Party Play is Pokemon Go’s co-op mode, which allows up to four friends to stay connected, take on Challenges, and earn special bonuses during Raids.
The feature was introduced in October 2023 along with a Special Research quest called Welcome Party, where trainers can earn some great rewards by completing tasks.
Those with a Pokemon Go Fest Global 2024 ticket will also have access to exclusive Party Play challenges as part of the event. Even if you don’t buy one, though, the mode is still incredibly useful for Raids, as it can boost Charged Attacks.
Party Play also got a boost in September 2024 with the introduction of Party Share, a new mechanic that allows trainers to share certain item effects with other party members.
If trainers want to participate in Party Play, they’ll need to know how to join and create Parties first. So, let’s break down exactly how Pokemon Go trainers can do just that.
How to join a Party
Joining a Party in Pokemon Go is quite simple, and can easily be done by navigating to the new ‘Party’ tab introduced in the Party Play update.
Trainers can simply follow these steps to join an existing Party:
- Open Pokémon GO and navigate to your Trainer profile.
- Tap the new Party tab.
- Tap Join Party. You will be prompted to either scan the host’s QR code or manually enter a numerical code.
- Wait for the host to start the party! Once the party begins, you’ll be returned to the map.
It’s important to note, however, that not every trainer can join a Party right off the bat. Players must first reach at least level 15 or higher to access Party Play mode.
Thankfully, we have a handy guide on how to level up in Pokemon Go, so trainers who need to reach level 15 quickly can follow along.
How to create a Party
For those trainers who want to host their own Party, it’s just as easy to create one as it is to join a friend’s.
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To create your own Party for others to join, follow these steps:
- Open Pokémon GO and navigate to your Trainer profile.
- Tap the new Party tab.
- Tap Create.
- You’ll be given a numerical code or QR code that you can share with up to three nearby Trainers.
- Tap Start and let the party begin!
From here, you’ll be able to keep track of your Party’s progress in things like Pokemon caught, Throws made, and many other fun statistics.
What Party Share is & how to use it
Party Share is a new feature that allows Party members to share Incense, Lucky Eggs, and Star Pieces with each other so everyone can enjoy their benefits.
However, sharing an item causes its effect time to be cut in half. That means a Star Piece, which normally lets players earn 50% more Stardust for half an hour, will only last for 15 minutes when used as part of Party Share.
Party Share also cannot be combined with the Daily Adventure Incense, the Coin Bag, or the Mystery Box.
Despite these limitations, Party Share is still a helpful feature, particularly for experienced trainers trying to help their friends get into the game. Trainers can share items up to four times a day for each type of item, and there’s no limit to how many times a player can receive item benefits each day.
Additionally, events that extend item duration also apply to Party Share, though that benefit will still be cut in half. That means any Incense activated during Community Days will last 90 minutes (half of the event’s Incense three-hour bonus).
To use Party Share, simply head to the Party tab of your Trainer profile. If you’re already in a Party, you’ll see the “Share” button.
That’s everything you need to know about how to join and create Parties in Pokemon Go! For more Pokemon Go tips, tricks, and info, check out our guides on how Routes work, every Adventure Effect so far, and codes you can redeem for free in-game items.