What Counts as Distance Walked in Pokémon GO?
Pokémon GO, a popular mobile game, has taken the world by storm since its release in 2016. One of the essential features of the game is the distance walked by players, which is used to hatch eggs, earn rewards, and complete research tasks. But what exactly counts as distance walked in Pokémon GO? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
How Pokémon GO Determines Distance Walked
According to Pokémon GO’s developer, Niantic, the game uses a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to track a player’s movement. These sensors, which are built into most smartphones, measure the player’s acceleration, orientation, and rotation to estimate their distance traveled. The game then uses this data to calculate the distance walked.
What Counts as Walking in Pokémon GO?
While walking is the primary mode of movement in Pokémon GO, the game does allow for other forms of locomotion to count towards the distance walked. These include:
• Biking: Yes, biking counts as walking in Pokémon GO! However, the game requires a minimum speed of 1.67 miles per hour (mph) to register the distance walked. This means that cycling at a leisurely pace should be sufficient to contribute to the distance walked.
• Running: Like biking, running counts as walking in Pokémon GO, but with a caveat. The game requires a minimum speed of 10.5 mph to register the distance walked. This means that jogging or slow running may not be counted, but faster running speeds should be recognized.
• Egg Hatching: While not a traditional mode of movement, egg hatching can also contribute to the distance walked in Pokémon GO. When an egg hatches, the game will automatically add the distance traveled to the player’s walking distance.
What Doesn’t Count as Walking in Pokémon GO?
On the other hand, the following activities do not count as walking in Pokémon GO:
• Driving: Unfortunately, driving does not count as walking in Pokémon GO. The game only recognizes movement that occurs on foot or through alternative forms of locomotion like biking or running.
• Flying: Similarly, flying does not count as walking in Pokémon GO. While the game allows for airborne movement, this does not contribute to the distance walked.
• Using Pokémon GO’s "Adventure Sync" Feature: While Adventure Sync is an optional feature that allows players to track their distance walked even when the game is closed, this data is not considered for egg hatching or research tasks.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Distance Walked
Here are some tips and tricks to help you maximize your distance walked in Pokémon GO:
• Keep Pokémon GO Open: To ensure that your distance walked is accurately tracked, make sure to keep the game open while walking.
• Use Adventure Sync: By enabling Adventure Sync, you can track your distance walked even when the game is closed.
• Monitor Your Speed: Make sure to monitor your speed when biking or running, as this can affect whether the distance walked is accurately recorded.
• Keep Your Device Charged: With the constant need to have Pokémon GO open and the demands of tracking your distance walked, it’s essential to keep your device charged to avoid any disruptions to your gameplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, distance walked in Pokémon GO is a crucial aspect of the game that can be maximized through various means. By understanding what counts as walking in Pokémon GO, including biking, running, and egg hatching, players can optimize their gameplay experience. Additionally, tips and tricks can help ensure that your distance walked is accurately tracked and contribute to a more enjoyable gaming experience.