Do Pokemon Go Auto Catchers Work While Driving? Unveiling the Truth
The short answer is yes, Pokemon Go auto catchers can technically work while driving, but with significant limitations and potential risks. While devices like the Go-tcha and Pokemon Go Plus + are designed to automatically spin Pokestops and attempt to catch Pokemon, the game itself imposes speed restrictions that severely impact their effectiveness at higher speeds.
The Nitty-Gritty: How Speed Impacts Auto Catchers
Pokemon Go’s developers, Niantic, have implemented several features to discourage playing while driving, primarily for safety reasons. These measures directly affect the functionality of auto catchers:
- Speed Lock: Once you exceed a certain speed threshold (around 22 mph or 35 km/h), the game drastically reduces or eliminates the distance tracked for egg hatching and candy acquisition.
- Pokemon Spawns: At speeds above approximately 25 mph, Pokemon spawns become significantly less frequent, if they appear at all.
- Pokestop Spinning: While an auto catcher might attempt to spin a Pokestop at higher speeds, the game often disables the ability to collect items, rendering the spin ineffective.
So, while your auto catcher might be diligently trying to do its job, the game itself is actively working against it when you’re moving at driving speeds. The first snippet given in the prompt highlights the auto-spinning capability.
The Passenger Clause: Are You Really a Passenger?
The game often presents players with a prompt asking if they’re a passenger. However, even if you honestly select “passenger,” the speed restrictions still apply. Niantic has seemingly implemented algorithms that detect movement speed and automatically enforce the limitations, regardless of your chosen status. As the provided document states, “Niantic have discovered that people click they’re a passenger even though they are driving so they made sure people quit doing it by stopping the Pokemon from spawning when going beyond 25 mph.”
Beyond the Technical: Ethical and Safety Considerations
Even if an auto catcher could function flawlessly at driving speeds, there’s a serious ethical and safety dimension to consider. The game is designed to encourage exploration and physical activity, not to be passively farmed while operating a vehicle. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and engaging with Pokemon Go, even through an auto catcher, contributes to that risk.
Optimal Usage: Making the Most of Your Auto Catcher
Auto catchers are best utilized in situations where you’re moving at slower speeds:
- Walking: This is the ideal scenario. The auto catcher will seamlessly spin Pokestops and catch Pokemon as you stroll, maximizing efficiency without compromising safety.
- Public Transportation (Slow Speeds): On buses or trains that frequently stop, an auto catcher can be useful. However, be mindful of the speed lock and the reduced catch rate.
- Areas with High Pokestop Density: In densely populated areas with numerous Pokestops, an auto catcher can help you replenish your item supply without constant manual interaction.
The Go-tcha Ranger: A Case Study
The initial article snippet mentions the Go-tcha Ranger and its features. While the Go-tcha Ranger allows you to toggle auto-catch and auto-spin on or off, this doesn’t override the game’s speed limitations. It simply provides control over which actions the device attempts when it is within range and under the speed threshold. The device is a useful accessory if you want a hands-free experience, but it does not negate the game’s built-in restrictions on driving.
Games Learning Society and Responsible Gaming
It’s crucial to remember that games, including Pokemon Go, should be enjoyed responsibly. Promoting safe and ethical gameplay is essential for fostering a positive gaming community. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) advocate for understanding the social and educational impact of games.
FAQs: Your Burning Auto Catcher Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the functionality and limitations of Pokemon Go auto catchers while driving:
1. Can I get banned for using an auto catcher while driving?
While using an auto catcher itself isn’t grounds for a permanent ban, excessive speed and behavior mimicking botting could trigger a soft ban or temporary suspension.
2. What is a soft ban in Pokemon Go?
A soft ban temporarily restricts your ability to interact with the game, such as spinning Pokestops or catching Pokemon. It’s usually triggered by rapid location changes or exceeding catch limits.
3. How fast can I go and still spin Pokestops with an auto catcher?
Generally, you need to be below 22 mph (35 km/h) to reliably spin Pokestops. However, even at slightly higher speeds, you might occasionally get lucky.
4. Do Pokemon flee more often when driving with an auto catcher?
Yes, Pokemon are more likely to flee when you’re moving at higher speeds. This is due to the distance between you and the Pokemon increasing rapidly. As the provided snippet suggests, “The speed itself doesn’t seem to affect catch or flee rate, but a big distance to a Pokemon does seem to make them break and flee.”
5. Does the type of auto catcher affect its performance while driving?
No, the underlying limitations are imposed by the game itself, not the specific device. The Pokemon Go Plus + and Go-tcha both face the same restrictions.
6. Can I trick Pokemon Go into thinking I’m not driving?
Attempting to bypass the speed lock is against the game’s terms of service and could result in penalties. It’s not worth the risk.
7. Does Adventure Sync work while driving?
Adventure Sync is designed to track distance even when the game is closed. However, the speed limitations still apply. You won’t accumulate significant distance at driving speeds.
8. What is the “speed lock popup” in Pokemon Go?
The speed lock popup appears when you’re moving too fast, indicating that distance tracking and Pokemon spawns are limited.
9. Does driving count as walking in Pokemon Go?
Only if you’re moving very slowly, such as during stop-and-go traffic. The game needs to register consistent movement below the speed threshold.
10. Why can’t I catch Pokemon in Pokemon Go while driving?
Niantic has deliberately restricted Pokemon spawns at higher speeds to discourage distracted driving.
11. Can I bypass the Pokemon Go speed lock?
There are some unreliable methods but they generally don’t work and trying them could risk an account ban.
12. Why can’t I spin Pokestops when driving?
Niantic disabled spinning Pokestops at driving speeds as a safety measure.
13. What triggers a soft ban in Pokemon Go?
Fleeing Pokemon, using Automated Devices, exceeding the catching limit and encountering fleeing Pokémon can be indicative of soft ban activity.
14. What is the maximum speed for catching Pokemon in Pokemon Go?
The maximum speed for catching is somewhere between 60 and 70 Km/h.
15. Does sneaking up on a Pokemon make it easier to catch?
Sneaking up on a Pokemon isn’t possible in the traditional sense.