Is it really free?
Yes. All features free, forever. No card, no tiers, no trial that quietly becomes a bill.
Field guide · Straight answers
Asked often.
The questions that come up again and again, answered in the fewest words possible.
Do I need an account?
No. Pick a trainer name, set a password, and that password is your ticket in. Remember it — it's the only key to your trainer.
How do I get the game?
Head to the Downloads page — the Android build installs directly, and the iOS launcher comes with a step-by-step sideload guide.
What's a .p12 certificate, and where do I get one?
It's the signing key that lets your iPhone run apps from outside the App Store. You don't usually need to find one yourself: with a free Apple ID, AltStore or Sideloadly generates it automatically when you sideload. If you have a downloaded or purchased .p12, import it in the tool (Sideloadly: Advanced → Import) and keep its password handy. The full walkthrough is in the iOS install guide.
Why does the app stop working after 7 days?
Free Apple certificates expire every 7 days — that's Apple's rule for non-developer accounts, not ours. When it happens, plug your phone back into the computer and re-sign (AltStore refreshes automatically over the same Wi-Fi). A paid Apple Developer account ($99/year) signs for a full year and skips the weekly ritual entirely.
The launcher says “Untrusted Developer” or won't open. Fix?
Open Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, tap the developer profile (your Apple ID email or the certificate's team name) under Developer App, and press Trust. That's the step everyone forgets — the launcher can't open until you do it once.
Is the world online right now?
The Status page checks the server every thirty seconds, so it can tell you faster than anyone in chat can.
How do I join the community?
One link. The Join page takes you straight to the Discord server — read the welcome channel, say hi, explore.
Is this affiliated with Niantic or Nintendo?
No. Windstock is a fan project, run for fun. It isn't connected to or endorsed by either company.
Are there events?
Soon. The Events page is warming up — community days, special spawns, and reasons to go outside.
Where do I report a bug or a bad actor?
Bring it to the moderators on Discord. Screenshots help. Patience helps more.
What's Kanto?
We have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.
Still curious?
The friendliest trainers are already in the Discord. Bring your question there and someone will point you in the right direction.
Join the Discord