Incense in Pokémon GO is a powerful tool that attracts Pokémon to your location. While its primary function is to increase the spawn rate of wild Pokémon, understanding the nuances of how it interacts with different events, biomes, and even the time of day can significantly influence the types of Pokémon you encounter. Mastering the art of incense usage can dramatically enhance your gameplay and help you fill those Pokédex entries faster.
Understanding Incense Mechanics
Incense acts as a personal lure, creating a radius around you where Pokémon spawn more frequently. Unlike Lure Modules, which affect a specific PokéStop, Incense follows you as you move, making it ideal for exploration and active gameplay. The rate at which Pokémon appear is dependent on your movement. If you’re stationary, a Pokémon will spawn roughly every five minutes. However, if you’re actively walking, this rate can increase significantly, potentially spawning a new Pokémon every minute or even faster during special events. This makes walking the most effective way to maximize the benefits of incense.
The basic principle is simple: activate the Incense, and Pokémon will appear. But the underlying mechanisms are more complex. The Pokémon attracted aren’t entirely random. The game considers several factors when determining which Pokémon to spawn, including the current event, the surrounding environment (biome), and the time of day. Seasonality also plays a role, with different Pokémon being more common during different seasons.
Key Takeaway: Incense effectiveness is boosted significantly when walking.
Incense, Events, And Seasons
Pokémon GO frequently hosts events that feature specific Pokémon. During these events, Incense is often tweaked to attract event-exclusive or themed Pokémon. This is perhaps the most reliable way to use Incense to target particular species. Niantic usually announces these events well in advance, giving players the opportunity to stock up on Incense and plan their gameplay accordingly. These events may focus on a specific Pokémon type, region, or even celebrate a new game release.
Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO channels (the in-game news, social media, and the Pokémon GO blog) for announcements regarding event-specific Incense bonuses. These announcements will often detail which Pokémon are boosted by Incense during the event. For example, a Water-type event might feature increased Incense spawns of Pokémon like Magikarp, Squirtle, and Totodile.
Seasons also influence Incense spawns. Each season in Pokémon GO features a different set of Pokémon that are more common in the wild. This seasonal effect extends to Incense, meaning that certain Pokémon will be more likely to appear when using Incense during their respective seasons. Paying attention to the current season can help you anticipate which Pokémon will be attracted by Incense.
Key Takeaway: Events and seasons drastically influence Incense spawns, making planning crucial.
Biome Exploitation And Incense
Biomes are geographical areas with distinct characteristics that influence the type of Pokémon that spawn there. Different biomes attract different Pokémon. For example, a coastal biome is more likely to spawn Water-type Pokémon, while a mountainous biome might favor Rock or Steel-type Pokémon. Incense draws from the pool of Pokémon available in your current biome, so understanding your local environment is key to maximizing its potential.
Using Incense in a biome that favors the Pokémon type you’re seeking can significantly increase your chances of encountering them. If you’re looking for Water-type Pokémon, using Incense near a beach, lake, or river is a smart strategy. Similarly, if you’re hoping to find Grass-type Pokémon, using Incense in a park or forest might be more effective.
However, keep in mind that biomes are not always static or obvious. Urban areas can have micro-biomes, such as parks, industrial areas, or commercial zones, each with its own distinct Pokémon spawn characteristics. Experimenting with Incense in different locations and observing the resulting spawns can help you identify the biome types in your area.
Key Takeaway: Use Incense in the correct biome to boost specific type spawns.
Time Of Day Considerations
The time of day can also influence the Pokémon attracted by Incense. Some Pokémon are more active during the day, while others are more common at night. This diurnal variation affects Incense spawns as well. For example, Ghost-type and Dark-type Pokémon are typically more common at night, so using Incense during these hours may increase your chances of encountering them.
Understanding the day/night cycle and its impact on Pokémon spawns can help you strategically use Incense to target specific species. If you’re looking for Pokémon like Gastly or Murkrow, using Incense after dark is a good approach. Conversely, if you’re trying to find Pokémon like Hoppip or Bellsprout, using Incense during the day might be more effective.
Some events also have specific time-of-day bonuses that affect Incense spawns. Be sure to check the event details for any time-sensitive bonuses that could influence the Pokémon you attract.
Key Takeaway: Some Pokémon are more common during specific times of day, which affects Incense outcomes.
