A recently discovered bug in the Pokémon Go app is allowing code-savvy people to pull raw data from the game and show the exact location of all available Pokemon on Google Maps.
Following tips from fellow developers, Broadsheet’s tech lead and reluctant Pokémon enthusiast Jay Lynch has been testing the data’s ability to help find certain Pokémon in suspected hotspots around Melbourne.
Our maps have been tested three times over a week – so they’re rock solid right now, or at least until Pokémon Go developers change their data.
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SIGN UPWe’ve flagged areas as “nests” for certain Pokémon, for example you’re extremely likely to run into Pikachu at CERES in Brunswick East.
Some Pokémon are guaranteed to show up in certain spots daily, but may not be there all the time.
At some point, Pokémon Go’s development company, Niantic, will block this loophole. But get out there and exploit it while you can.
PIKACHU
Status: confirmed Pikachu nest
Where is it?
Energy Park, Brunswick East
Why do I want it?
It’s Pikachu!
What’s nearby?
CERES Organic Grocery, Triple R
LICKITUNG
Status: confirmed Lickitung nest
Where is it?
Central Park, Malvern East
Why do I want it?
It’s rare and probably the grossest one.
What’s nearby?
A park! Get some exercise.
DRATINI
Status: confirmed Dratini nest
Where is it?
Lillydale Lake
Why do I want it?
They’re small and cute now, but you can evolve them into Dragonites and totally dominate.
What’s nearby?
Not much. A La Porchetta.
EEVEE
Status: confirmed Eevee nest
Where is it?
Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne
Why do I want it?
Not rare, but it evolves into one of three variations (Jolteon, Vaporeon or Flareon). The evolutions are random, but if you nickname the Eevee correctly you can pick the first evolution (Sparky, Rainer or Pyro, respectively).
What’s nearby?
The whole city!
VOLTORB & MAGNEMITE
Status: confirmed Voltorb & Magnemite nests
Where is it?
Bayside Shopping Centre, Frankston
Why do I want it?
They’re both electric-type Pokémon that only appear in specific areas.
What’s nearby?
The beach.
Below are locations where you're extremely likely to find certain Pokémon, although they are not guaranteed nests.
GROWLITHE
Status: daily Growlithes, but not at all times
Where is it?
John Gardiner Reserve, Hawthorn
Why do I want it?
Fire-type Pokémon are rare. It’s also the closest you’ll get to owning a liger.
What’s nearby?
Lots of schools, so you’ll be competing with kids better with smartphones than you are.
SCYTHER
Status: daily Scythers, but not at all times
Where is it?
Peel Street Park, Collingwood
Why do I want it?
It’s rare, fairly powerful and pretty badass looking.
What’s nearby?
Lazerpig – catch a pizza there afterwards.
KANGASKHAN
Status: daily Kangaskhans, but not at all times
Where is it?
Croydon Library, Croydon
Why do I want it?
Because you can actually find it! Fun fact: it’s only common in Australia and New Zealand – it will almost never appear in other countries.
What’s nearby?
A library! It’s a new thing where you can catch these things called “books”. It’s going to be huge.
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