7 Expert Secrets To Master 'Follow A Route' In Pokémon GO (Zygarde Cells Guaranteed)

The "Routes" feature has fundamentally changed how trainers explore the world in Pokémon GO, offering structured paths with exclusive rewards like the elusive Zygarde Cells and unique encounters. As of December 14, 2025, this mechanic is fully rolled out globally, but many trainers still struggle with the technical quirks and hidden mechanics of following a route efficiently.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully follow a route and, more importantly, reveal the expert tips and troubleshooting fixes you need to consistently earn Zygarde Cells and maximize your rewards. If you are a trainer looking to complete the "From A to Zygarde" Special Research, mastering Routes is non-negotiable.

The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Following a Route in Pokémon GO

The Routes feature allows you to walk a pre-defined path created by Niantic or another high-level trainer, connecting two points of interest like a PokéStop or Gym. Following a Route unlocks specific bonuses, including increased Pokémon spawns, Buddy Hearts, and the chance to find Zygarde Cells. To begin your journey, you must first be at least Level 5 (though some sources mention Level 7 for full access) to see and follow Routes.

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How to Find and Start a Nearby Route

The process for initiating a Route is straightforward, but requires you to be physically near the starting point.

• Step 1: Open the Nearby Menu. Tap the "Nearby Pokémon" icon (the three Pokémon silhouettes) located in the bottom right corner of your main screen.
• Step 2: Navigate to the Routes Tab. At the top of the menu, switch from the "Pokémon" and "Raid" tabs to the "Routes" tab.
• Step 3: Select a Route. You will see a list of nearby Routes. Each listing shows the creator's name, the distance, and the direction (one-way or two-way). Tap on a Route that looks interesting.
• Step 4: Tap 'Follow'. On the Route detail screen, tap the 'Follow' button. A blue line will appear on your map, indicating the path.
• Step 5: Approach the Start Point. Walk toward the designated Route Start Point (usually a PokéStop or Gym). The Route will automatically activate once you are close enough. The blue line will change to a darker, more prominent color, and a Route flag will appear above your avatar.

Once activated, you must follow the blue line on the map to the end point. You can pause the Route at any time by tapping the Route icon above your avatar, but you must remain within a certain distance of the path to keep it active.

The Hidden Rewards: Zygarde Cells and Mateo's Gift Exchange

Following a Route is not just about walking; it's about unlocking exclusive, high-value rewards that are crucial for late-game progression, especially for obtaining the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde.

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The Crucial Zygarde Cells Mechanic

Zygarde Cells are the most sought-after reward from Routes, as they are required to change Zygarde's Forme from 10% to 50%, and eventually to its Complete Forme.

• What to Look For: Zygarde Cells appear as small, glowing green spots on the ground, often near the end of a Route. They are typically found in the last quarter of the path.
• The Daily Limit: You can only collect one Zygarde Cell per unique Route per day, with a hard limit of three Zygarde Cells total per day.
• Expert Tip for Farming: To maximize your daily Zygarde Cell haul, focus on completing three different, short-distance Routes (around 500-700m long). Some trainers have found success in quickly completing a short route and waiting near the end point for the Cell to spawn.
• The Zygarde Cube: Once collected, the Cells are stored in the Zygarde Cube, which you receive during the "From A to Zygarde" Special Research.

Maximizing Friendship with Mateo's Gift Exchange

Mateo is a new NPC (Non-Player Character) who may appear at the end point of a Route. Interacting with him initiates a unique Gift Exchange feature.

• How it Works: When you near the Route's end, a prompt will appear to interact with Mateo. You can choose one Gift from your inventory to exchange.
• The Benefit: Mateo will exchange your Gift for one he collected from another part of the world, often from a distant PokéStop. This is an excellent way to get new Postcards for your Postcard Book and increase your friendship level with distant friends by sending them a Gift from a new location.
• Important Note: Mateo's appearance is not guaranteed on every Route completion, but he is a common sight.

Troubleshooting and Advanced Tips to Fix Common Route Issues

The Routes feature, while rewarding, is known for its technical glitches. Expert trainers know how to bypass the most frustrating issues to ensure a smooth journey.

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The 'Route Paused' Glitch and Technical Fixes

The most common complaint is the Route inexplicably pausing itself, forcing the trainer to tap the icon repeatedly to resume. This is often linked to the game's background tracking features.

• The Adventure Sync Conflict: The primary fix is to turn off Adventure Sync before starting your Route and keep it disabled until you complete the Route. Adventure Sync can conflict with the Route's real-time GPS tracking, causing the self-pausing issue.
• Check Your GPS: Ensure your phone's Location Services are set to high accuracy and that your GPS signal is strong. Poor GPS is a frequent cause of the Route failing to start or pausing mid-walk.
• App and Device Check: Always ensure your Pokémon GO app is the latest version. Clearing the app's cache or restarting your device can resolve many minor tracking bugs.

Pro-Tips for Maximizing Route Rewards

Beyond the basic mechanics, these advanced strategies will help you get the most out of every Route you follow:

• Buddy Heart Boost: Your Buddy Pokémon will earn a heart for every Route you complete. Make sure you have the Buddy you want to level up active before you start.
• Route Badge Collection: Completing a Route for the first time earns you a unique Route Badge. This is a great way to track your exploration and show off your travels.
• Focus on New Routes: Since Zygarde Cells are limited to one per unique Route per day, prioritize walking new or different Routes to hit your daily cap of three Cells quickly.
• Route Creation (Level 37+): If you are a high-level trainer (Level 37 and above), consider creating your own Routes. This not only helps your local community but also allows you to design paths that maximize PokéStop density or cover areas where you know Zygarde Cells tend to spawn.

Mastering the "Follow a Route" feature in Pokémon GO is essential for any serious trainer. By understanding the step-by-step process, leveraging the Zygarde Cell mechanics, and applying the simple troubleshooting fixes, you can transform a frustrating walk into a highly rewarding exploration that brings you closer to obtaining the formidable Complete Forme Zygarde.