Finding Nearby Pokemon, Everything We Know About Tracking Pokemon

In Pokemon Go, tracking those Pokemon using paw prints and wildly roaming through backyards and brambles can be damn infuriating. (As if Pokemon Go Server issues aren’t bad enough.) If you’re short on time and need to know which direction to madly march towards, you’re in luck. Here’s the scoop on honing in on the location of the Pokemon you want most. 

Figuring Out those Pesky Paw Prints

As you walk around, you’ll notice that nearby Pokemon have paw prints under them, ranging from 1 (meaning you’re hot) and 3 (meaning you have a ways to walk.) You’ve probably also noticed that as you move around, nearby Pokemon move position on the list. The secret is, when nearby Pokemon move up on the grid (top left corner), even if they still have 3 paw prints underneath it, they are closer. This means you can continue to hone in on their location, even if the paw prints don’t change to 2. 

Use the Nearby Pokemon Grid

The key is to keep the nearby Pokemon grid open as you walk around. This way, you can see which ones are moving up (meaning they are closer) and which ones are falling back (meaning they are further away.) So, pick a direction and stick to it.

First, make note of your location. Set a landmark. This will be the point you’ll “reset” to. Then, start walking and see how the Pokemon you’re after moves on the grid. Give it a few yards, as it takes a bit for GPS to calibrate. If the Pokemon you want moves 2 – 4 spaces down in the grid, you’re going the wrong way. Turn around and go the other way. Walk past your landmark and keep walking straight. Keep an eye on that Pokemon! If you again notice that the Pokemon you want is slipping down in the grid, you’re still going the wrong way. Return to home base! Next, turn 90 degrees and walk to the left or to the right. Apply the same couple yard test, and recalibrate from there. This will give you a much better idea of a Pokemon’s location and where to go to get it. 

Of course, make sure you’re playing Pokemon Go safely. Entering private property is a no no.

Now, Pokemon Go is Making You do Math.

As if socializing, breathing fresh air and exercise wasn’t enough. There’s a science to everything, even tracking nearby Pokemon. Let’s zip back to the tenth grade and think about some Geometry. The diagram below is based on science, triangulation, some shit Boy Scouts probably know better than most of us, and a dose of determination to overcome the mystery of those nearby Pokemon paw prints. For those of you who do better with visuals, this diagram will help you out. 

Think of this as a treasure map.

Following the steps above will give you a more precise idea of where nearby Pokemon are, but essentially, this diagram follows the same pointers we mentioned above. