area. There are rumors that electric Pokemon spawn by powergrids, during a storm, while the wind is blowing at 23MPH, and you’re walking downhill north. I’ve found no evidence supporting this.”

He adds that you will find some basic Pokémon in areas more frequently than others, but there is not a clear correlation like some anecdotal reports suggest. The biggest tip is that, “You can find almost any Pokemon anywhere other than extremely rural areas.”

Should I use Stardust to Raise My Pokémon CP?

When you catch Pokémon, the temptation to raise your Pokémon CP with Stardust is big, but you should wait until you level up according to Kilroch.

“I don’t believe that anyone should be powering up Pokemon below level 20-25. Your main focus should be on leveling up. As you level you will find stronger base CP Pokemon.”

If you use your Stardust to level up a Pokémon too early you may end up replacing it with one a few levels later, effectively wasting your stardust.

What’s the Best Time to Boost the CP of my Pokémon?

Kilroch shares that it doesn’t really matter when you boost the CP of your Pokémon. Whether you boost it before or after you evolve isn’t a huge difference, but the player cautions, “it will likely cost significantly less stardust to boost a 350 Eevee to 450 than it will to boost a 900 Jolteon to 1150.”

How long Until You Can Claim Pokémon Go Gym Rewards?

As soon as you take a Pokémon Go Gym, you can collect your rewards, but you can only do this every 21 hours. Kiroch suggests waiting to collect until you are done playing for the day so that you can get the max rewards for that time and be ready to go in the morning.

Can I Stack Incense with a Lure in Pokémon GO?

Yes, you can stack these two ways to get more Pokémon at your location, but you should know the difference between the ways to attract more Pokémon to you.

Everyone can see Pokémon that a Lure attracts, while only you can see the Pokémon that the incense attracts.

The big detail that Kilroch mentions is, “Multiple players in the same location with incense active are able to see the same incense spawned Pokemon.”

What is the Fastest Way to Level Up in Pokémon Go?

When it comes to leveling up faster in Pokémon Go there are a lot of strategies, but Kilroch shares four hacks that you need to raise your XP faster.

• Save Pidgeys, Rattatas, Weedles, Caterpies, etc. (Any common Pokemon costing 12 or 25 to evolve)
• Use your lucky Egg right before your eggs are about to hatch.
• While your lucky egg is active evolve all of the Pokemon you can. Do not evolve Pidgeottos into Pidgeots unless you need them for battling.
• Use the remaining time to catch all Pokemon that you see as well as hitting any Pokestops you pass by. Double experience applies to all of these. Also, if you’re able to, you can attack a Gym once.

If you are going for XP, evolve Pidgeys, but don’t go this router i you are going for gym Pokémon.

What to Do When Your Pokémon Go Bag is Full

If you Pokémon Go bag is full and you are running out of Pokéballs, you should delete some of your potions, revives and Razzberries.

Kilroch says, “You don’t need 90 of any of them, ever. At lv20 you’ll have 3 different types of Potions and Pokeballs. I never keep more than 60 total potions and 40 revives on me. I delete excess. The rest of the room I keep for Pokeballs. After level 20 you’ll start having CP56 Pidgeys escape Pokeballs and running frequently. You have to have a large surplus of Pokeballs.”

Pokémon Go Etiquette Tips

When you are out and about looking for Pokémon, don’t go into peoples backyards or into places that are closed — especially don’t break into a public zoo after hours.

Kilroch shares a PSA, which is a good listing of Pokémon Go etiquette that players should keep in mind.

• Leave parks and cemeteries at closing time so police don’t need to escort players out all the time.
• If you’re playing at a bar or restaurant, don’t linger long after you finish your food and drinks. You’re taking up space for a paying customer and can hurt the business.
• While you play, pick up some trash to make the area you are playing in more beautiful. This will also help promote a positive image of Pokémon Go players.
• Pick up flowers and other items blown about in a cemetery and put them on a grave, even if it is just one nearby.
• Be aware of blocking bike paths in parks or blocking the disk golf holes in a park. If you see a pole with chain hanging down to a basket, odds are good that you are standing in a frisbee golf course.

In general, try to remember that there are other people who aren’t playing. If someone asks about the game, and you have a minute, explain to them how to play Pokémon Go and show them around a little.