Are you a Pokémon enthusiast looking to bring the excitement of Pokémon Go to your doorstep? Have you ever wondered if you can make your house a PokéStop? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll guide you through the process of turning your home into a popular PokéStop.
What is a PokéStop?
Before we dive into the process of making your house a PokéStop, let’s first understand what a PokéStop is. A PokéStop is a location in the Pokémon Go game where players can collect items, such as Poké Balls, potions, and eggs. PokéStops are usually located at interesting places, such as public art, landmarks, monuments, and even businesses.
PokéStops are an essential part of the Pokémon Go game, as they provide players with the resources they need to catch Pokémon, heal their Pokémon, and level up their trainers. PokéStops are also a great way for players to socialize, as they often attract large crowds of players who gather to collect items and trade Pokémon.
Why Would I Want to Make My House a PokéStop?
So, why would you want to make your house a PokéStop? There are several benefits to turning your home into a PokéStop:
- Increased foot traffic: As a PokéStop, your house will attract Pokémon Go players who will visit your location to collect items and interact with other players. This can be a great way to meet new people and build a sense of community.
- Business opportunities: If you’re an entrepreneur, turning your house into a PokéStop can be a great way to attract customers to your business. You can offer Pokémon-themed merchandise, food, and drinks to players who visit your location.
- Fun and excitement: Let’s face it – being a PokéStop can be a lot of fun! You’ll get to see Pokémon Go players of all ages gathered outside your house, socializing and having a great time.
Requirements for Making Your House a PokéStop
Before we dive into the process of making your house a PokéStop, it’s essential to understand the requirements. To be eligible, your house must meet the following criteria:
- Location: Your house must be located in a safe and accessible area. Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, will not approve PokéStops that are located in areas that may pose a risk to players’ safety.
- Unique point of interest: Your house must have a unique point of interest that makes it stand out from other locations. This could be a public art installation, a mural, or even a unique architectural feature.
- Permission: You must have permission from the property owner to submit your house as a PokéStop. If you’re a renter, you’ll need to get permission from your landlord.
The Application Process
Now that you understand the requirements, let’s move on to the application process. To submit your house as a PokéStop, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a Niantic Wayfarer Account
The first step is to create a Niantic Wayfarer account. Wayfarer is a platform that allows users to submit and review locations for Pokémon Go and other Niantic games.
To create an account, visit the Wayfarer website and follow the sign-up process. You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name and email address.
Step 2: Take Photos of Your Location
Once you’ve created your Wayfarer account, you’ll need to take photos of your location. These photos should showcase the unique point of interest that makes your house stand out.
Make sure to take clear, well-lit photos that accurately represent your location. You’ll need to upload these photos to your Wayfarer account as part of the application process.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
With your photos ready, you can now submit your application to make your house a PokéStop. Log in to your Wayfarer account and click on the “Submit a Location” button.
You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about your location, including its name, address, and a brief description. You’ll also need to upload your photos and specify the type of point of interest (e.g., public art, landmark, etc.).
Step 4: Wait for Review
Once you’ve submitted your application, Niantic will review it to ensure that it meets their criteria. This process can take several weeks, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.
Step 5: Maintenance and Upkeep
If your application is approved, you’ll need to ensure that your location is well-maintained and safe for players. This may involve updating your photos, responding to player feedback, and ensuring that your location is accessible and safe.
Tips for Making Your House a Successful PokéStop
So, you’ve made it through the application process, and your house is now a PokéStop. Congratulations! Here are some tips to make your location a success:
Engage with Players
As a PokéStop, you’ll attract a lot of players to your location. Take the opportunity to engage with them, ask for feedback, and build a sense of community.
Offer Incentives
Consider offering incentives to players who visit your location, such as discounts on Pokémon-themed merchandise or food. This can help drive business and attract more players to your location.
Maintain a Safe Environment
As a PokéStop, it’s essential to maintain a safe environment for players. Ensure that your location is well-lit, clean, and free from hazards.
Common Questions and Concerns
If you’re considering making your house a PokéStop, you may have some questions and concerns. Here are some common ones:
Will Being a PokéStop Increase Foot Traffic?
Yes, being a PokéStop can increase foot traffic to your location. This can be beneficial if you’re an entrepreneur looking to attract customers to your business.
Will Being a PokéStop Affect My Property Value?
No, being a PokéStop will not affect your property value. In fact, it can increase your property value by making your location more attractive to potential buyers.
What if I Don’t Want to Be a PokéStop Anymore?
If you no longer want to be a PokéStop, you can contact Niantic and request that your location be removed from the game.
