The Sweet Spot: Finding the Safest Speed to Walk in Pokémon GO
The safest speed to walk in Pokémon GO is between 2 mph (3.2 km/h) and 6 mph (9.7 km/h). This range allows you to reliably track distance for egg hatching and buddy candy while minimizing the risk of the game discounting your progress due to excessive speed. Aim for a brisk walking pace; anything faster consistently risks triggering the game’s speed limit.
Understanding Pokémon GO’s Speed Mechanics
Pokémon GO uses a combination of GPS data and movement analysis to determine how far you’ve traveled. This information is crucial for hatching eggs, earning buddy candy, and completing research tasks. However, the game incorporates speed limits to prevent players from exploiting the system by using vehicles. Exceeding these limits means your distance won’t be accurately recorded, negating your efforts. It’s important to understand the interplay between speed and distance tracking to maximize your gameplay. Niantic wants to incentivize walking and exploring and not driving to play.
The Consequences of Going Too Fast
If you consistently exceed the speed limit, Pokémon GO will either:
- Discount your distance: The game will register some movement but significantly reduce the actual distance credited to you.
- Ignore your distance altogether: No distance is recorded, rendering your walk essentially pointless for egg hatching and buddy candy.
- Trigger a “soft ban”: Repeatedly exceeding the speed limit can lead to temporary restrictions, such as the inability to spin PokéStops or catch Pokémon.
Maximizing Your Walking Efficiency
Walking and playing can be more enjoyable if you keep the following in mind:
- Maintain a consistent pace: Erratic changes in speed can confuse the game’s tracking system.
- Monitor your speed: Use a fitness tracker or smartphone app to keep an eye on your walking pace.
- Walk in straight lines: Avoid unnecessary detours and zigzagging, as this can affect the accuracy of distance tracking.
- Break up long journeys: Periodically stop to interact with PokéStops or catch Pokémon.
- Prioritize Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings while playing.
Adventure Sync: Tracking Distance Even When the App Is Closed
Adventure Sync is an optional feature that allows Pokémon GO to track your distance even when the app is not actively running. This feature uses your phone’s built-in fitness tracking capabilities (Apple Health or Google Fit) to record your movement.
Benefits of Adventure Sync
- Battery Saving: Conserves battery life by not requiring the app to be open constantly.
- Passive Progress: Accumulates distance while you go about your daily activities.
- Weekly Rewards: Earns rewards for reaching weekly distance goals.
- Reliable Tracking: Often more accurate than relying solely on the in-game tracking system.
Speed Limitations with Adventure Sync
Even with Adventure Sync, speed limitations apply. The game still won’t accurately track distance if you’re moving too fast. The speed limit for Adventure Sync is around 6 mph (10 km/h). Make sure you’re not commuting, driving, or biking too fast or the distance may not be counted.
Biking: A Grey Area
Biking can be tricky for distance tracking. While it’s technically possible to hatch eggs while biking, it’s often difficult to maintain a speed within the acceptable range. Generally, if you’re biking at a leisurely pace, you might get some distance credit, but anything faster will likely be discounted.
Location Spoofing: A Risky Practice
Using location spoofing apps to trick Pokémon GO into thinking you’re walking is a violation of the game’s terms of service and can result in a permanent ban. While spoofing may seem tempting, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
Prioritizing Safety
While maximizing efficiency is desirable, safety should always be your top priority. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when crossing streets or navigating busy areas. Avoid playing Pokémon GO while driving or engaging in other activities that require your full attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the absolute fastest speed that Pokémon GO will still track?
While anecdotal evidence varies, the consensus is that 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) is the upper limit for reliable distance tracking. Exceeding this speed frequently results in discounted or ignored distance.
2. How does Pokémon GO measure distance?
Pokémon GO uses a combination of GPS data, accelerometer data, and network location services to estimate your movement. The game periodically checks your location and calculates the distance between each point.
3. Does driving slowly in traffic count towards hatching eggs?
Potentially, yes. If you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic, and your speed remains consistently below the speed limit, you might accumulate some distance. However, this is unreliable and not recommended as a primary hatching method.
4. Does a treadmill work for Pokémon GO?
Using a treadmill with the game open is generally ineffective. However, with Adventure Sync enabled, the steps you take on a treadmill may be recorded via your phone’s fitness tracker, contributing to your overall distance.
5. How accurate is Adventure Sync?
Adventure Sync’s accuracy can vary depending on your phone model, fitness tracking app, and GPS signal strength. It’s generally considered more accurate than the in-game tracking system, but it’s not perfect. For the best accuracy, be sure that the Pokemon Go app has the necessary permissions in your phone.
6. Does walking in a straight line actually make a difference?
Yes, to some extent. Walking in a straight line minimizes discrepancies between your actual path and the game’s calculated distance. Zigzagging and frequent changes in direction can reduce accuracy.
7. Can I hatch eggs while swimming or gliding?
The game primarily tracks distance based on step count and GPS location, so swimming or gliding may not be accurately recorded unless your phone can track your movement effectively and the speed is adequate.
8. Which Pokémon hatches the quickest?
Currently in the main series Pokemon games, Magikarp requires the least amount of steps. In the main series, having a Pokémon with the Flame Body or Magma Armor ability in your party can speed up the hatching process by halving the number of steps required.
9. What are the best ways to hatch eggs quickly?
In addition to walking at the optimal speed, using multiple incubators simultaneously and having a Flame Body Pokémon is efficient.
10. Should I always evolve Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Evolving Pokémon is beneficial for completing your Pokédex, obtaining stronger Pokémon for battles, and earning XP. However, it’s best to evolve Pokémon with high CP and good IVs to maximize their potential.
11. What Pokémon have the shortest walking distance for buddy candy?
Pokémon requiring only 1 km of walking distance include Caterpie, Pikachu, Magikarp, and Wailmer.
12. What is considered a good speed stat in Pokémon?
In the main series Pokémon games, a Speed stat above 110 is generally considered fast, allowing you to outpace many common threats.
13. How do I make Adventure Sync more accurate?
Ensure Pokémon GO has the necessary permissions to access your location and physical activity data. Keep your phone’s operating system and fitness tracking app updated.
14. Is it better to play Pokémon GO at night?
Playing at night may increase your chances of encountering certain Pokémon species, but it’s essential to prioritize your safety and be aware of your surroundings.
15. What causes the game to think you’re going too fast?
The game uses a combination of factors, including GPS data, accelerometer data, and network information, to estimate your speed. Sudden changes in location, consistent high speeds, and erratic movement patterns can trigger the speed limit.
Understanding the nuances of speed and distance tracking in Pokémon GO can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. By finding the sweet spot – the safest speed to walk – you can maximize your progress while enjoying the benefits of physical activity. Remember to prioritize safety and have fun exploring the world around you! For more information about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.