How to Hatch Eggs on Pokémon Go: A Comprehensive Guide
Hatching eggs in Pokémon Go involves placing eggs in incubators and then walking a specific distance, typically 2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, or 12km; once the required distance is reached, the egg will hatch, revealing a random Pokémon.
The Allure of Pokémon Go Egg Hatching
Pokémon Go’s egg hatching feature provides a unique and engaging way to acquire Pokémon, items, and Stardust. Unlike catching Pokémon in the wild, hatching eggs offers the chance to obtain Pokémon that might be rarer or region-exclusive. This gamified experience of walking and waiting adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to the game, encouraging players to explore their surroundings while expanding their Pokémon collection. The element of surprise – not knowing which Pokémon will hatch – keeps players coming back for more.
Essential Equipment: Incubators and Eggs
At the heart of Pokémon Go egg hatching lies two key components: incubators and eggs. Incubators are devices that hold eggs and track the distance you travel, eventually leading to the egg’s hatching. Eggs, on the other hand, are obtained primarily from spinning PokéStops, opening gifts from friends, and completing certain Research Tasks.
- Incubators: There are two main types:
- Infinite Incubator: This incubator can be used an unlimited number of times. You receive one at the start of the game.
- Limited-Use Incubators: These incubators can only be used a limited number of times (typically three) before they break. These are acquired through the in-game shop or as rewards.
- Eggs: Eggs come in different distances, each with its own pool of potential Pokémon:
| Egg Distance | Rarity of Pokémon | Potential Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| 2km | Common | Basic Pokémon, Stardust |
| 5km | Uncommon | Slightly rarer Pokémon, Stardust |
| 7km | Uncommon | Alolan Pokémon, Stardust |
| 10km | Rare | Rare Pokémon, Stardust |
| 12km | Very Rare | Dark/Poison Pokémon, Stardust |
The Hatching Process: Step-by-Step
Hatching eggs in Pokémon Go is a relatively straightforward process, but attention to detail can maximize your efficiency.
- Acquire Eggs: Spin PokéStops, open gifts, or complete research tasks to obtain eggs.
- Select an Incubator: Choose an available incubator from your inventory.
- Place the Egg: Select an egg from your storage and place it into the chosen incubator.
- Start Walking: Walk the required distance. The Pokémon Go app needs to be open, or Adventure Sync enabled to track your distance. Adventure Sync allows you to track distance even when the app is closed.
- Hatch the Egg: Once the required distance is met, the egg will hatch, revealing a new Pokémon and rewards.
Maximizing Efficiency: Tips and Tricks
While the process is simple, optimizing your hatching strategy can significantly boost your progress.
- Prioritize Limited-Use Incubators: Use limited-use incubators for shorter distance eggs (2km or 5km) to maximize their usage.
- Adventure Sync: Enable Adventure Sync to track distance even when the app is closed, saving battery life.
- Optimize Walking Routes: Choose routes that are straight and uninterrupted to accurately track distance. Avoid routes with frequent stops or sharp turns.
- Events and Bonuses: Keep an eye out for special events that offer reduced hatching distances or bonus rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can hinder your egg hatching progress. Being aware of these pitfalls can save you time and effort.
- Speed Limit: Traveling too fast (e.g., in a car or bus) will prevent the game from accurately tracking distance. The game typically registers walking/running speed.
- GPS Issues: Poor GPS signal can lead to inaccurate distance tracking. Ensure you have a stable GPS connection before starting your walk.
- Battery Saver Mode: While helpful, some older versions of Battery Saver Mode can interfere with distance tracking. Test and adjust settings if needed.
- Forgetting Adventure Sync: Not enabling Adventure Sync means that distance is only tracked when the app is actively open, significantly slowing down the process.
Hatching Eggs with Super Incubators
Super Incubators are a type of limited-use incubator that reduce the distance required to hatch an egg. This can be beneficial for hatching rarer eggs such as 10km or 12km eggs. The reduction in distance is typically one-third of the total, making it faster to get new Pokémon.
- Cost: Super Incubators are purchased using PokéCoins in the in-game shop.
- Usage: Identical to regular incubators, but with distance reduction.
- Strategy: Best used during events with reduced hatching distances.
The Thrill of the Hatch: Rewards and More
The excitement of hatching an egg culminates in the reward: a new Pokémon. However, eggs also provide additional benefits.
- Stardust: All egg hatches provide Stardust, a crucial resource for powering up Pokémon. The amount of Stardust increases with the egg distance.
- Candy: You’ll also receive Candy related to the Pokémon that hatched, which is essential for evolving the Pokémon.
- Experience Points (XP): Hatching eggs contributes to your overall trainer level, granting you access to new features and items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What determines the Pokémon that hatches from an egg?
The Pokémon that hatches from an egg is determined by a combination of factors, including the egg’s distance, the event currently running in-game, and the Pokémon that are available in the egg pool at that time. Certain Pokémon are rarer in certain egg distances.
Can I hatch Pokémon from other regions in my area?
Yes! 7km eggs almost exclusively hatch Alolan forms of Kanto Pokémon, which are region-specific evolutions. Additionally, during special events, Pokémon from other regions may be temporarily available in the general egg pool.
How can I get 12km eggs?
12km eggs, also known as Strange Eggs, are obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders. After defeating a Team GO Rocket Leader, you may have the opportunity to receive a 12km egg if you have an open egg slot.
Does it matter where I get the egg?
The location where you obtained the egg does NOT affect the Pokémon that hatches from it. The Pokémon inside is determined when you acquire the egg, not when it hatches.
Is it possible to get duplicate Pokémon from eggs?
Yes, it is highly likely that you will receive duplicate Pokémon from eggs. The Pokémon that hatch are generally based on a weighted probability, making certain Pokémon more common than others.
What if my GPS signal is weak?
A weak GPS signal can severely impact distance tracking. Try moving to an area with a clearer view of the sky, restarting your phone, or ensuring your location settings are set to “High Accuracy”.
Does walking backwards affect the distance tracking?
No, walking backwards does not affect distance tracking. The game tracks your overall movement regardless of direction.
Can I use a treadmill to hatch eggs?
Yes, you can use a treadmill to hatch eggs, as long as you keep your speed consistent and within the walking/running range recognized by the game. Ensure Adventure Sync is enabled to maximize tracking accuracy.
What happens if my incubator breaks before the egg hatches?
If a limited-use incubator breaks before the egg hatches, the egg remains inside the incubator and stops progressing. You will need to place the egg in a new, working incubator to continue hatching it.
Why isn’t Adventure Sync tracking my distance?
Ensure Adventure Sync is enabled in both the Pokémon Go app and your phone’s settings. Also, check that location permissions are granted to Pokémon Go even when the app is not in use.
Are certain days or times better for hatching eggs?
There is no evidence to suggest that certain days or times influence which Pokémon hatch from eggs. The pool of available Pokémon is influenced by events.
How do I increase my chances of getting rarer Pokémon from eggs?
Focus on hatching eggs during events that feature increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon or egg pools. Participate in research tasks and special events to get Pokémon that are not found in the wild.