Does Incense Only Work When Moving in Pokémon GO?

The short answer is: No, Incense in Pokémon GO does not only work when you’re moving. While moving significantly increases its effectiveness, Incense still spawns Pokémon even when you’re stationary. The spawn rate is just considerably lower.

Understanding Incense Mechanics in Pokémon GO

Incense is a consumable item in Pokémon GO designed to attract Pokémon to your location. For years, the effectiveness of Incense has been tied to player movement. However, the exact mechanics have been tweaked and adjusted by Niantic over time, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, to accommodate different playstyles. The core concept remains the same: moving increases the number of Pokémon spawned by the Incense.

How Incense Works When Stationary

When you’re stationary (or moving very slowly), Incense will spawn a Pokémon approximately every five minutes. This spawn rate is significantly reduced compared to when you’re actively moving. While this might not seem like much, it still provides a steady trickle of Pokémon, making it useful for players who are unable to leave their homes or are in situations where moving around isn’t feasible. Consider it a passive bonus.

How Incense Works While Moving

The effectiveness of Incense dramatically increases when you’re moving. The faster you move (within reasonable gameplay speeds, of course – don’t try driving!), the more frequently Pokémon will spawn. While the exact formula is not publicly disclosed by Niantic, anecdotal evidence and community testing suggest that a speed of around 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph) is optimal. At these speeds, you can expect a Pokémon to spawn roughly every minute or even more frequently. This makes Incense an invaluable tool for walking, jogging, or cycling while playing Pokémon GO.

The Pandemic Adjustments and Their Lasting Effects

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Niantic made several adjustments to Incense to make the game more accessible to players who were staying at home. One significant change was increasing the spawn rate of Incense when stationary to one Pokémon per minute. This change reverted after the pandemic subsided, but it highlights Niantic’s willingness to adapt the Incense mechanics based on real-world circumstances. These past adjustments further emphasizes that while movement is ideal, Incense still holds value for stationary play.

Optimizing Your Incense Usage

To get the most out of your Incense, consider these tips:

• Move at a consistent pace: Aim for that sweet spot of around 10-15 km/h.
• Avoid areas with poor GPS signal: A stable GPS signal is crucial for accurately tracking your movement.
• Use Incense during special events: Niantic often boosts Incense effectiveness during specific events, such as Community Days or Spotlight Hours.
• Pair Incense with other items: Combine Incense with Lucky Eggs or Star Pieces to maximize XP or Stardust gains from the spawned Pokémon.

FAQs About Incense in Pokémon GO

Here are some frequently asked questions about using Incense in Pokémon GO, offering more comprehensive details.

1. How long does Incense last?

Standard Incense lasts for 60 minutes. However, special events or research tasks might occasionally offer Incense with extended durations.

2. Can I stack multiple Incense to extend the duration?

No, you cannot stack multiple Incense. Activating a new Incense will simply replace the currently active one, resetting the timer.

3. Does Incense attract rare Pokémon?

Incense can attract any Pokémon that can spawn in your current biome, including rare ones. However, the chance of encountering a rare Pokémon is still relatively low. Niantic occasionally increases the spawn rates of specific Pokémon during events, making Incense even more useful for hunting those elusive creatures.

4. Does Incense work in remote areas with no PokeStops or Gyms?

Yes, Incense works in remote areas. In fact, Incense is particularly useful in these locations, as it’s often the only way to encounter Pokémon without relying on natural spawn points.

5. Does Incense attract Pokémon that are not normally found in my region?

Generally no. Incense typically attracts Pokémon that are native to your current biome. However, during special events, Niantic might temporarily alter the spawn pool to include Pokémon from other regions.

6. Does the weather affect Incense spawns?

Yes, weather conditions can influence Incense spawns. Pokémon that are boosted by the current weather are more likely to appear when using Incense.

7. Can Incense attract Shadow Pokémon?

No, Incense cannot attract Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Pokémon are exclusively encountered through Team GO Rocket battles.

8. Does using Incense consume my phone’s battery faster?

Yes, using Incense can drain your battery faster, especially when moving, as the game needs to constantly track your location and spawn Pokémon. Consider using a portable charger to extend your playtime.

9. How do I know if my Incense is working properly?

You will see a pink, swirling aura around your character on the map when Incense is active. You will also receive notifications when a Pokémon is attracted by the Incense.

10. Is Incense worth buying with PokeCoins?

Whether Incense is worth buying depends on your playstyle and goals. If you frequently play Pokémon GO while moving, Incense can be a valuable investment. If you primarily play at home, it might be less beneficial. Weigh the cost of Incense against the potential benefits.

11. Does Incense guarantee a Shiny Pokémon encounter?

No, Incense does not guarantee a Shiny Pokémon encounter. The odds of encountering a Shiny Pokémon remain the same regardless of whether you’re using Incense or not.

12. Can I use Incense while using a lure module on a PokeStop?

Yes, you can use Incense and a Lure Module simultaneously. This can significantly increase the number of Pokémon spawning in your vicinity. They stack!

13. What happens if my internet connection drops while using Incense?

If your internet connection drops, the Incense will continue to run, but you won’t be able to see or interact with any Pokémon that spawn. Once your connection is restored, the Incense will resume functioning normally.

14. Can I use Incense while riding in a car or bus?

While you can use Incense while riding in a car or bus, the game might not accurately track your movement if you’re moving too fast. This can reduce the effectiveness of the Incense. As mentioned earlier, 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph) is an ideal speed.

15. Are there any known bugs or glitches related to Incense?

Like any software, Pokémon GO can sometimes experience bugs or glitches. Some players have reported issues with Incense not spawning Pokémon correctly or the duration not being accurately tracked. If you encounter a persistent issue, consider contacting Niantic support.