Does Driving in Pokemon Go Count as Walking?
The short answer is no, driving in Pokemon Go does not generally count as walking. Pokemon Go utilizes GPS data and speed detection to track your movement. While the game allows for some leeway, driving speeds typically far exceed the thresholds considered as “walking” by the game’s algorithms. This is a deliberate design choice by Niantic to encourage genuine physical activity and prevent unfair advantages.
Why Driving Doesn’t Work for Pokemon Go
The core mechanics of Pokemon Go revolve around exploring the real world and physically walking around to discover Pokemon, spin Pokestops, hatch eggs, and complete research tasks. Driving significantly undermines this core principle for several key reasons:
- Speed Lock: Pokemon Go implements a speed lock. This means that if you’re traveling at a speed that exceeds a certain limit (usually around 10-15 mph or 16-24 km/h), the game will significantly reduce or even completely disable certain features. You might not be able to spin Pokestops, encounter wild Pokemon as frequently, or accrue distance for egg hatching or Buddy Candy.
- GPS Irregularities: GPS signals can be inconsistent, especially inside vehicles or near tall buildings. This can lead to inaccurate tracking, making it difficult for the game to accurately register distance even if you’re driving at a relatively slow speed.
- Niantic’s Stance: Niantic has been very clear about their intention to discourage driving while playing Pokemon Go. They have actively implemented measures to prevent it, not only to maintain the integrity of the game but also to promote safety and prevent accidents.
Essentially, Pokemon Go is designed to encourage healthy habits and exploration on foot. Driving, on the other hand, goes against this intention and is actively discouraged by the game’s mechanics. While you might be able to get away with driving very slowly in certain situations, it’s not a reliable or effective way to play.
The Consequences of Trying to “Cheat” the System
Attempting to circumvent the game’s walking mechanics can have unintended consequences:
- Limited Gameplay: As mentioned before, the speed lock restricts key features. This makes driving a very ineffective way to play, as you’ll miss out on a significant portion of the game’s content.
- Account Security Risks: Using third-party apps or modifications to fake GPS data or speed can lead to a ban from Pokemon Go. Niantic actively monitors for these types of activities and takes action against players who violate the game’s terms of service.
- Ethical Considerations: Playing Pokemon Go while driving is not only against the game’s rules but also incredibly dangerous and irresponsible. It puts yourself and others at risk of accidents and injuries.
Ultimately, the best and safest way to enjoy Pokemon Go is to play it as intended – by walking and exploring your surroundings.
Alternatives to Driving
If mobility is an issue, or you have time constraints, there are alternative ways to maximize your Pokemon Go experience without resorting to driving:
- Walking Loops: Create a walking route in a safe, Pokemon-rich area. Focus on areas with Pokestops and Gyms. Repeat this loop regularly to hatch eggs and collect resources.
- Adventure Sync: This feature tracks your steps even when the Pokemon Go app is closed. Make sure it’s enabled in your settings to passively accrue distance throughout the day. Note that Adventure Sync can also be inaccurate, especially with inconsistent step data.
- Incense and Lures: Use Incense to attract Pokemon to your location and Lure Modules to attract Pokemon to Pokestops. This is effective if you’re staying in one place for a while.
- Community Days: Participate in Community Days, which offer boosted spawn rates for specific Pokemon.
- Play with Friends: Coordinate with friends to cover more ground and share information about Pokemon sightings and Pokestop locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing Pokemon Go while driving, providing additional valuable information for readers:
FAQ 1: Will I get banned for driving while playing Pokemon Go?
While you might not be automatically banned for simply driving with the app open, continually triggering the speed lock and attempting to circumvent the game’s mechanics through third-party apps can raise red flags and increase your risk of a ban. Niantic actively monitors for suspicious activity.
FAQ 2: Can I hatch eggs while driving slowly?
Potentially, but it’s not reliable. If you’re driving at a very slow speed (below the speed lock threshold) and the GPS accurately tracks your movement, you might accrue some distance towards egg hatching. However, it’s often inconsistent and inefficient.
FAQ 3: Does riding a bike count as walking in Pokemon Go?
Yes, riding a bike at a moderate pace (below the speed lock threshold) generally counts as walking in Pokemon Go. It’s a good way to cover more ground while still adhering to the game’s intended mechanics. Just be safe and aware of your surroundings.
FAQ 4: Can I spin Pokestops while in a moving car as a passenger?
You can try, but the speed lock usually prevents it. Even as a passenger, the car’s speed will likely exceed the limit, rendering the Pokestop unspinnable. There’s a small window of opportunity at stop lights or in heavy traffic, but it’s not consistent.
FAQ 5: Does Adventure Sync track distance accurately if I’m driving?
Adventure Sync is based on step data and location, so driving will usually be ignored. It might record some distance if you’re driving on a bumpy road and the accelerometer misinterprets the vibrations as steps, but it’s unreliable and not the intended use.
FAQ 6: What is the speed limit for Pokemon Go to register movement?
The speed limit is generally estimated to be around 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h). Exceeding this limit triggers the speed lock, limiting gameplay.
FAQ 7: Can I use a GPS spoofing app to play Pokemon Go without walking?
Using GPS spoofing apps violates Pokemon Go’s terms of service and can result in a permanent ban. It’s strongly discouraged.
FAQ 8: Does Pokemon Go know if I’m a passenger in a car?
Pokemon Go doesn’t inherently know if you’re a driver or a passenger. However, repeated attempts to play while exceeding the speed limit can still trigger the speed lock and potentially raise suspicion.
FAQ 9: What happens when the speed lock is activated?
When the speed lock is activated, you typically won’t be able to spin Pokestops, encounter wild Pokemon as frequently, or accrue distance for egg hatching or Buddy Candy. The gameplay is severely limited.
FAQ 10: Are there any exceptions to the driving rule?
There are no official exceptions to the driving rule. Niantic’s primary focus is on encouraging physical activity and promoting safety.
FAQ 11: Can I use a treadmill to play Pokemon Go?
Yes, using a treadmill at a walking pace is a valid way to play Pokemon Go and hatch eggs. Ensure Adventure Sync is enabled for best results.
FAQ 12: How does Pokemon Go detect speed?
Pokemon Go uses a combination of GPS data and the device’s accelerometer to detect speed and movement.
FAQ 13: What are the risks of playing Pokemon Go while driving, besides getting banned?
The most significant risk is causing an accident. Playing Pokemon Go while driving distracts you from the road, putting yourself and others in danger. It’s incredibly irresponsible.
FAQ 14: Is it possible to get a “soft ban” for driving too fast?
Yes, repeated triggering of the speed lock can lead to a temporary “soft ban,” where you won’t be able to spin Pokestops or catch Pokemon for a short period of time.
FAQ 15: Does the Pokemon Go Plus or Gotcha device help with playing while driving?
While these devices can automate some tasks like spinning Pokestops and catching Pokemon, the speed lock still applies. They won’t circumvent the core limitation imposed by driving too fast. It is still not encouraged to use these devices while driving.
In conclusion, driving in Pokemon Go is not an effective or safe way to play. The game is designed to be enjoyed on foot, and attempting to circumvent this design can lead to limited gameplay, account security risks, and, most importantly, dangerous situations. Embrace the walking aspect of the game for a more rewarding and responsible experience.