6 places in Hong Kong where you’ll likely catch Pokemon when Pokemon Go is live
With the addictive smartphone game sure to be released soon in Hong Kong, these are some of our hunting tips: take the Star Ferry, hike up The Peak, visit Government House
Pokemon Go – the augmented reality mobile phone game that has taken the United States, Australia and New Zealand by storm – has been both praised and criticised for leading players to the most unlikely places in cities they know well.
The US Holocaust Memorial Museum and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington – along with police stations and hospitals – are among the places that have requested smartphone users refrain from “catching” Pokemon on or near their premises.
With the game soon to be released in Hong Kong, we brainstormed with fellow would-be Pokemon trainers to come up with a list of places in the city where you ought to be able to stumble across a Pokemon.
1. There’s a greater chance of finding Pokemon near their habitats. If gamers want to find a water-type critter, rather than take the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central they may want to take the Star
Ferry instead, as they may be able to catch Blastoise, Gyarados or even Squirtle in the middle of Victoria Harbour.
2. Since landmarks are more likely to be Pokestops where gamers can collect useful items such as berries, eggs and Pokeballs, or gyms where trainers battle one another, The Peak will probably be a good place to visit. You may even find some bug- or grass-type creatures if you hike up instead of taking the Peak Tram.
3. The most famous Pokemon and the central character of the franchise, Pikachu, was found by gamers in a mall in Tseung Kwan O earlier this week when the game was very briefly available. Though Pikachu is not super rare in the game, he is not common either and so far, in other countries, he has been appearing at random. So your best chance is simply to keep walking.
4. There is talk that “sponsored locations” will soon be coming to the game, meaning restaurants or stores can pay to have a Pokestop installed to help attract customers. Sounds like good news for players, who can fill up both their stomachs and their Pokedex.
5. Some internet users in the US have suggested placing some rare Pokemon in polling stations to encourage people to vote. With the Legislative Council elections fast approaching in September, maybe Hong Kong can follow suit to give voter turnout a boost.
6. Do Hongkongers need another excuse to visit Government House? Catching a Pokemon sounds like a good one. But note that if the police whip out their batons and pepper spray, no matter how high your Pokemon’s combat power is, they will not be able to protect you.
