Does Incense Work While Standing Still? A Deep Dive into Pokémon GO Mechanics
Yes, standard incense in Pokémon GO does work while standing still, but its effectiveness is significantly reduced compared to when you’re on the move. While you’ll get a guaranteed spawn roughly every five minutes when stationary, activating incense and then hitting the pavement will result in far more frequent Pokémon encounters. Daily Adventure Incense, however, is a different story, and heavily reliant on movement. Let’s explore the intricacies of how incense functions in Pokémon GO and debunk some common myths.
Understanding Incense Mechanics in Pokémon GO
Incense, in its various forms, is a key item in Pokémon GO, designed to lure Pokémon to your location for a set period. However, the way each type of incense works is slightly different, making understanding their mechanics crucial for maximizing their benefits. Let’s delve into the two main types: Standard Incense and Daily Adventure Incense.
Standard Incense: Stationary vs. Mobile
Standard incense provides a base level of effectiveness regardless of movement. As mentioned, when stationary, it will spawn a Pokémon approximately every five minutes. This makes it useful for players who are unable to leave their homes or are simply taking a break from walking.
However, the true power of standard incense is unleashed when you start moving. The speed at which you move directly influences the spawn rate. While the exact speed required to maximize effectiveness isn’t officially disclosed, anecdotal evidence suggests that moving at around 6km per hour (approximately 3.7 mph) is optimal. This translates to significantly more spawns compared to standing still.
Daily Adventure Incense: All About the Journey
Daily Adventure Incense is a special type of incense that offers a unique set of rules. Unlike standard incense, it virtually does nothing if you are standing still. Upon activation, you might get one immediate spawn, but further encounters require consistent movement.
The game tracks your location every 30 seconds. If your location changes enough within that 30-second interval, the game triggers a new Pokémon spawn. Therefore, to use it effectively, walking a straight line for the 15-minute duration is optimal to maximise spawns. This method ensures that you’re consistently covering new ground, triggering more encounters.
The Daily Adventure Incense is also notable for its ability to attract rare and powerful Pokémon, including the elusive Galarian Legendary Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres).
Dispelling Incense Myths
Several myths surround the use of incense in Pokémon GO. Let’s address some of the common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Incense Only Works if You’re Walking
While this is true for Daily Adventure Incense, it’s not the case for standard incense. Standard incense does work when standing still, albeit less effectively.
Myth 2: Any Movement Will Maximize Incense Effectiveness
Not necessarily. To achieve the maximum spawn rate with standard incense, you need to move at a reasonable pace (around 6km/h). Slow strolling might not trigger the enhanced spawn rate.
Myth 3: Incense Works the Same in All Locations
Location plays a role in the types of Pokémon attracted to incense. Being near a PokéStop, Gym, or in a different biome can influence the Pokémon that appear.
Optimizing Incense Use
To make the most of your incense, consider these tips:
- Plan your route: If using Daily Adventure Incense, plan a relatively straight route to maximize the distance covered.
- Maintain a consistent pace: When walking with standard incense, aim for a moderate walking speed.
- Combine with other items: Lure Modules attract Pokémon to PokéStops, and when used in conjunction with incense, can significantly increase the number of encounters.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Always prioritize safety when playing Pokémon GO, especially when walking or moving in public areas.
Safety First
It’s crucial to remember that Pokémon GO is still a game and should never compromise your safety or the safety of others.
- Never play while driving.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid trespassing on private property.
The Science of Gaming and Learning
The mechanics behind Pokémon GO, including incense and lure modules, illustrate how games can be designed to encourage exploration, physical activity, and social interaction. The Games Learning Society studies the intersection of games, learning, and culture, exploring how games can be leveraged for educational and social good. For more insights into this fascinating field, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about using incense in Pokémon GO:
FAQ 1: Does Daily Adventure Incense work standing still?
No, Daily Adventure Incense does not work effectively if you’re standing still. You’ll likely only get one spawn, and then no more unless you move.
FAQ 2: How far do you have to move for Daily Adventure Incense to work?
The game checks your location every 30 seconds. Aim to move at least 50 meters within that timeframe to trigger a spawn.
FAQ 3: What is the best way to use Daily Adventure Incense?
Walking in a straight line for the full 15 minutes maximizes your spawns. Avoid stopping or backtracking.
FAQ 4: Can you get Legendaries from Daily Adventure Incense?
Yes, you have a chance to encounter Galarian Legendary Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) when using Daily Adventure Incense. However, their catch rate is incredibly low.
FAQ 5: How many Pokémon do you get from standard incense when standing still?
You’ll get approximately one Pokémon every five minutes when using standard incense and remaining stationary.
FAQ 6: How fast do you have to walk for incense to be most effective?
Aim for a speed of around 6km per hour (3.7 mph) to maximize the spawn rate with standard incense.
FAQ 7: Can you catch Pokémon while driving with incense?
While technically possible if you’re a passenger, it’s generally not recommended. Pokémon spawned by incense often despawn before you can interact with them at high speeds. Never play while driving.
FAQ 8: Does incense work better in certain locations?
Yes, being near PokéStops, Gyms, or in different biomes can influence the types of Pokémon attracted to incense.
FAQ 9: What time of day should I use Daily Adventure Incense?
Use your Daily Adventure Incense before 11:44 p.m. local time to ensure you receive the next day’s Incense.
FAQ 10: Are Lure Modules better than incense?
Incense attracts Pokémon to your location, whereas Lure Modules attract Pokémon to a PokéStop. Their effectiveness depends on your specific needs. Incense is generally more useful if you’re moving around, while Lure Modules are better for stationary gameplay near a PokéStop.
FAQ 11: How do you make Pokémon GO think you are walking?
Using location spoofing apps is against the game’s terms of service and can result in a ban. Avoid using such methods.
FAQ 12: What is the catch rate for the Galarian Legendary Birds?
The Galarian Legendary Birds have an extremely low catch rate (around 0.3%) and a very high flee rate (around 90%).
FAQ 13: What is the difference between standard incense and Daily Adventure Incense?
Standard incense works regardless of movement (though less effectively when stationary), lasts an hour, and attracts common Pokémon. Daily Adventure Incense requires movement to be effective, lasts 15 minutes, and can attract rare Pokémon, including Galarian Legendary Birds.
FAQ 14: My Daily Adventure Incense isn’t working. What should I do?
Make sure you are actively moving, not using it between 11:45 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. local time, and are catching Pokémon that are attracted to it to complete any associated tasks.
FAQ 15: Is it safe to use incense indoors?
Yes, it’s safe to use incense indoors, as long as you are playing responsibly and being aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion
Incense in Pokémon GO is a versatile tool for attracting Pokémon, but its effectiveness hinges on understanding its mechanics. While standard incense provides a basic level of attraction even when standing still, Daily Adventure Incense demands movement. By optimizing your usage and dispelling common myths, you can significantly enhance your Pokémon GO experience and catch ‘em all! Remember that both are made to get you moving and exploring so use that opportunity to get outside and enjoy your surroundings.