PokéStop

PokéStops are one of the most central and recognizable game elements. They can be seen and accessed only in the Map View, as they are the real-world landmarks in places such as historical markers, monuments, art installations, churches, etc.

PokéStops have three in-game purposes:
 * They are a common source for most items and one of few sources for Pokémon Eggs.
 * Wild Pokemon naturally gather around them. These Pokemon can be seen on the tracker. Additionally, Lure Modules can be set on PokéStops, causing more wild Pokemon to appear nearby.
 * They can be taken over by Team GO Rocket Grunts to challenge Trainers with their Shadow Pokémon and they can also serve as hideouts for Team GO Rocket Leaders and Giovanni.

Photo Disc
Photo Discs are round discs with the photograph of an object or a place for which specific PokéStop or Gym is placed. There are placed at the center of a PokéStop and they can also be found at Gyms by selecting the Photo Disc button. When a trainer swipes the disc, 50 XP is awarded and a number of completely random items will be given to the trainer and added to their Items Bag.

Once a trainer has collected items from a PokéStop they cannot collect items from the same stop for 5 minutes. During this time the stop turns purple to indicate that it is inactive. Once the cool down period expires it will return to blue and items can be collected once again.

To help trainers explore new places in the real world, PokéStops they haven't previously visited will appear surrounded by rings. Once they spin the Photo Disc, the rings will disappear indicating that they've explored the location. Visiting a new PokéStop also grants 250 XP instead of 50.

Possible drops
Following items can be obtained by spinning Photo Discs of both PokéStops and Gyms.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 12.
 * starting at trainer level 20.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 8.
 * starting at trainer level 14.
 * starting at trainer level 18.
 * starting at trainer level 5.
 * starting at trainer level 10.
 * starting at trainer level 15.
 * starting at trainer level 25.
 * starting at trainer level 5.
 * starting at trainer level 30.
 *  (guaranteed on 7 Days Streak)
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.
 * starting at trainer level 1.

Team GO Rocket takeover
Team GO Rocket Grunts randomly take control of PokéStops. These PokéStops twitch and appear discolored. As a Trainer approaches an invaded PokéStop, it becomes black and the Team GO Rocket logo will appear over it. Trainers can battle with the Grunts' Shadow Pokémon.

Defeating a Team GO Rocket member instantly refreshes the cooldown of the invaded PokéStop, allowing Trainer to spin it for items again even if Trainer just spun it prior to the battle.


 * For more information on taken over PokéStops, see: Team GO Rocket.

Gallery


Trivia

 * Trainers earn bonus items when visiting Gyms controlled by their team. If they have a Badge for the Gym they're visiting, they will earn additional bonus items as well.
 * A PokéStop is considered visited only if you spin the photo disc. You can view it or even defeat a Team GO Rocket member at the PokéStop without it considered being visited.