This post was co-written with guest blogger Alexis Hadden. You can learn more about Alexis at the bottom of this post.
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Launched just a little over a week ago, Pokemon Go has changed the face of smartphone apps as we know them.

Using virtual reality, this app allows Pokemon lovers of all ages to catch their favorite characters in their homes, cars, backyards, neighborhood supermarkets, and anywhere they go! You may have noticed people blindly walking into traffic with their faces glued to their phones. You can blame Pokemon Go for that.

Getting Started with Pokemon Go

To play the game, you don’t have to be a Pokemon fan. In fact, you don’t even have to know the first thing about the Pokemon franchise. You could even use the game as an excuse to get out of the house and walk around! Here’s how you join the madness.

1. Download the app from your phone’s app or Google play store. After it downloads, you’ll need to create an account or sign-in with your Google account. Then, you’ll be asked to accept the terms and conditions.
2. Choose your style. After being introduced to Professor Willow, you’ll create a customized character.

3. Start moving! Once you start moving about your surroundings, you’ll find Pokemon in the area. Tap on one to catch it.

4. Catch ‘em all. To catch a Pokemon, tap and hold the Pokeball and swipe in the creature’s direction. Your character will throw the ball towards it and hopefully catch it!

5. Travel to various Pokestops. While you’re moving around your town or neighborhood, grab items like Pokeballs and eggs at Pokestops.

Pokestops can be fire departments, monuments, sculptures, or parks! You can find Pokestops in your area by looking at your map.

6. Power up your Pokemon. After gaining experience, you’ll be able to power up and evolve your Pokemon to get them ready for battle! You can find all of the Pokemon you’ve caught by tapping the Pokeball at the bottom center of your screen. The “CP” number indicates how powerful each one is. Tap on one to power up or evolve it.

Power Up

Eventually you will… 

7. Join a team. Once you’ve reached level 5 and found your first gym (where your Pokemon will battle), you will be able to choose a team (Mystic, Instinct, or Valor).
8. Challenge other Pokemon. You’re finally ready to battle. Travel to a local gym to experience your first battle. Don’t be surprised if you get demolished. For now, focus on catching them all!

But for now… 

Pokemon Go has swept the nation, and it’s your turn to get in on the action. If you’re not interested in the battling part of it all, use it as a fitness app. People all over the world are walking several miles a day looking for the rarest Pokemon out there.

Word of Warning

When playing Pokemon Go….remember to watch where you are going and not wonder onto the street, etc.   If you are allowing children to play, please supervise and keep them safe.

Like all new things, there will be challenges.  But if you use the program to have a little fun and to get some exercise, there is no harm.  I have been seeing families everywhere out and about enjoying the weather playing Pokemon Go!

Guest Blogger

Alexis Hadden is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Kentucky as well as a full-time student and ghostwriter. She graduated from Juniata College with a degree in communication with professional writing.

She is currently working on her Master’s degree and a graduate certificate in instructional communication. This fall, she will be teaching two sections of an introductory communication course at UK. Her passions include fitness, animals (especially cats), and food. Above everything else, her interpersonal relationships are most important to her.