A Pokemon GO enthusiast recently made a fascinating discovery about PokeStops, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the game that has surprised many trainers. PokeStops are iconic elements in Pokemon GO, strategically placed in areas such as parks, museums, historical sites, and landmarks, enticing players to explore and engage with their surroundings.
In the game, PokeStops typically appear as blue icons that players can interact with. When spun, they provide essential items like Eggs, Potions, and Poke Balls. After spinning, the icon changes to purple, indicating a cooldown period during which it cannot be interacted with. Additionally, once players reach level 37, they gain access to the Niantic Wayfarer initiative, enabling them to suggest real-world locations for potential PokeStop creation.
However, a recent revelation from a Pokemon GO trainer has unveiled intriguing details about these locations, sparking surprise and discussion among fellow players. Reddit user DepartureLonely2305 shared an image showcasing what a temporarily closed PokeStop looks like in the game. The image features two blue squares surrounding a white circle, reminiscent of the iconic Poke Ball associated with PokeStops. Although the specific country of this particular PokeStop remains undisclosed, the trainer clarified that it closes every Friday and reopens on Monday, effectively preventing player interactions during this period.
The revelation prompted many Pokemon GO players to express astonishment at the concept of PokeStops having operational hours. Some players noted encountering similar situations in locations like cemeteries and local parks. While the removal of Gyms and PokeStops is a known occurrence in the game, a lesser-known detail is that locations can opt for temporary closures. This feature, introduced in 2021, allows administrators of locations hosting PokeStops and Gyms to request temporary functionality limitations from Niantic via a specific form.
This development has been welcomed by the Pokemon GO community as a positive step towards ensuring safety and organization in areas hosting these virtual landmarks. It also serves to protect valuable PokeStops and Gyms from potential removal, benefiting both administrators and players alike.