Cracking the Code: What’s the Fastest Speed for Walking in Pokémon GO?
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So, you’re a dedicated Pokémon GO trainer aiming to maximize your egg hatching, buddy candy collection, and overall in-game progress. Speed is of the essence! Here’s the bottom line: The optimal speed for Pokémon GO is approximately 10.5 kilometers per hour (6.5 miles per hour). Traveling faster than this can cause the game to disregard your distance, effectively halting your progress. Now, let’s dive into the details and explore how to fine-tune your gameplay for peak performance.
Understanding Pokémon GO’s Speed Mechanics
Pokémon GO uses your device’s GPS to track your movement. The game registers distance based on changes in your location over time. However, Niantic implemented speed limits to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by playing while driving or riding in fast-moving vehicles. This is crucial for fair play and player safety.
The game doesn’t constantly poll your location. Instead, it checks periodically. If the distance traveled between these checks exceeds the allowed speed, the game disregards the distance. This creates a buffer and makes it important to stick close to the 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) threshold to ensure every step counts.
Location drift can also influence your movement. Location drift refers to the GPS errors causing your character to appear to move even if you are standing still. This can sometimes be helpful, but it’s not a reliable way to hatch eggs or collect buddy candy!
Maximizing Your Hatching and Buddy Candy Gains
While the ideal speed is 6.5 mph, experimenting slightly below this speed might yield better results, as fluctuations and minor GPS inaccuracies are inevitable. A steady, brisk walk is your best bet. Here’s how you can optimize your efforts:
- Choose the right route: Select routes that are safe, relatively straight, and free from obstacles. Parks and walking trails are ideal.
- Monitor your speed: Use a fitness tracker, GPS watch, or even a speedometer app on your phone to ensure you’re within the acceptable speed range.
- Adventure Sync is your friend: Enable Adventure Sync in the game’s settings. This allows the game to track your distance even when the app isn’t actively open, utilizing your phone’s background fitness tracking.
- Utilize Incubators Strategically: To maximize the XP and Stardust hauls from egg hatching, consider placing several eggs of the same distance into incubators at the same time. This way, you will get the rewards all at once.
- Pay attention to events: Niantic frequently hosts events that offer bonuses, such as reduced egg hatching distances or increased buddy candy. Take advantage of these events to accelerate your progress.
Debunking Myths and Addressing Common Concerns
There are many misconceptions surrounding Pokémon GO’s speed mechanics. Shaking your phone, for instance, doesn’t reliably hatch eggs. Likewise, while phone swings might register some distance, they are inconsistent and generally not worth the effort.
Speed limits and Games for Learning
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FAQs: All About Speed in Pokémon GO
Here’s a deep dive into common questions to help you master Pokémon GO’s speed limitations:
What happens if I go faster than the speed limit in Pokémon GO?
The game will likely not register the distance traveled while exceeding the speed limit. Your eggs won’t hatch, and your buddy won’t earn candy.
Does cycling work for hatching eggs in Pokémon GO?
Yes, cycling can work, but you need to maintain a slow cycling pace, close to the 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) limit. Biking is considered a faster form of movement than walking, but slower than driving or riding on a train or bus. If you exceed the limit, the distance may not be counted.
Can I use a treadmill to hatch eggs in Pokémon GO?
Yes, using a treadmill can be effective for hatching eggs, as long as you maintain a consistent speed within the acceptable range (6.5 mph or 10.5 km/h).
Does Adventure Sync work at higher speeds?
Adventure Sync is also subject to the same speed limits as the game itself. Even if your phone tracks distance via background fitness tracking, the game will disregard any distance accumulated above the speed threshold.
Is it possible to trick Pokémon GO into thinking I’m walking?
There are some methods, such as using GPS spoofing apps, to trick the game into thinking you are walking. These apps have the functionality to simulate movement. However, keep in mind that spoofing is against the terms of service and can result in a ban.
What are “Strange Eggs” or 12km eggs?
12km eggs are special eggs obtainable by defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders. They contain rare and powerful Pokémon, and they require more walking to hatch.
What’s the fastest way to hatch eggs in Pokémon GO?
The fastest way is to walk at a steady pace around 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h), utilize incubators efficiently, and take advantage of events that reduce hatching distances.
Does the type of incubator affect the speed of hatching eggs?
No, the type of incubator only affects the number of uses and the distance reduction (e.g., Super Incubators hatch eggs faster). The speed at which the game registers distance is the same regardless of the incubator.
How does location drift affect egg hatching?
Location drift can sometimes contribute small amounts of distance towards hatching eggs, but it’s unreliable and unpredictable.
What Pokémon hatch from 1km eggs?
The Pokémon that hatch from 1km eggs include: Caterpie, Pikachu, Magikarp, Aron, Wailmer, Bidoof, Purrloin, Sewaddle, Fletchling, and Skwovet.
Does shaking my phone really hatch eggs in Pokémon GO?
No, shaking your phone is not a reliable method for hatching eggs. It may register minor distance due to accidental movement, but it’s not an effective strategy.
Can I get banned for using a phone swing to hatch eggs?
Using a phone swing is unlikely to result in a ban, as it’s not directly manipulating the game’s code. However, Niantic may detect unusual activity patterns and take action against accounts suspected of cheating.
Do Pokémon with Flame Body or Magma Armor hatch eggs faster in Pokémon GO?
No. These abilities only affect egg hatching in the main series Pokémon games. They have no effect in Pokémon GO.
Does Pokemon Go work on trains?
No, travelling at train speed is too fast, and the game does not register the distance. You have to travel at 6.5 mph or less to hatch eggs.
Are there any items that make Pokémon hatch faster?
Super Incubators help you hatch Pokémon faster because they reduce the distance needed to hatch an egg.
By understanding these speed mechanics and strategies, you can become a more efficient and successful Pokémon GO trainer. Happy hatching!