Sometimes students need a distraction from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Why not let that distraction be something as entertaining as Pokémon Go.

Released in July 2016, Pokémon Go became a popular app to pass the time and even make new friends, and for senior Rebecca Morin, elementary education major, it was exactly that. 

“It gets me out of the house and it’s fun to meet other people who play,” Morin said.

For others, it is more of a reminder of their childhood.

“I really liked Pokémon when I was a kid, so being able to play as a pseudo-adult was fun,” said Holly Haner, senior political science major. “My friends were playing it, so it was a chance to hang out with them and not have to spend money.”

Even with the older generation, the best thing about Pokémon was the nostalgia.

“I played when I was in elementary school,” said Eli Moran, coordinator of Student Life. “It’s a nostalgia factor, especially for students that are in our age group. 

“Pokémon came out in 1996, so I’d say it’s a little nostalgic to relive their childhood dreams of becoming a Pokémon master.” 

Students who are diehard fans know some of the best spots to capture their Pokémon, such as the center of the oval on campus as well as Spiva Library. 

Both locations would be considered a Pokestop, which is where players collect their creatures, alongside raspberries, to make the capturing process easier.

“Even if you see them it’s not a guarantee that you’re going to catch them,” Haner said. “But the fruit helps because it makes them like you and they don’t try to break out of the ball as much because they know you’re gonna give them food.”

When capturing a Pokémon, it is advised that players have plenty of Pokeballs, which are used to to make the catch. 

To successfully capture a character, simply center the Pokeball onto the Pokémon and fling the ball with full force. If hit correctly, the Pokémon will surrender.

As players’ Pokémon family extends, the app has what is called a Pokedex, a library that lists all Pokémon that have been captured, alongside a brief explanation of their name, powers, strengths and weaknesses. 

One of the most popular and most caught Pokémon on campus is Evie. Another popular, but rare capture on campus is the Pokémon Meowth.

There are approximately 720 Pokémon to catch, most of which can be found in the United States, but there are other characters also waiting to be captured overseas.

Players have their favorites when it comes to the popular game. 

Any Pokémon ranging from Skitty, for representing a kitten, to Charizard known for his fire-breathing capabilities, along with Tyranitar, a dinosaurs.

Weather conditions and the time of day will affect the type of Pokémon players find, but most Pokémon may be found during any hours of the day.

As players enter the world of Pokémon, a safety message appears on the app before the hunt begins, warning players to be aware of their surroundings, not to trespass, and to never play and drive.