A flood of new details arrive on the highly anticipated mobile game Pokemon GO, including information on catching Pokemon, evolving them, and challenging gyms.

As one of the top ten most Google searched video games of 2015, it's understandable that some massive expectations are surrounding Pokemon GO. The immense mobile game is set to bring Pocket Monsters into a real-world setting by allowing players to capture them on their mobile phones while out and about. This premise is so appealing because it's exactly what fans of the franchise have been hoping to do since the original Pokemon Red and Green launched on the Game Boy in 1996. With that said, some have been concerned about how the final product will turn out.

In a bid to combat questions after alleged beta footage of Pokemon Go got out, some of the first-ever concrete details on the title have finally been released. Admittedly, this new batch of information doesn't address all of the questions that consumers and critics alike had (in fact it raises more), but they do help to paint a portrait of what Pokemon Go will end up looking like when it arrives for iOS and Android devices later this year.

According to the official Pokemon website, players will be asked to join one of three teams after they've progressed to a certain point in the game. After this point, the previously confirmed gym section will be activated, but it sounds like this process (and any corresponding battles) will be more of an automatic thing than a tried and true Pokebattle. Still, it's an enticing way to get players to interact with one another.

"Once you join a team, you'll gain the ability to assign Pokémon you've caught to empty Gym locations or to a location where a team member has placed one of his or her Pokémon. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world. Each player can place only one Pokémon at a particular Gym, so you're encouraged to work with others on the team to build up a strong defense."

"If a Gym is already claimed by another team, you can challenge that Gym using your own Pokémon. Using the Pokémon you've caught, engage in battle with the defending Pokémon at the Gym to claim control."

Those curious as to what a PokéStop is can find comfort in knowing that The Pokemon Company was quick to explain that too. Apparently, players can secure eggs from these locations which have the potential to hatch and become rare Pokemon – although a wide array of places appear to be eligible for becoming just such a center. On top of this, the company also detailed how a wild Pokemon encounter will unfold, and the process users will go through in order to add these monsters to their ever-growing roster of beasts.

"As you move around, your smartphone will vibrate to let you know you're near a Pokémon. Once you've encountered a Pokémon, take aim on your smartphone's touch screen and throw a Poké Ball to catch it. Be careful when you try to catch it, or it might run away! Also look for PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers, and monuments, where you can collect more Poké Balls and other items."

When it comes to battles and evolving Pokemon, however, there will be a very different process in place. While it is possible to level up creatures by having them battle others scattered about the real world, it sounds as if players will only have the ability to make them evolve after they've captured a certain amount of them. In the wake of that news, it sounds like the steps required to fill out a Pokedex will be as much of a grind as one would expect – which makes sense from a longevity standpoint.

Rounding out the update was news on the portable Bluetooth device known as Pokemon GO Plus. The watch-like peripheral will vibrate and light up when in-game events unfold (such as capturing a Pokemon) and players can affectively catch them or interact with events by pushing the button on the device. In that light, it sounds like wannabe Pokemon Masters will be able to passively participate without ever needing to pull out their phone – hence the automatic aspect of the game I previously mentioned.

There are still ample details yet to arrive for Pokemon GO, so stay tuned to Game Rant for more information as soon as it becomes available.

Pokemon GO is set to arrive on mobile devices in 2016.

Source: Pokemon