A recently discovered bug in the Pokémon Go game allows code-savvy folk to pull raw data to show the exact location of all available Pokémon 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 Pokémon in certain suspected hotspots around Sydney.

Our maps have been tested three times over the course of a week – so they’re rock solid right now, or at least until Pokémon Go developers read this article, change their data and secure their servers. “These things tend to end up in an arms race of sorts, with the developers securing and resecuring different gaps in the system, and people on the other end finding new ways to get at the data,” Lynch says.

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We’ve flagged some “nests” for certain Pokémon, e.g. you’re extremely likely to run into Pikachu at Carrs Bush Park in Kogarah.

Some Pokémon are guaranteed to show up in certain spots daily, but may not be there at all times.

At some point, Pokémon Go’s parent company, Niantic, is going to block this loophole. Until then, get out there and exploit it while you can.





PIKACHU
Status: confirmed Pikachu nest

Where is it?
Carrs Bush Park, Hornsby

Why do I want it?
It’s Pikachu!

What’s nearby?
Carss Cottage Museum (a historic house)





ELECTRABUZZ
Status: confirmed Electrabuzz nest

Where is it?
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Why do I want it?
He’s rare, and he makes the funniest noise if you ever watched the cartoons.

What’s nearby?
A park! Get some exercise.





DRATINI
Status: confirmed Dratini nest

Where is it?
Redfern Park

Why do I want it?
They’re small and cute now, but you can evolve them into Dragonites and totally dominate.

What’s nearby?
Moon Park, get in before they shut up shop.





MAGMAR
Status: daily Magmar, but not at all times

Where is it?
Eastwood Park

Why do I want it?
It’s a rare fire-type Pokémon.

What’s nearby?
Lots of schools, so you’ll be competing with kids better with smartphones than you are.




ONIX
Status: daily Onix, but not at all times

Where is it?
Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point

Why do I want it?
It’s not particularly strong, but you don’t see many of them around, so, bragging rights.

What’s nearby?
Luna Park, for old times’ sake.





VOLTORB
Status: confirmed Voltorb nests

Where is it?
Watson’s Bay

Why do I want it?
It’s an electric-type Pokémon that only appears in specific areas.

What’s nearby?
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel