The moment British Poké-maniacs have been waiting for has finally arrived –Pokémon Go has officially launched on iOS and Android in the UK. The free-to-play game is now available to download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Developed by Niantic in partnership with The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Go has become a phenomenon since its initial global rollout began on 6 July. The free app – which features in-app purchases – adapts Nintendo's popular RPG series to let players wander around the real-world and catch, train and battle the original, first-generation stars of the Pokemon franchise using location data.

Pokemon Go on IBTimes UK

To download the game on your iPhone or iPad then you need to access the App Store on your iOS device, or you can prompt the install here. For Android owners, you can start the download on the Google Play Store here.

While millions downloaded and played the GPS-powered app around the world, UK players had to wait patiently for an official release – although several workarounds meant some where able to play the game early through third-party APK sites or by changing the regional settings in Apple's App Store.

The app is slowly launching in most European countries, with Germany becoming the first. Pokémon Go is also set to release in Nintendo's native region of Japan "soon".

The launch means that UK trainers can now venture into the wild and visit real-world landmarks – both weird and wonderful – which the game transforms into Gyms and PokéStops, where players can fight for a chosen team and collect items respectively.

The official release puts an end to the malware scares for eager Poké-fans grabbing the game early, but US players have been urged by police departments to stay wary when hunting the Pocket Monsters.

You can read all the latest Pokémon Go news from IBTimes UK here and brush up on your trainer skills with our guides:

Our Pokémon Go guides

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