What Counts as Steps in Pokémon Go?
Pokémon Go, the popular augmented reality game, has taken the world by storm. The game’s concept is simple: capture and train Pokémon in the real world using your mobile device. To progress in the game, you need to earn experience points, and one of the ways to do so is by taking steps. But what exactly counts as steps in Pokémon Go?
Direct Answer
Pokémon Go tracks steps using a combination of GPS and accelerometer data from your mobile device. This means that your device uses its built-in sensors to detect your movements and convert them into digital steps. The game also uses Adventure Sync, a feature that connects to your device’s fitness tracking data to accurately track your steps.
Types of Steps
There are several types of steps that count towards your total distance in Pokémon Go:
• Real-world walking: This is the most obvious type of step. When you walk in the real world, your device detects the movement and converts it into digital steps.
• Running: Running also counts as steps in Pokémon Go. Your device uses the accelerometer data to detect the increased speed and distance you cover.
• Biking: If you have a device with a GPS chip and a bike attachment, your device can track your distance and speed, allowing you to earn steps while cycling.
• Other forms of movement: Some Pokémon Go players have reported earning steps while engaging in other forms of physical activity, such as hiking, jogging, or even swimming. However, this is not officially supported by Niantic, the game’s developer.
What Doesn’t Count
While the game tracks a variety of movements, not all actions count as steps:
• Swinging your arm: Some players have reported trying to manipulate the game by swinging their arm or using a device to move the virtual Pokémon. This does not count as a step and may result in your account being banned.
• Faking movements: Similarly, faking movements by using a joystick or other controller does not count as a step.
How Pokémon Go Tracks Steps
Here’s how Pokémon Go tracks steps:
| Type of Step | Tracking Method |
|---|---|
| Real-world walking | GPS and accelerometer data |
| Running | Accelerometer data |
| Biking | GPS chip and bike attachment |
| Other forms of movement | Accelerometer data |
Tips and Tricks
To maximize your steps in Pokémon Go, here are a few tips:
• Use Adventure Sync: Make sure to connect your Pokémon Go account to your fitness tracking app to earn rewards and bonuses.
• Walk regularly: The more you walk, the more steps you’ll earn. Try to walk regularly, even if it’s just a short distance.
• Use a device with a GPS chip: If you have a device with a GPS chip, it will make tracking your distance and speed more accurate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what counts as steps in Pokémon Go is a combination of real-world walking, running, biking, and other forms of physical activity. The game uses GPS and accelerometer data to track your movements, and only certain actions are counted towards your total distance. By understanding how the game tracks steps, you can optimize your gameplay and earn more rewards and bonuses.