Walking in Pokémon GO might seem straightforward, but there’s actually quite a bit of strategy involved if you want to make the most of your steps. Let me share some insider tips that’ll help you maximize your walking adventures.
Understanding How Walking Works in Pokémon GO
First things first – the game tracks your movement through your phone’s GPS, not just the motion of shaking your device (nice try, but those old phone-shaking tricks don’t work!). Your walking speed needs to stay under about 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) for the game to count your steps. Think of it as a casual bike ride pace – anything faster and the game assumes you’re in a car or on a speedy bike.
Making Your Steps Count
Here’s something I’ve learned from countless hours of playing: walking in straight lines tends to track better than zig-zagging around. The game checks your location every few minutes, and then draws a straight line between those points to calculate distance. So if you’re walking around a small area, you might not get credit for all your movement.
Tips for Better Distance Tracking
Let me share a few secrets that have worked wonders for me:
– Keep your phone screen on while walking
– Make sure you have a stable internet connection
– Walk in areas with good GPS signal (avoid tall buildings if possible)
– Consider using Adventure Sync to count steps even when the app is closed
Maximizing Your Walking Benefits
You’re not just walking to hatch eggs – though that’s certainly a big part of it. Every step you take can:
– Help hatch Pokémon eggs
– Earn candy with your buddy Pokémon
– Complete various research tasks
– Contribute to weekly fitness goals
The Perfect Walking Strategy
Want to know my favorite approach? I combine my Pokémon GO walks with other activities. For instance, I’ll walk to the grocery store taking a slightly longer route, or do a few extra laps around the park during my lunch break. This way, you’re not just playing a game – you’re building healthy habits while having fun!
Remember to stay aware of your surroundings while playing. I know it’s tempting to stare at your screen the whole time, but I’ve had my share of almost walking into lamp posts (embarrassing, but true!). The game’s much more enjoyable when you’re safe and aware of what’s around you.
Troubleshooting Common Walking Issues
If you’re finding that your distance isn’t tracking properly, try these quick fixes:
– Restart the app
– Check your phone’s GPS settings
– Ensure Adventure Sync is properly configured
– Walk at a steady pace rather than stopping frequently