Specific Incense Types: Daily Adventure Incense And Regular Incense
While standard Incense offers a general increase in spawns, Pokémon GO has introduced different types of Incense with unique mechanics. The Daily Adventure Incense is a prime example. This Incense, obtained for free once per day, provides a chance to encounter rare Pokémon that are typically unavailable in the wild or even through regular Incense.
The Daily Adventure Incense is specifically designed to encourage exploration. To maximize its effectiveness, you need to walk while it’s active. The further you walk, the greater the chance of encountering rare Pokémon, including Galarian Legendary Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres). These encounters are highly sought after, making the Daily Adventure Incense a valuable asset for dedicated players.
Unlike regular Incense, the Daily Adventure Incense does not seem to be as heavily influenced by biomes or events. Its primary focus is on providing a chance to encounter rare and elusive Pokémon, regardless of your location or the ongoing event. This makes it a valuable tool for filling gaps in your Pokédex and acquiring powerful Pokémon that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Standard Incense provides boosted spawns in general, affected by events, seasons, biomes and time of day as discussed previously. Daily Adventure Incense, on the other hand, offers a chance to encounter rare Pokémon based on movement and isn’t as affected by other variables.
Key Takeaway: Regular Incense differs significantly from Daily Adventure Incense, with Daily Adventure Incense focusing on rare spawns and movement.
Optimizing Your Incense Usage: Practical Tips
To maximize the effectiveness of Incense and attract the Pokémon you’re seeking, consider these practical tips:
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Plan Ahead: Check the official Pokémon GO channels for upcoming events and seasonal changes. Knowing which Pokémon will be featured and when can help you time your Incense usage for maximum impact.
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Choose the Right Location: Research the biomes in your area and select a location that favors the Pokémon types you’re targeting. Parks, beaches, forests, and mountains can all offer unique spawn opportunities.
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Walk, Walk, Walk: Incense is most effective when you’re actively walking. The faster you move, the more Pokémon will spawn. Plan a route that allows you to cover a good distance while still being safe and aware of your surroundings.
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Time it Right: Consider the time of day and its impact on Pokémon spawns. Use Incense during the hours when the Pokémon you’re looking for are most active.
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Stack with other bonuses: Take advantage of any active weather boosts or community day bonuses when using Incense.
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Be Prepared: Have plenty of Poké Balls and Berries on hand to catch the Pokémon you attract. Don’t let a rare encounter slip away because you’re unprepared.
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Monitor Spawns: Pay attention to the Pokémon that are spawning while using Incense. This can help you identify the biome you’re in and adjust your strategy accordingly.
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Consider Lucky Eggs: Activate a Lucky Egg before using Incense to double your XP gains from catching Pokémon. This can help you level up faster while also attracting rare Pokémon.
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Battery and Connectivity: Ensure your phone is fully charged and has a stable internet connection before activating Incense. A weak battery or unreliable connection can interrupt your gameplay and reduce the effectiveness of the Incense.
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Use Daily Adventure Incense Daily: Even if you don’t have specific Pokémon in mind, use the Daily Adventure Incense every day to maximize your chances of encountering rare Pokémon.
Key Takeaway: Proper planning and execution are essential for maximizing Incense effectiveness.
Troubleshooting Incense Issues
Sometimes, Incense may not work as expected. If you’re experiencing issues, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
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Check your GPS: Ensure your GPS is enabled and accurate. A weak GPS signal can prevent Pokémon from spawning correctly.
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Restart the App: Close and reopen the Pokémon GO app to refresh the game and resolve any temporary glitches.
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Check your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can prevent Pokémon from spawning.
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Update the App: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Pokémon GO app. Older versions may have bugs that affect Incense functionality.
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Contact Support: If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing issues, contact Niantic Support for assistance.
Understanding these factors and implementing the tips outlined above will significantly increase your chances of attracting specific Pokémon using Incense. Remember that luck also plays a role, but with careful planning and execution, you can greatly improve your odds of encountering the Pokémon you desire. Happy hunting!
What Exactly Does Incense Do In Pokémon GO To Attract Specific Pokémon?
Incense in Pokémon GO doesn’t guarantee a particular Pokémon species. Instead, it increases the spawn rate of Pokémon around your character for a limited time (usually 30 minutes, but sometimes longer during events). The Pokémon that appear are generally from the same pool that are normally found in your current location, but incense makes them appear much more frequently than they would otherwise. It’s more about boosting overall encounters rather than selecting specific ones.
