If you've been playing Pokémon GO here in the Hudson Valley or just want to know what the excitement is all about, we've got some tips for you.

Of course, the first tip is to learn how the game is played BEFORE taking your phone on a monster hunt. We learned that the hard way:

Pokemon GO is the newest mobile version of the decades-old game of Pokémon. If you're unfamiliar with how the game works, the concept is pretty simple. There are a bunch of monsters, you capture them and then train them to fight each other.

In this latest version, however, Pokémon are everywhere. And we mean everywhere. Players take their mobile devices around town searching for little monsters that are scattered throughout the area.

According to our research, the rarer monsters found in the Hudson Valley seem to be located in the local shopping malls like the Poughkeepsie Galleria and the Galleria at Crystal Run. If you're not close to a mall, try heading directly towards the center of town. That's where most people report finding the most desirable Pokémon.

There are also special monsters that seem to only be available in places that are appropriate for them. For example, fire monsters can be found near fire stations and ghost monsters have been known to be lurking around the local cemeteries. Also, water monsters are found, you guessed it, close to the Hudson River.

The Walkway Over The Hudson was reported to be a hotspot this past weekend, with many people reporting some rare Pokémon in sight.

A. Boris
A. Boris
loading...

There are also countless PokéStops and Gyms you can find throughout the Hudson Valley where players can power up, battle other teams and pick up items. If you come across one that seems to be empty, just wait five minutes or so and it will magically replenish. Also, be sure to use common sense. If the place you're going to looks unsafe, its best to find somewhere else.

Of course, as the game continues things will change and evolve. So be sure to keep us posted with your best Pokémon finds throughout the Hudson Valley. You can comment here or hit us on on our Facebook page.

More From WPDH-WPDA