Pokemon GO Easter Eggs: Hidden Secrets & Tricks!
Hey there, fellow Pokemon trainers! Ever wondered if there's more to Pokemon GO than just catching 'em all? Well, you're in for a treat! Just like the main series Pokemon games, Pokemon GO has its fair share of Easter eggs – hidden secrets and cool tricks that can add a whole new layer of fun to your gameplay. In this article, we're diving deep into the world of Pokemon GO Easter eggs. From naming tricks to evolution secrets, get ready to uncover some amazing hidden features! So, grab your phone, lace up your walking shoes, and let's embark on this exciting Easter egg hunt together!
Eevee Evolution Naming Trick
One of the most well-known and beloved Easter eggs in Pokemon GO is the Eevee evolution naming trick. If you're like most trainers, you probably know that Eevee has the unique ability to evolve into different forms, each with its own type and strengths. Normally, the evolution of Eevee into Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon is entirely random. But what if I told you that you could control which evolution you get? That's where the naming trick comes in! This trick allows you to guarantee a specific Eevee evolution one time per name. To use this trick, rename your Eevee before evolving it to one of the following names:
- Rename Eevee to "Rainer" to evolve it into Vaporeon, the Water-type evolution.
 - Rename Eevee to "Sparky" to evolve it into Jolteon, the Electric-type evolution.
 - Rename Eevee to "Pyro" to evolve it into Flareon, the Fire-type evolution.
 - Rename Eevee to "Sakura" to evolve it into Espeon, the Psychic-type evolution (introduced in Gen 2).
 - Rename Eevee to "Tamao" to evolve it into Umbreon, the Dark-type evolution (also introduced in Gen 2).
 - Rename Eevee to "Linnea" to evolve it into Leafeon, the Grass-type evolution (introduced in Gen 4).
 - Rename Eevee to "Rea" to evolve it into Glaceon, the Ice-type evolution (introduced in Gen 4).
 - Rename Eevee to "Kira" to evolve it into Sylveon, the Fairy-type evolution (introduced in Gen 6).
 
Important Note: This trick only works once for each name. After you've used the name once, subsequent Eevees with the same name will evolve randomly. Also, make sure to double-check the spelling and capitalization of the names before confirming the rename, as any mistakes will void the trick. Before you hit that evolve button, restart your app after renaming your Eevee to ensure the servers register the change. This simple step can prevent any potential issues and guarantee your desired evolution. The Eevee evolution naming trick is a fantastic way to add specific types to your team, especially if you're lacking a strong Water, Electric, or Fire-type Pokemon. It's also a fun way to pay homage to the original anime, as the names are references to characters who owned those evolutions. So go ahead, give it a try, and build the Eevee team of your dreams!
Pikachu as a Starter
Did you know that you don't have to settle for the usual starter Pokemon in Pokemon GO? That's right, there's a way to snag Pikachu right from the get-go! When you first start the game, you're presented with the classic trio: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. But if you're patient and a bit stubborn, you can add Pikachu to that list. To get Pikachu as your starter, simply ignore the initial three Pokemon that appear around you. Walk away from them, and they'll eventually despawn and reappear. Do this repeatedly – about four or five times – and Pikachu will eventually show up as a fourth option alongside Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. This Easter egg is a nod to the original Pokemon Yellow game, where Pikachu was the player's starter Pokemon. It's a fun little secret that many new players might not discover on their own. Getting Pikachu as your starter is more than just a novelty; it's a great way to start your Pokemon journey with a strong and popular Pokemon right from the beginning. Pikachu's Electric-type moves can be super effective against many early-game Pokemon, giving you a significant advantage in battles. Plus, who wouldn't want to have the iconic Pikachu as their first partner? This Easter egg also teaches a valuable lesson about patience and persistence. It might take a few tries, but the reward of getting Pikachu is well worth the effort. So, next time you start a new Pokemon GO account, remember this trick and add a little spark to your adventure! While it might take a few minutes of walking and ignoring the initial starters, the satisfaction of seeing Pikachu appear as a starter option is definitely worth it for any true Pokemon fan. This Easter egg not only adds a fun twist to the beginning of the game but also pays homage to the series' roots, making it a must-try for anyone looking to experience a bit of nostalgia while playing Pokemon GO.
