Unlocking the Secrets of Incense: Maximizing Your Pokémon GO Experience on the Move

Yes, incense works significantly better when you are moving in Pokémon GO. The core mechanic of incense, especially the standard and Daily Adventure Incense, is designed to reward players for exploration and active gameplay. While incense can attract Pokémon even when stationary, the spawn rate dramatically increases when you’re walking. Think of it as the game’s way of encouraging you to get some exercise while expanding your Pokédex! This article will delve into the nuances of incense usage, offering insights and tips to help you make the most of these valuable items.

Understanding Incense Mechanics in Pokémon GO

Incense, in its various forms, is a staple item in Pokémon GO. Its primary function is to attract Pokémon to your location, increasing the number of encounters you experience within a given timeframe. However, the effectiveness of incense isn’t static; it’s dynamically linked to your movement.

The Importance of Movement

The game’s code clearly shows that movement triggers more frequent Pokémon spawns when an incense is active. When you’re stationary, you’ll encounter a Pokémon approximately every five minutes. However, when you walk roughly 200 meters (about 656 feet), the spawn rate increases substantially, potentially resulting in a Pokémon appearing every minute or even faster, depending on the type of incense.

Different Types of Incense

• Standard Incense: This is the most common type, typically lasting 30 minutes. Its effectiveness hinges on movement, offering a significantly improved spawn rate when walking.

• Daily Adventure Incense: This incense lasts for 15 minutes and requires movement to function. It’s designed to encourage daily walks, offering encounters with Pokémon that might not otherwise appear in your area, including the elusive Galarian Legendary Birds.

• Coin Bag Incense: This is a special type of Incense that will attract the Coin Chest Pokémon to you for 30 minutes. The effect works best when you are moving.

Speed Limits and Incense

It’s crucial to note that Pokémon GO has a speed limit in place to discourage playing while driving. If the game detects that you’re moving faster than approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), the incense’s effectiveness will be severely diminished, and you won’t be able to collect Pokémon rewards. This feature is designed to promote safety and prevent accidents.

Maximizing Incense Usage

To get the most out of your incense, plan a route that involves walking. Parks, nature trails, and areas with multiple PokéStops are ideal. Avoid playing while driving; it’s unsafe and negates the benefits of the incense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Incense in Pokémon GO

1. Does the Daily Adventure Incense work if I’m not moving?

No, the Daily Adventure Incense only works if you’re walking. If you remain stationary, you won’t encounter any Pokémon while it’s active.

2. Can I attract rare Pokémon using incense?

Yes, incense can attract rare Pokémon. While there’s no guarantee, using incense increases the overall spawn rate, which elevates your chances of encountering rarer species. The Daily Adventure Incense, in particular, offers the opportunity to encounter Pokémon that are normally unavailable, such as the Galarian Legendary Birds.

3. What’s the best time of day to use incense?

There isn’t a universally “best” time, but consider factors like local weather, the availability of daylight, and any in-game events that might be active. Some events feature increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon during certain times of day. Just remember to use your Daily Adventure Incense before 11:44 p.m. local time to ensure you receive the next day’s Incense.

4. Can I catch Legendary Pokémon with incense?

While standard incense can indirectly increase your chances of encountering Legendary Pokémon by simply increasing the overall spawn rate, the Daily Adventure Incense is the only way to encounter Galarian Articuno, Galarian Zapdos, and Galarian Moltres in the wild.

5. Why isn’t my incense attracting any Pokémon?

Several factors could be at play. Ensure you’re moving if you’re using the Daily Adventure Incense. Also, check your internet connection, restart the app, and make sure you’re not exceeding the speed limit. Sometimes, there can be bugs that temporarily prevent incense from working correctly, in which case, tapping a gym or pokestop should fix it.

6. What’s the optimal speed for walking with incense active?

There’s no specific “optimal” speed, but a brisk walking pace is generally ideal. Aim to cover roughly 200 meters per minute to maximize the number of Pokémon spawned.

7. Can I use a Lure Module and incense simultaneously?

Yes, Lure Modules and incense can be used together. Lure Modules attract Pokémon to a specific PokéStop, while incense attracts Pokémon directly to you, so combining them can result in a lot of Pokémon spawns.

8. How long does standard incense last?

Standard incense typically lasts for 30 minutes.

9. Are there specific environments where incense works better?

While incense functions in any environment, areas with few natural spawns, such as rural locations, can benefit the most from incense, as it effectively creates Pokémon spawns where there might otherwise be none. Also, Pokémon love places like parks.

10. What are the odds of encountering a Galarian Legendary Bird with Daily Adventure Incense?

The encounter rate for Galarian Legendary Birds is very low, and they are notoriously difficult to catch, boasting a 0.3% base catch rate and a 90% flee rate. Patience and persistence are key.

11. Can I use a location spoofer to make Pokémon GO think I’m walking?

While location spoofing is possible, it violates Pokémon GO’s terms of service and can result in a permanent ban from the game. It’s not recommended. It is better to actually get outside and walk! You might be able to find some educational insight into gamification on websites like GamesLearningSociety.org.

12. Does minimizing the app affect incense effectiveness?

Yes, minimizing the app or switching to a different app while incense is active can sometimes disrupt its function. If you notice a decrease in spawns, try returning to the Pokémon GO app or tapping a gym or pokestop.

13. What happens if I activate incense and then become stationary?

With standard incense, the spawn rate will decrease to approximately one Pokémon every five minutes. With Daily Adventure Incense, no Pokémon will spawn at all until you start moving.

14. How do I report a bug with incense?

If you suspect a bug with incense, contact Niantic Support through the Pokémon GO app’s settings menu. Provide detailed information about the issue, including the type of incense used, your location, and the time of the incident.

15. Are there any in-game events that affect incense?

Yes, certain in-game events can modify the duration, effectiveness, or spawn pools associated with incense. Keep an eye on the in-game news and Pokémon GO’s official social media channels for announcements about upcoming events.

By understanding the mechanics and nuances of incense usage, you can significantly enhance your Pokémon GO experience, catch more Pokémon, and make the most of your time exploring the world around you. Remember, getting out and moving is the key to unlocking the full potential of this valuable item!