Stamp Rally is an activity where Trainers visit specific PokéStops or Gyms to collect stamps by spinning the Photo Disc. If you have been exploring Pokémon GO recently, you might have heard about a new feature rolling out to select regions: the Stamp Rally. This activity takes inspiration from traditional real-world travel stamp collections, blending exploration with in-game rewards.
For long-time players who love both travel and collection mechanics, the Stamp Rally breathes new life into daily exploration. By turning routine walks into a scavenger hunt, it rewards community engagement and incentivizes Trainers to discover new landmarks, parks, and local art installations they might otherwise walk right past.
Here is everything you need to know about how Stamp Rallies work, how to participate, and what you can earn along the way.
What is a Stamp Rally?
A Stamp Rally is a location-based feature where Trainers visit specific PokéStops or Gyms to collect digital stamps by spinning Photo Discs. As you visit different locations, you build out your Stamp Rally card, track your progress in your Scrapbook, and unlock unique rewards and Pokémon encounters.
Because it is currently a rolling feature, availability depends on your region or specific in-person events (e.g., LEGO and Pokémon GO Stamp Rally in US, UK, Poland, and more).
How to Participate in Stamp Rally
Participating in a rally is straightforward once you are in a supported area:
Check the Map: Look for participating PokéStops that display a special stamp icon on your map.
Receive Your Sheet: When you approach a participating PokéStop, you will automatically receive a stamp sheet.
Spin the Photo Disc: Spin the Photo Disc at the designated PokéStop, and a circular stamp sheet will pop up.
Stamp It: Tap or press and hold the center of the circle. The ink density will vary depending on how long you hold it down. (Note: Stamps cannot be adjusted or re-stamped once placed!)
Track Your Progress: View all of your collected stamps anytime by checking the Scrapbook page in your Trainer profile.
Spotlight: The Poké Lid Stamp Rally in Japan
One of the most prominent implementations is the Poké Lid Stamp Rally, available to Trainers level 5 and above who are exploring areas of Japan with official Pokémon manhole covers (Poké Lids).
Local vs. Gifted Stamps: Stamps collected in person feature a yellow border. You can also receive Poké Lid stamps via Gifts from friends, which feature a blue border.
Reward Encounters: For every stamp you collect, you will get a chance to encounter a special reward Pokémon with a Location Background representing that location.
Gift Limitations: Stamps received from friends via Gifts do not count toward regional reward encounters, though you can overwrite a blue-bordered gifted stamp by visiting that same location in person later. (If you prefer not to receive these via Gifts, you can toggle this off in your Settings under General).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revisit locations? Once you collect a stamp from a location, you cannot collect it or its rewards a second time, but the location will still function as a normal PokéStop.
Do stamps expire? Stamps will not disappear from your Scrapbook, though certain limited-time events may have specific reward time windows.
Can I play with friends? While the Stamp Rally is designed for individual collection, it is a great activity to do side-by-side while exploring with friends!
Whether you are planning a trip to Japan to hunt down rare Poké Lid manhole covers or hoping Niantic rolls out the Stamp Rally feature globally soon, this mechanic adds a rewarding layer of gamification to real-world travel. Keep your Scrapbook updated, spin those Photo Discs safely, and happy exploring!
