Pokémon GO: location-based adventure game
Pokémon GO is a location-based adventure game by Scopely Explore, Inc. that lets players discover and catch Pokémon in the real world.
Install now · v0.433.0Pokémon GO encourages exploration by having players find and capture Pokémon in their actual surroundings. This free-to-play app includes optional in-game purchases and requires Android 9 or higher. It has been installed more than 500 million times and holds a rating of 3.50 from over 15.3 million reviews.
- Version
- 0.433.0
- Requires Android
- 9
- Updated
- Oct 8, 2026
- Installs
- 500M+
- Rating
- ★ 3.5 (15,372,041)
- Category
- Adventure
- Developer
- Scopely Explore, Inc.
- Content rating
- Everyone
- Package
- com.nianticlabs.pokemongo
- Free
- ✓ · In-app purchases
Screen gallery
Pokémon GO is an adventure game by Scopely Explore, Inc. that uses real-world location tracking to let players find, catch, and train Pokémon as they move around their surroundings. The game solves the problem of making outdoor activity feel engaging by turning streets, parks, and landmarks into the playing field: the app reads the device's GPS position, shows nearby creatures on a map, and rewards players for physically walking to encounter them. Beyond the core capture loop, the title offers a Pokédex to complete, a Buddy Pokémon that gains strength and rewards as the player travels, Gym battles at real-world spots, and Raid Battles that require Trainers to team up against powerful opponents. The app has been downloaded over 1 billion times and carries a 3.50 rating from more than 15 million user ratings; the current version is 0.433.0, updated on October 8, 2026. It is free to play with optional in-game purchases, contains no ads, and is deliberately optimized for smartphones rather than tablets.
Key features
- Real-world exploration: Pokémon appear in the player's actual surroundings, and the app uses GPS to map them nearby.
- Pokédex collection: catching a wide variety of Pokémon works as a long-term completion goal.
- Buddy Pokémon journeys: a player-selected companion travels with them, growing stronger and earning rewards over time.
- Gym battles: Trainers can challenge other players at location-based Gyms.
- Raid Battles: groups of Trainers cooperate to catch powerful Pokémon at scheduled raid encounters.
- Free-to-play structure: the core game is free, with optional purchases for in-game items and progression boosts.
- Network-assisted location: a live connection is recommended so map positions and encounters stay accurate.
- Smartphone-focused design: the interface and gameplay are tuned for phones and not for larger tablet screens.
How to install
- 1. Tap the download button on this page to obtain the APK file; the exact file size is not listed.
- 2. If prompted, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting in Android.
- 3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or the Downloads folder.
- 4. Tap Install when the Android system prompt appears.
- 5. After installation completes, tap Open to launch the game or find it in your app drawer.
- Note: Pokémon GO requires Android version 9 or newer; it also needs a device with GPS and a working network connection.
Pros
- Free to play and contains no advertisements.
- Encourages physical movement and outdoor exploration.
- Large established player community, with over 1 billion downloads.
- Cooperative Raid Battles and Gym battles add social gameplay.
- Buddy Pokémon and Pokédex progression offer long-term goals.
- Actively updated; the latest version 0.433.0 was released in October 2026.
Cons
- In-app purchases are present and can add up for players who want to progress faster.
- Requests broad permissions, including Identity, Contacts, Location, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, and Wi-Fi connection information.
- Requires GPS and a network connection; Wi-Fi-only devices may work unreliably.
- Not optimized for tablets, and compatibility is not guaranteed on all devices even with a supported OS version.
- Devices running Android versions older than 9 are not supported.
Latest changes · 0.433.0
Trainers, this update for Pokémon GO focuses on refining the overall experience. It includes minor bug fixes and performance improvements to help the game run more smoothly. Update to continue your adventures with a more stable app.
Previous versions
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.433.0 | — | 9 | Oct 8, 2026 |
Pokémon GO is best suited for Android users who enjoy collecting and exploration and who are willing to spend time outdoors while playing. It appeals strongly to Pokémon fans, but also to people who want a game that rewards walking and real-world movement. Because it depends on GPS and a live connection, it fits players who are usually on the move rather than those who game at home on Wi-Fi. It is a reasonable choice for budget-conscious players since the base experience is free, though anyone uncomfortable with location, camera, and contact permissions should think twice. Tablet-only users or those running Android below version 9 will not get a proper experience.
Play while connected to a network for the most accurate location information. Choose a Buddy Pokémon that matches your progression goals, and check whether your device has at least 2GB of RAM and a working GPS before downloading, since those are not guaranteed on all hardware.
Permissions
Frequently asked questions
What Android devices and OS versions can run Pokémon GO?
The app is designed for smartphones and lists compatibility with Android devices running version 6.0–10.0+ with at least 2GB of RAM, while the current version specifies a minimum OS of Android 9. Devices without GPS or that use only Wi-Fi connections are not guaranteed to be compatible, and some devices may fail to run the game even if they meet the OS requirement.
What gameplay activities are available in Pokémon GO?
Players explore real-world locations to discover and catch Pokémon, fill their Pokédex, walk with a Buddy Pokémon to strengthen it and earn rewards, battle in Gyms, and team up with other Trainers in Raid Battles to catch powerful Pokémon.
Is Pokémon GO free to play, and how is it monetized?
The game is free to play with no upfront cost and no ads, but it offers in-game purchases. Its content rating is Everyone, and it is developed by Scopely Explore, Inc.
How popular is Pokémon GO according to the available statistics?
The app shows more than 500 million installs and a user rating of 3.50 out of 5 from over 15 million ratings. It has also been recognized as Best Mobile Game by the Game Developers Choice Awards and Best App of the Year by TechCrunch.
What does the latest update of Pokémon GO include?
The current listed version is 0.433.0, released on October 8, 2026. The update notes mention minor bug fixes and performance improvements. The game was originally released on July 6, 2016.
Pokémon GO turns ordinary walks into a structured collecting game, and its long history of updates keeps the experience active and polished. Players who accept its location-based mechanics and permission requests will find a reliable free-to-play game, while those concerned about privacy or device compatibility may want to evaluate those trade-offs first.
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Updated: Oct 21, 2026