Conclusion
Turning your house into a PokéStop can be a fun and exciting way to engage with the Pokémon Go community. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can submit your location as a PokéStop and start attracting players to your doorstep. Remember to engage with players, offer incentives, and maintain a safe environment to make your location a success. Happy Pokémon hunting!
What is a PokéStop and why is it beneficial to have one at my home?
A PokéStop is a location in the Pokémon Go game where players can visit to collect items, such as Poké Balls, potions, and eggs. Having a PokéStop at your home can be beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it can attract Pokémon Go players to your area, which can lead to increased foot traffic and potential customers for local businesses. Secondly, having a PokéStop at your home can also increase the value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.
In addition, having a PokéStop at your home can also create a sense of community among Pokémon Go players in your area. Players may gather at your home to socialize, trade Pokémon, or participate in raids, which can help to build relationships and create a more connected community. Furthermore, having a PokéStop at your home can also provide an opportunity for you to engage with your community, host events, and create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
How do I request a PokéStop at my home?
To request a PokéStop at your home, you will need to submit a request to Niantic, the developers of Pokémon Go. You can do this by going to the Pokémon Go website, clicking on the “PokéStops” tab, and then clicking on the “Submit a PokéStop” button. From there, you will be prompted to fill out a form with information about your location, including the address, latitude, and longitude.
When submitting your request, make sure to provide as much detail as possible about your location, including any unique features or landmarks that make it a good candidate for a PokéStop. You will also need to provide a photo of your location, which should show the area where you would like the PokéStop to be placed. Once you have submitted your request, Niantic will review it and determine whether or not to approve it.
What are the requirements for a PokéStop?
In order to be eligible for a PokéStop, your location must meet certain requirements. Firstly, it must be a safe and accessible location, with no obstacles or hazards that could pose a risk to players. Secondly, it must be a fixed location, such as a building, monument, or public art installation, rather than a movable object. Finally, it must be a unique and interesting location that would be of interest to Pokémon Go players.
In addition to these requirements, Niantic also has certain guidelines that they use to evaluate PokéStop requests. For example, they prioritize locations that are easily accessible by foot or by public transportation, and that are located in areas with high foot traffic. They also prioritize locations that are of cultural or historical significance, or that have a unique or interesting feature that sets them apart from other locations.
How long does it take to get a PokéStop approved?
The length of time it takes to get a PokéStop approved can vary depending on a number of factors. Niantic receives a high volume of PokéStop requests, and it can take several weeks or even months for them to review and approve a request. However, if your request is approved, you will receive an email notification from Niantic, and your PokéStop will be added to the game.
To increase your chances of getting your PokéStop approved quickly, make sure to provide as much detail as possible in your request, and to follow Niantic’s guidelines and requirements. You should also be patient and not get discouraged if your request is not approved right away. Niantic is constantly reviewing and updating the game, and new PokéStops are being added all the time.
Can I customize my PokéStop?
Yes, as the owner of a PokéStop, you may have the opportunity to customize it in certain ways. For example, you may be able to choose the type of PokéStop that is created at your location, such as a gym or a PokéMart. You may also be able to customize the appearance of your PokéStop, such as by adding a custom image or description.
However, it’s worth noting that Niantic has strict guidelines in place to ensure that PokéStops are consistent and fair for all players. Therefore, any customizations will need to be approved by Niantic before they can be implemented. Additionally, Niantic may also make changes to your PokéStop at any time, so it’s important to be flexible and open to changes.
How do I maintain my PokéStop?
As the owner of a PokéStop, it’s your responsibility to maintain it and ensure that it remains a welcoming and safe location for Pokémon Go players. This may involve regularly cleaning up the area, ensuring that it is well-lit and free of obstacles, and providing amenities such as seating, restrooms, and refreshments.
You may also want to consider hosting events and activities at your PokéStop, such as Pokémon tournaments, giveaways, or meet-and-greets. This can help to attract more players to your location and create a sense of community among Pokémon Go enthusiasts. Additionally, you may want to consider partnering with local businesses to offer exclusive deals and discounts to players who visit your PokéStop.
What are the benefits of having a PokéStop for local businesses?
Having a PokéStop at or near your business can bring a number of benefits. Firstly, it can attract more foot traffic to your area, as players come to visit the PokéStop. This can lead to increased sales and revenue for local businesses, as players stop to shop, eat, or drink while they are in the area.
In addition, having a PokéStop at or near your business can also provide an opportunity for you to engage with the Pokémon Go community, host events, and offer exclusive deals and discounts to players. This can help to build brand awareness and loyalty, and create a positive association with your business. Furthermore, having a PokéStop can also increase the value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers or renters if you ever decide to sell or lease your business.