Does Driving Slow Count as Walking in Pokemon Go? The Definitive Answer
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So, you’re cruising along, Pokemon Go open, wondering if those snail-paced drives are contributing to your egg-hatching efforts? The short answer is: sometimes, but it’s unreliable. Pokemon Go has a speed limit designed to prevent gameplay while driving at unsafe speeds. Let’s delve into the details and explore how the game handles movement.
The Nuances of Speed and Distance Tracking in Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go uses your device’s GPS to determine movement. However, it’s not a simple “distance = rate x time” calculation. The game actively filters data based on speed. If you’re going too fast, the distance is either discounted or completely ignored. This is why highway driving yields little to no progress.
What’s the Magic Number?
The widely accepted speed limit for reliable distance tracking is around 10.5 kilometers per hour (6.5 miles per hour). Below this speed, Pokemon Go is more likely to register your movement as walking. Above this speed, consistency drops dramatically. While you might get lucky with short bursts of slow driving, don’t expect a significant contribution. Stop-and-go traffic, where you’re constantly slowing down below the threshold, might register some distance, but it’s inefficient.
Why the Speed Limit Exists
The speed limit isn’t just about fairness; it’s a crucial safety measure. Niantic, the game developer, implemented it to discourage players from playing while driving. It prevents accidents and promotes responsible gameplay.
Adventure Sync: A Game Changer?
Adventure Sync is a feature that allows Pokemon Go to track your steps even when the app is closed. It uses your phone’s built-in pedometer. While Adventure Sync offers a more reliable method of tracking distance, the same speed limitations apply. If your Adventure Sync data shows excessive speed, the distance might be discounted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokemon Go Movement
Here are some common questions players have regarding movement, speed, and distance tracking in Pokemon Go:
1. Can I Hatch Eggs While Driving?
Potentially, but it’s highly unreliable. If you’re driving very slowly (below 6.5 mph) you may get some distance. However, consistent speeds above this will prevent egg hatching.
2. Does Being a Passenger in a Car Count?
Being a passenger allows you to spin Pokestops and catch Pokemon, but the distance is rarely recorded at normal driving speeds. You’ll miss out on egg hatching and candy earning.
3. How Accurate is Pokemon Go’s Distance Tracking?
Studies have shown that Pokemon Go’s GPS-based distance tracking is relatively accurate. In some tests, it’s been shown to be more accurate than some fitness trackers. However, various factors can affect accuracy, including GPS signal strength and device calibration. The Games Learning Society also studies learning through games and game design, highlighting how location-based games like Pokemon Go blend physical activity with digital engagement; you can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
4. Can Pokemon Go Detect if I’m Driving?
Yes, Pokemon Go uses GPS data to determine your speed. If it detects speeds consistently above the walking threshold, it will restrict certain gameplay elements and prevent accurate distance tracking.
5. What Speed Does Pokemon Go Consider Too Fast?
Anything consistently above 10.5 kilometers per hour (6.5 miles per hour) is generally considered too fast for accurate distance tracking. Above 30 mph, the game will typically not register any distance.
6. Will Shaking My Phone Trick Pokemon Go?
Trying to trick the game by shaking your phone may result in little or no distance being counted. While it might have worked in the past, Pokemon Go’s algorithms have become more sophisticated. Adventure Sync uses built-in phone sensors to determine distance covered, not just general movement.
7. Does Pokemon Go Track Treadmill Walking?
Yes, Pokemon Go can track treadmill walking, especially if Adventure Sync is enabled. The phone’s pedometer registers the steps, and the game records the distance once you open it.
8. Can I Use a Roomba to Trick Pokemon Go?
While theoretically possible, using a Roomba to simulate walking is not recommended. The movement might be too erratic, and the risk of damaging your phone is significant.
9. What is GPS Spoofing, and is it Allowed?
GPS spoofing involves using software to artificially change your device’s location. This is strictly prohibited by Niantic and can result in a ban.
10. Which Fake GPS Apps Work with Pokemon Go?
While several fake GPS apps exist, using them to spoof your location in Pokemon Go is against the game’s terms of service and can lead to account suspension or permanent ban. Therefore, it’s advised to refrain from using these.
11. Does Pokemon Go Track Steps from Smartwatch?
Yes, if your smartwatch is connected to Apple Health (iOS) or Google Fit (Android), Pokemon Go’s Adventure Sync can integrate with these services to track steps and distance.
12. Does Pokemon Go Count Steps Without WiFi?
Yes, Adventure Sync counts steps independently of WiFi or cellular data. It relies on the device’s pedometer and GPS. The tracked data syncs with the game when you have an active internet connection.
13. Does Pokemon Go Track Steps Outside of the App?
Yes, with Adventure Sync enabled, Pokemon Go tracks steps even when the app is closed. You’ll receive rewards and progress towards egg hatching and candy earning based on your walking activity.
14. What is the Best Way to Hatch Eggs Without Walking?
There isn’t a legitimate or reliable way to hatch eggs quickly without walking. Playing responsibly and respecting the game’s mechanics is the best approach. The game is designed to encourage real-world exploration and exercise.
15. How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Distance While Moving Slowly?
Enable Adventure Sync, keep the app updated, ensure your GPS signal is strong, and try to maintain a consistent speed below 6.5 mph. Frequent stops and starts will reduce the accuracy of distance tracking.
The Bottom Line: Embrace the Walk!
While the temptation to “game” the system might be strong, Pokemon Go is designed to be enjoyed through real-world activity. Forget about meticulously trying to exploit slow driving or using unreliable tricks. Embrace the walking, explore your surroundings, and enjoy the game as intended. You’ll not only hatch eggs and earn candy but also discover new places and get some healthy exercise along the way. Trying to bypass the speed limit is against the game’s principles.