What is Adventure Sync?
Adventure Sync is an innovative feature in Pokémon GO that allows players to track their walking distance without needing to have the app open. This advanced functionality integrates with your smartphone’s health tracking features, helping you maximize your gameplay while engaging in daily activities. By syncing your steps, players can hatch eggs, earn candy, and level up their buddy Pokémon without needing to actively play the game.
How Does Adventure Sync Work?
When Adventure Sync is enabled, your device uses GPS and motion sensors to track your movement seamlessly. Players can earn rewards based on how far they’ve traveled, including:
- Egg hatching: Distance is calculated for up to 7km or 12km, depending on the egg type.
- Buddy Pokémon candy: Walking with your buddy can yield candy, and the distance required varies based on the buddy Pokémon species.
- Weekly rewards: Players can earn rewards after reaching certain walking milestones, such as 5 km, 25 km, or 50 km each week.
Setting Up Adventure Sync
To set up Adventure Sync, follow these simple steps:
-
Turn on Location Services: Ensure your device’s location services are activated. For iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. For Android, navigate to Settings > Location.
-
Enable Adventure Sync:
- Open Pokémon GO and tap on the Poké Ball icon.
- Go to Settings and scroll down to find the Adventure Sync option.
- Turn on Adventure Sync and, if prompted, grant permission for the game to access your health data.
-
Connect to Health Apps: If you’re using an iOS device, you can sync with Apple Health. For Android, sync with Google Fit. This step is crucial for the app to accurately track your movements.
- Check Your Progress Regularly: After you begin walking, the game will accumulate your distance automatically. You can check your distance progress by navigating to the journal or your profile.
Tips to Maximize Adventure Sync Benefits
1. Prioritize Your Walking
To make the most of Adventure Sync, aim to incorporate more walking into your daily routine. Here’s how:
- Choose walking over driving, use public transit strategically to maximize walks, or opt for walking while running errands.
- Near parks or popular Pokémon GO locations can encourage longer walks. Engage with friends for joint walks, making it more enjoyable.
2. Plan Your Egg Hatches
Egg hatching is vital in Pokémon GO. To maximize your egg hatching potential:
- Select eggs before embarking on a long walk. Remember that the app tracks distance even when you’re away from the game.
- Prioritize 7 km and 12 km eggs for a chance to encounter rarer Pokémon. Plan your walking routes around regular egg hatching for optimal results.
3. Choose the Right Buddy Pokémon
Selection of your buddy Pokémon plays a critical role in earning candy. To optimize your buddy selection:
- Choose Pokémon that require a shorter walking distance to earn candy, like Magikarp or Pikachu, if you need candy to evolve or power them up.
- Change your buddy to different Pokémon based on current events or community days that feature specific Pokémon.
4. Stay Active During Events
Take advantage of in-game events that offer boosts for walking:
- During Community Days or Pokémon GO Fest, where specific Pokémon spawns are increased, it’s an excellent chance to cover more ground and boost your walking distance.
- Make sure to participate in limited-time Solstice events, which often have walking-based challenges and rewards.
5. Use the Buddy Adventure Feature
Buddy Adventure enhances your buddy Pokémon’s interaction while complementing Adventure Sync. By playing with your buddy:
- Send gifts and play mini-games that reinforce your bond, making it a dual-function experience for candy collection.
- The added interaction can lead to higher candy yields and more memorable gameplay.
Tracking Your Progress Efficiently
Effective tracking of your progress is essential to ensure you’re getting the most out of Adventure Sync. Here are ways to do so:
-
Utilize the Activity Section in the Game: Monitor how far you’ve walked each day in the Pokémon GO menu. This provides real-time distance tracking and keeps you motivated.
- Connect to Third-Party Fitness Apps: Many players use fitness tracking apps like Strava or MapMyRun. These can offer deeper insights into your distance and pacing, aiding in setting walking goals.
Managing Eggs and Inventory
Strategically managing your egg inventory can lead to maximizing your hatch success:
-
Keep your egg inventory full at all times, but ensure you track hatching progress. If you pick up an egg and are close to a milestone, consider walking 12km to hatch it as you progress.
- Prioritize clearing out lower-tier eggs from your inventory before committing to higher-tier ones, as they can often take up essential space.
Recognizing and Overcoming Challenges
While Adventure Sync provides unique advantages, players can face challenges such as:
-
Battery Drain: Continuous GPS tracking can drain your battery. Consider using battery-saving modes, lowering screen brightness, or utilizing a power bank for long walks.
-
Inaccuracy in Distance Tracking: Sometimes, phones may miscalculate distance due to GPS interference. Try to walk in open areas and away from tall buildings or dense forests for better accuracy.
- Getting Distracted: Always stay aware of your surroundings when walking. Participation in Pokémon GO events among crowds can lead to distractions and potentially dangerous situations.
Embracing a Gaming Community
Engaging with the Pokémon GO community can enhance your experience significantly. Consider:
-
Joining local Pokémon GO groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Discord can provide support and motivate you to explore new walking routes.
- Participating in local groups may encourage you to set group walking sessions, increasing your overall distance through social interaction and teamwork.
By integrating these strategies and tips into your routine, you significantly enhance your Pokémon GO journey, making the most of Adventure Sync while cultivating a healthier lifestyle through increased activity. Enjoy your adventures, and happy hunting!
