Pokémon GO’s sightings system has come a long way since the game’s launch, evolving into a more reliable way to track and find those elusive creatures you’re after. Let me break down how it works and share some tips to help you become a more effective Pokémon hunter.
How the Sightings System Works
When you open Pokémon GO, you’ll notice a small box in the bottom right corner of your screen showing up to three nearby Pokémon. This is your sightings panel, and it’s essentially your radar for finding wild Pokémon in your vicinity. Tapping this box expands it to show up to nine nearby Pokémon.
Understanding the Tracking System
Each Pokémon shown in the sightings panel appears with a small image of the PokéStop where it can be found. This is incredibly helpful compared to the game’s early days when we had to play a frustrating game of “hot and cold” to find anything. The system shows Pokémon within roughly a 200-meter radius of your current location.
Priority and Distance
The order of Pokémon in your sightings isn’t random. The game prioritizes showing you:
– Pokémon you haven’t caught yet (shown with a silhouette)
– Rare Pokémon
– Common Pokémon within range
Making the Most of Sightings
Here’s a pro tip I’ve learned from countless hunting sessions: when you see a Pokémon you want, tap its icon in the sightings panel. This will highlight that specific Pokémon and make tracking easier. The footprints system may be gone, but this new method is much more precise.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes you might notice the sightings panel going blank or not updating properly. In my experience, this usually happens when:
– Your GPS signal is weak
– You’re moving too fast
– The game needs a quick restart
A simple fix I often use is to toggle my GPS off and on, which usually refreshes the sightings accurately.
Urban vs. Rural Sightings
The sightings system works differently depending on your location. In urban areas with lots of PokéStops, you’ll see specific locations for nearby Pokémon. However, in rural areas with fewer PokéStops, you might only see general “nearby” indicators without specific locations.
Remember, the sightings system refreshes every 30 seconds or so, and Pokémon typically remain in their spawn location for 15-30 minutes (unless they’re part of a special event). Using this knowledge, you can plan your hunting route more effectively and increase your chances of catching the Pokémon you’re after.
