Your Pokemon adventure has to start somewhere and that somewhere is level 1, where both the Pokemon you encounter and your inventory are pretty scarce. But once you get in the groove, you’ll be level 10 in no time… though the same can’t be said for 20, which is a hard level to reach.
The maximum level at the time of writing is rumored to be 50, but the current EXP curve makes it very difficult to progress past level 20. This is presumably to slow players’ leveling while Niantic updates the game. You can certainly progress past level 20, but for the time being this guide only covers up to 20.
Each level’s rewards, what unlocks, and what the game gives you is listed here in a hopefully easy to use and remember format!
Level 1 rewards
Your first level is the odd one out because it’s the only one that nets you a Pokemon and lets you pick which one you start with. Of course there are the standard three first generation starters: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander.
But did you know you can skip those three and grab yourself a Pikachu instead?
In order to get Pikachu at level 1, you need to skip catching the initial starters. Walk around where you are and ignore the Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander spawns a few times. Once they’ve appeared between three to five times, a Pikachu will appear with them for you to catch instead.
Level 2 rewards
It takes 1,000 EXP to reach level 2.
10 Pokeballs
Level 3 rewards
It takes 2,000 EXP to reach level 3.
15 Pokeballs
Level 4 rewards
It takes 3,000 EXP to reach level 4.
15 Pokeballs
Level 5 rewards
It takes 4,000 EXP to reach level 5. At level 5 you can choose a faction and finally have access to Potions and Revives. You can also start challenging gyms at this level.
20 Pokeballs 10 Potions 10 Revives 1 Incense
Level 6 rewards
It takes 5,000 EXP to reach level 6. You get your first Egg Incubator at level 6, and it is the only one with unlimited uses. Further Egg Incubators can only be used three times, including the ones you get from leveling.
15 Pokeballs 10 Potions 5 Revives 1 Egg Incubator
Level 7 rewards
It takes 6,000 EXP to reach level 7.
15 Pokeballs 10 Potions 5 Revives 1 Incense
Level 8 rewards
It takes 7,000 EXP to reach level 8. This level unlocks Razz Berries, which can be fed to wild Pokemon via your inventory to make them easier to catch and are best used on high CP or rare Pokemon.
15 Pokeballs 10 Potions 5 Revives 10 Razz Berries 1 Lure
Level 9 rewards
It takes 8,000 EXP to reach level 9. At level 9 you can start using Lucky Eggs, which doubles the EXP you get from all actions for 30 minutes.
15 Pokeballs 10 Potions 5 Revives 3 Razz Berries 1 Lucky Egg
Level 10 rewards
It takes 9,000 EXP to reach level 10. At level 10 you can start using Super Potions, which heal more than regular Potions.
20 Pokeballs 20 Super Potions 10 Revives 1 Razz Berry 1 Incense 1 Lucky Egg 1 Egg Incubator 1 Lure
Level 11 rewards
It takes 10,000 EXP to reach level 11.
15 Pokeballs 10 Super Potions 3 Revives 3 Razz Berries
Level 12 rewards
It takes 10,000 EXP to reach level 12. At level 12 you can start using Great Balls, which have a higher catch rate than regular Pokeballs.
20 Great Balls 10 Super Potions 3 Revives 3 Razz Berries
Level 13 rewards
It takes 10,000 EXP to reach level 13.
10 Great Balls 10 Super Potions 3 Revives 3 Razz Berries
Level 14 rewards
It takes 10,000 EXP to reach level 14.
10 Great Balls 10 Super Potions 3 Revives 3 Razz Berries
Level 15 rewards
It takes 15,000 EXP to reach level 15. At level 15 you can start using Hyper Potions, which heal for much more than Super Potions.
15 Great Balls 20 Hyper Potions 10 Revives 10 Razz Berries 1 Egg Incubator 1 Incense 1 Lure
Level 16 rewards
It takes 20,000 EXP to reach level 16.
10 Great Balls 10 Hyper Potions 5 Revives 5 Razz Berries
Level 17 rewards
It takes 20,000 EXP to reach level 17.
10 Great Balls 10 Hyper Potions 5 Revives 5 Razz Berries
Level 18 rewards
It takes 20,000 EXP to reach level 18.
10 Great Balls 10 Hyper Potions 5 Revives 5 Razz Berries
Level 19 rewards
It takes 25,000 EXP to reach level 19.
15 Great Balls 10 Hyper Potions 5 Revives 5 Razz Berries
Level 20 rewards
It takes 25,000 EXP to reach level 20. At level 20 you can start using Ultra Balls, which have an even higher catch rate than Great Balls.
20 Ultra Balls 20 Hyper Potions 20 Revives 20 Razz Berries 2 Incense 2 Lucky Eggs 2 Egg Incubators 2 Lures
As stated before the level list started, level 20 is not the current maximum level in Pokemon Go. This guide will be updated as I personally progress in level. Good luck with your journey to become a Pokemon Master!
