Clover, Kindling, or Pandrop? Choosing Your First Pathling

Clover, Kindling, and Pandrop are the three starter companions in Pathlings, the iPhone walking game. Your best first choice is the buddy you feel excited to see again after a walk.

You do not need to turn the decision into a strategy exercise. Start with the character whose look and atmosphere appeal to you, then make the adventure your own with a name and a daily walking goal.

Clover: a little nature on your path

Clover brings a leafy, green character to your walking routine. If you like garden paths, gentle woodland moods, and the idea of growing something over time, Clover may be the buddy that catches your eye.

Think of the choice as a visual companion for your ordinary walks. You might be heading through a city neighborhood rather than a forest, but a little nature-themed buddy can still make the check-in feel personal.

Kindling: a warm spark of enthusiasm

Kindling has a warm, fiery style. If bright colors and a lively little companion make you smile, take a closer look during setup.

Choosing Kindling does not mean every outing needs to feel intense. A quiet walk around the block can be just as much part of your buddy's story as a longer weekend wander.

Pandrop: a splash of playfulness

Pandrop brings a watery, playful feel to the starter group. If you enjoy blue tones and a cheerful companion, Pandrop may be your first pick.

The useful question is simple: which buddy would make you want to open the app and see how things are going? That personal connection matters more than trying to optimize a character choice.

What happens after you choose?

Name your buddy, follow the step-tracking setup, and choose a goal that fits your day. Daily steps help you earn progress, quests give you smaller objectives, and XP helps your companion grow through five evolution stages.

There is a world to personalize beyond the starter decision. Habitats and decorations give you more ways to shape the experience as you play.

A quick way to decide

Look at all three, choose the one that makes you smile first, and give it a name you like. You can learn the rest of the game by spending time with your new walking companion.

Meet the starter buddies yourself: download Pathlings on the App Store. Then use the beginner's first-walk guide to take the next step.