When Pokémon GO launched, it felt like the whole world went outside at once. People gathered in parks, shopping malls and tourist spots to catch Pokémon together. The craze has calmed down, but the game never went away. In Malaysia, communities still meet for raid days and community events, and many players have kept their daily walks going for years.
We returned to Pokémon GO for several weeks to see how it feels today.
The basics
Pokémon GO uses your phone’s GPS to place Pokémon in the real world. As you walk, Pokémon appear on the map, and you catch them by throwing Poké Balls on your screen. PokéStops at real-world landmarks give you items, and Gyms let you battle and defend territory for your team.
Walking also hatches eggs, earns candy for your buddy Pokémon and progresses many research tasks. The game rewards movement, which makes it a fun companion for daily exercise.
Raids and community
Raids are one of the best parts of the game. A powerful Pokémon appears at a Gym, and players team up to defeat it and earn a chance to catch it. Some raids require large groups, so local communities organise meetups through chat groups. Remote raid passes let you join raids from home, which is helpful in quieter neighbourhoods, though they are limited and cost money.
Community Days, special research stories and seasonal events give regular goals and featured Pokémon. These events are a great excuse to go out with friends or family.
Battles
Trainer battles let you fight friends or other players, and the GO Battle League offers competitive ranked play. Battles are simpler than mainline Pokémon games, but team building and timing charged attacks still require strategy. They are a nice extra for players who want more than catching.
Playing in Malaysia
In big cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru, there are plenty of PokéStops and Gyms, especially around malls, parks and tourist areas. Rural areas have fewer stops, making it harder to collect items and find Pokémon. The weather also matters: playing outdoors in the afternoon heat or during monsoon rains is not always comfortable, so many players prefer early mornings or evenings.
Safety is important. Never play while driving or riding a motorcycle, stay aware of traffic and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.
Battery and data
Pokémon GO uses GPS, the camera (if AR is enabled) and mobile data, so it drains the battery quickly. Turning off AR mode, using battery saver and carrying a power bank are almost essential for long sessions. Data usage is moderate, but it adds up over time.
Monetisation
The game is free to play, with PokéCoins used for items, storage upgrades and raid passes. Special events often have paid tickets that give extra rewards or research. You can play without spending, but dedicated players often buy storage and passes.
Tips for new and returning players
- Turn off AR when catching to save battery and improve accuracy
- Use curveball throws for bonus experience
- Join a local community group for raids
- Spin PokéStops while walking to collect items
- Keep your buddy Pokémon walking to earn candy
Who is it for?
Pokémon GO is great for players who want an excuse to walk more, families who enjoy outings and Pokémon fans who love collecting. Players in rural areas may find progress slow.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pokémon GO still popular? Yes. It still has a large and active player base with regular events.
Do I need to walk a lot? Walking helps a lot, but you can still enjoy the game with short daily walks.
Is it safe for kids? With parental supervision and awareness of surroundings, yes.
Health benefits
One underrated benefit of Pokémon GO is how it encourages movement. Many players report walking much more than before because they want to hatch eggs or reach the next PokéStop. Combined with the social aspect of raids and meetups, it can be a healthy hobby that gets people away from their desks. Just remember to stay hydrated, especially in the Malaysian heat.
Changes in ownership
In 2025, Niantic sold its games business, including Pokémon GO, to Scopely. For players, the day-to-day experience has stayed largely the same, with events and updates continuing. It is still worth keeping an eye on changes to monetisation or features under the new owner.
Getting the most from events
Events are where Pokémon GO is at its most fun. Community Day usually features one Pokémon for a few hours, with increased spawns, special moves and bonuses like extra stardust. Planning a walking route through areas with many PokéStops during these hours makes a big difference. Raid days and seasonal festivals add special raid bosses and research tasks.
Before each event, check the in-game news and set aside items such as Poké Balls, lures and incubators. Lures placed at PokéStops attract more Pokémon for everyone nearby, which is a nice way to help other players at a busy mall or park.
Trading and friendship
Adding friends lets you send gifts, trade Pokémon and earn bonuses in raids. Friendship levels increase as you interact daily, and higher levels reduce stardust costs for trades and give extra raid bonuses. Trading with friends is also the best way to complete regional Pokémon that only appear in other parts of the world. Many Malaysian players trade with friends who travel abroad.
Our routine
We found that a 20-minute evening walk was enough to keep eggs hatching, spin plenty of stops and finish daily tasks without draining the phone completely.
Is it good for families?
Yes. Many Malaysian families use weekend events as an excuse for a walk in the park or a trip to a mall. Children enjoy catching Pokémon, while parents get some exercise and quality time. Just agree on a spending limit and keep an eye on younger players near roads.
Verdict
Pokémon GO is no longer a worldwide craze, but it remains a fun and unique game. Its raids, events and community spirit are still enjoyable, and it is one of the few games that actively gets you outside. Battery drain, rural limitations and paid tickets hold it back, but if you enjoy collecting Pokémon and exploring your area, it is still worth walking for.
