Scan real-world PokeStops to receive in-game rewards.
Back in May of 2020, Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go, revealed that a new feature called “PokeStop Scan” was coming soon to the free-to-play mobile game. Now, trainers who have reached at least level 20 in Pokemon Go can scan PokeStops through new AR Mapping tasks.
Players can collect new AR Mapping Field Research tasks by interacting with certain PokeStops. A PokeStop has the potential to give out AR Mapping tasks if it has the “AR Mapping” tag on it’s Photo Disc page.
When you collect an AR Mapping task, it will also have the “AR Mapping” tag on your Field Research window. These tasks will ask you to scan the real-world using the game’s camera (think “record a video”).
When you’re ready to complete one of these tasks, tap the task on your Field Research list and follow the in-game prompt. You’ll likely be asked to “scan” the PokeStop that gave you the task.
On the Niantic Support website, Niantic said a good “PokeStop Scan” lasts 20-30 seconds and has “a consistent movement speed and distance between you and the object.” You’re also encouraged to walk (and scan) the PokeStop in a full 360 degree circle around the location, if possible.
Once you complete one of these tasks, you’ll receive an in-game reward. This may be an item (like a Rare Candy) or even a Pokemon encounter. Completing one of these AR Mapping tasks will also count as your “daily” Field Research task, if you’ve yet to complete another Field Research task that day.
Similar to collecting regular Field Research tasks, you can only collect one AP Mapping task from a single PokeStop per day, even if you visit the PokeStop more than once on the same day.
Finally, players with Niantic Kids accounts are currently unable to complete AR Mapping tasks, though Niantic did say that parents will have the option to turn this feature on for their children (if they have Niantic Kids accounts) in the future.
What do you think about this new AR Mapping feature in Pokemon Go? Let us know on Twitter at @superparenthq.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.
