How to play Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go mania has players armed with smartphones hunting streets, parks, rivers, landmarks and other sites to capture monsters and gather supplies.

The free app, based on a Nintendo title that debuted 20 years ago, has been adapted to the mobile internet age by Niantic Labs, a company spun out of Google last year.

Pokemon Go uses smartphone satellite location, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real world settings, challenging players to capture and train the creatures for battles.

UNDERSTANDING POKÉ-TERMS

Here's a quick rundown of some of the names and phrases you'll come across when playing the game:

Pokéstops – All the items you need to play the game are stored in these blue supply stores, dotted around the map.

Pokéballs – Used to catch Pokémon and build your team.

Incense and Lure Modules – You can use these items to attract more Pokémon to your location. At the start, this is vital to build a large team that you can then use to battle or trade for goodies further into the game.

Gyms – Available from level five, controlling gyms is what the game is all about. Located at points of interest and landmarks, these are where the battles between players and their Pokémon take place.

Factions – These are the teams you're asked to join after reaching level five. They will determine which colour a gym turns when you claim it. Simply pick your favourite colour.

Potions, Super Potions and Revives – After a hard battle, you’ll need these to help your Pokémon recover before the next challenge.

Candy and Stardust – Think of these as supplements to make your Pokémon stronger and more evolved — absolutely vital for taking over more gyms.

Eggs – Go is big on XP, and you’ll need Lucky Eggs if you want to earn double XP. Regular eggs allow you to hatch more Pokémon to add to your team.

Razzberries – Harder to catch Pokémon can be tamed by feeding them these and winning their trust.

Footprints – Use the footprint guides in the 'Nearby' menu to navigate to rarer Pokémon. Three footprints means the creature is further away. No footprints means you're very close.

Here are monster-hunting basics for those interested in trying Pokemon Go.

GOAL

Capture and train monsters to battle for control of virtual "gyms" displayed on smartphone maps of real-world settings.

Players win by controlling gyms and collecting Pokemon.

HOW TO GET STARTED

- Download a free Android or Apple smartphone Pokemon Go app.

- Choose an avatar.

- Walk to a "PokeStop" icon pictured on the map and tap on it to reveal photos of the real-world location you are standing in front of.

- Spin image to obtain supplies such as balls for capturing monsters.

- Progress to the next level by visiting PokeStops and capturing Pokemon.

CATCHING MONSTERS

- While walking, watch smartphone map for what appear to be bursts of leaves or grass.

- Go closer.

- When a Pokemon image appears on a screen tap it.

- Switch to camera mode.

- Scan surroundings through smartphone camera to see Pokemon.

- Hold finger on Pokeball at bottom of smartphone screen.

- Swipe finger to toss Pokeball at Pokemon.

- Hit target to capture Pokemon.

TRAINING MONSTERS

- Increase a Pokemon's power using stardust and creature-specific candy found in the game.

- Reach Level 5.

- Walk to a gym, represented on a map as a tower.

- Once close enough, tap on the icon to enter the gym.

- Chose to join the red, blue or yellow team.

- If a gym is controlled by a rival team, challenge the ruling Pokemon for dominance.

- After defeating a rival Pokemon, leave your own Pokemon to rule the gym.

- If a gym is controlled by your team, challenge the incumbent Pokemon for status.

WHERE TO PLAY

- Essentially everywhere in places the app is available.

- Pokemon Go has been released in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

TIPS

- Carry backup power.

- Use teamwork to keep control of gyms.

- Don't venture where it is not safe or you are not wanted.

- Remember your location is being tracked so others might find you.

- At the start, refrain from selecting a Pokemon to get coveted Pikachu later.