Smeargle's Photo Bomb
Smeargle, the Painter Pokemon, has a unique way of making its presence known in Pokemon GO. Instead of encountering it in the wild like other Pokemon, Smeargle photobombs your snapshots! This means that when you're taking pictures of your Pokemon using the GO Snapshot feature, Smeargle might randomly appear in the photo. After you've taken the photo, Smeargle will then appear on the map as an encounter. This is a fun and unexpected way to encounter a rare Pokemon. To trigger Smeargle's photobomb, simply take a bunch of photos using the GO Snapshot feature. There's no guaranteed way to make it appear, but the more photos you take, the higher your chances of encountering it. Try taking pictures of different Pokemon, in different locations, and at different times of the day to see if you can increase your odds. When Smeargle photobombs your snapshot, it will appear in the corner of the photo, usually in a playful pose. After you exit the photo-taking screen, Smeargle will then appear on the map as a regular Pokemon encounter. Tap on it to initiate the encounter and catch it like any other Pokemon. Smeargle's moveset is always the same as the moveset of the Pokemon it photobombed. This means that if Smeargle photobombs a Pikachu with Thunderbolt and Quick Attack, Smeargle will also have those moves. This can be a useful way to get a Smeargle with specific moves, although it's largely based on chance. Smeargle's photobombing ability adds a fun and unpredictable element to the game. It encourages players to use the GO Snapshot feature and adds an element of surprise to their daily gameplay. So next time you're out taking photos of your Pokemon, keep an eye out for Smeargle – you never know when it might decide to make a cameo!
Shiny Pokemon Checks
While not exactly a hidden secret, a handy trick to know is how to quickly check for Shiny Pokemon in the wild. Shiny Pokemon are rare, alternate-colored versions of Pokemon that are highly sought after by collectors. Instead of tapping on every single Pokemon you encounter to see if it's shiny, you can quickly check by tapping on the Pokemon without fully entering the encounter. When you tap on a Pokemon on the overworld map, the game will briefly load its 3D model. If the Pokemon is shiny, you'll be able to see its alternate color during this brief loading period. If it's not shiny, you'll see its regular color. This allows you to quickly scan through multiple Pokemon without wasting time entering and exiting encounters. This trick is especially useful during Community Days or other events where shiny rates are increased. It can save you a lot of time and help you maximize your chances of finding a shiny. Keep in mind that this trick isn't foolproof. Sometimes the lighting or angle can make it difficult to tell if a Pokemon is shiny. If you're unsure, it's always best to enter the encounter to get a closer look. But for the most part, this trick is a reliable way to quickly check for shinies and speed up your shiny hunting. In addition to saving time, this trick can also help you conserve resources like Poke Balls and berries. By quickly checking for shinies, you can avoid wasting items on Pokemon that you're not interested in catching. So next time you're out hunting for shinies, remember this trick and make your shiny hunting more efficient!
Avatar Clothing Based on Team
A subtle but neat little Easter egg is how your avatar's clothing subtly changes based on the team you've chosen. When you join Team Valor (red), Team Mystic (blue), or Team Instinct (yellow), your avatar's clothing will gain accents of that team's color. This is a small detail that many players might not notice, but it's a nice touch that adds to the sense of team identity. The changes are usually subtle, such as the color of your avatar's gloves, shoes, or backpack. But they're enough to show off your team pride. This Easter egg is a fun way to represent your team and show your allegiance to Valor, Mystic, or Instinct. It's also a nice touch of personalization that makes your avatar feel more unique. So next time you're customizing your avatar, take a look at the clothing options and see how they change based on your team. It's a small detail, but it's a fun one that adds to the overall Pokemon GO experience.
Location-Based Pokemon
While not technically an Easter egg, the concept of location-based Pokemon is a cool feature that adds a layer of realism to the game. Certain Pokemon are more likely to appear in certain locations. For example, Water-type Pokemon are more common near bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans. Grass-type Pokemon are more common in parks and forests. And Electric-type Pokemon are more common in urban areas. This means that if you want to catch specific types of Pokemon, you'll need to visit the appropriate locations. This encourages players to explore their surroundings and discover new places. It also adds a sense of adventure to the game, as you never know what Pokemon you might find in a new location. Location-based Pokemon is a great way to make the game feel more immersive and realistic. It encourages players to get out and explore their world, and it adds an element of surprise to their Pokemon hunting.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a collection of Pokemon GO Easter eggs that can add a whole new level of fun and excitement to your gameplay. From controlling Eevee evolutions to encountering Smeargle in your snapshots, these hidden secrets are sure to surprise and delight you. So next time you're out playing Pokemon GO, keep an eye out for these Easter eggs and see what other hidden treasures you can discover. Happy hunting, trainers!