While incense itself doesn’t let you pick and choose Pokémon, certain events or in-game bonuses might temporarily influence which Pokémon are more likely to appear with incense active. Keep an eye on in-game announcements and the official Pokémon GO news channels for updates on these special events. During these times, specific species may be featured with boosted incense spawn rates, allowing you to better target your efforts.
Are There Different Types Of Incense That Attract Different Types Of Pokémon?
Currently, in Pokémon GO, there aren’t different types of standard incense that attract specific elemental types or specific Pokémon. The regular incense generally boosts the spawn rate of Pokémon already available in your area. Any variation in the Pokémon appearing with incense is usually due to the local biome and the currently active event.
However, a special type of incense called Daily Adventure Incense has been introduced. This incense works differently, and it can attract Pokémon that aren’t commonly found in your area, and even sometimes attracts rare Pokémon. The specific mechanics of Daily Adventure Incense and its boosted spawns are subject to change, so be sure to read the in-game instructions carefully.
How Does Location Affect Which Pokémon Are Attracted By Incense?
Location plays a significant role in determining which Pokémon appear when using incense. Pokémon GO uses your device’s GPS to determine your location and the type of environment (biome) you are in. This biome affects which Pokémon species can spawn naturally in your area, and incense will primarily draw from this existing pool of Pokémon.
For example, if you’re near a body of water, incense is more likely to attract Water-type Pokémon. Similarly, if you’re in a park or grassy area, you’ll likely see more Grass-type Pokémon when using incense. The surrounding environment strongly influences the types of Pokémon you encounter, even with the enhanced spawn rates from incense.
Does Weather Affect The Pokémon Attracted By Incense?
Yes, weather conditions in Pokémon GO directly impact the types of Pokémon that appear while using incense. The game uses real-world weather data to influence the Pokémon that spawn in your location. Certain weather conditions will boost the spawn rates of specific elemental types, and this also applies to incense-boosted spawns.
For instance, rainy weather will increase the appearance rate of Water, Electric, and Bug-type Pokémon, making them more likely to appear while using incense during these conditions. Sunny weather can boost Grass, Ground, and Fire-type Pokémon spawns. Paying attention to the in-game weather conditions can help you maximize your chances of encountering specific types of Pokémon when using incense.
Does Walking Around While Using Incense Increase The Chances Of Encountering Rare Pokémon?
Moving while using incense significantly increases the number of Pokémon that spawn around you. The spawn rate is generally higher when you’re walking compared to standing still. The game rewards movement by generating more encounters, making it an effective strategy to cover more ground and increase your chances of finding something rare.
While movement doesn’t guarantee a rare Pokémon, the increased spawn rate provides more opportunities for those rare Pokémon to appear. It’s a matter of increasing the odds through volume. The more Pokémon you encounter, the better your chances of finding a rare one. So, definitely keep moving while your incense is active.
Are There Any Items Or Bonuses That Can Enhance The Effectiveness Of Incense?
Currently, there aren’t any items or bonuses that directly enhance the effectiveness of standard incense in terms of specifically choosing which Pokémon appear. However, using Star Pieces simultaneously with incense can boost the Stardust you receive from catching the Pokémon that are attracted to the incense. This is more about increasing resource gain rather than targeting specific Pokémon.
Keep an eye out for special in-game events or promotions. Sometimes, Niantic introduces temporary bonuses that affect incense, such as increased duration or boosted spawn rates for specific Pokémon. These events are usually announced in the game’s news section and on Pokémon GO’s official social media channels.
How Long Does Incense Last, And When Is The Best Time To Use It To Attract Specific Pokémon?
The standard incense typically lasts for 30 minutes when activated. However, during special events or promotions, the duration of incense can be temporarily extended, sometimes lasting up to an hour or even longer. Always check the in-game details before activating the incense to confirm the duration.
The best time to use incense to attract specific Pokémon depends largely on your local biome, the current weather conditions, and any ongoing in-game events. Targeting times when the weather favors certain types or during events that feature specific Pokémon can significantly improve your chances of encountering them. Also, if you plan on walking, use it when you have a block of uninterrupted time to maximize the bonus of increased spawns while moving.