How To Cheat At Pokémon GO

Some players have developed a cheat by faking the coordinates of a phone's GPS, allowing a user to virtually visit any location without moving a step, according to a Vice report.

The cheat, detailed and discussed extensively in the Pokémon GO subreddit, requires GPS spoofing — an Android tweak that requires a rootkit to run and take control of a device's operating system. The process also involves installation of some software that reprograms a user's GPS location.

While these players may get ahead in the game by acquiring those sought after "rare Pokémon," such attempts run the risk of getting permanently banned by Niantic Labs.

Related Link: Pokémon GO Helps Bump Nintendo's Market Cap $9 Billion In 2 Days

As per Pokémon GO's terms, players are not allowed to use "any unauthorized third-party software (e.g. bots, mods, hacks, and scripts) to modify or automate operation" or "attempt to circumvent any restriction in any Service," which includes locations. Breaking the terms result in suspension or termination of "your access to some or all" of the game.

Meanwhile, IGN said, "There's a way to catch Pikachu as a starting Pokemon. You will notice upon creating your character that Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle will appear around you. However, if you refuse to catch these three starting Pokemon, and ignore them long enough, Pikachu will appear on your map alongside the others, ready for you to catch!

"You'll need to refuse these Pokemon at least four times before Pikachu will appear. Once you see pikachu, zoom and catch him and he'll be yours forever!" IGN said.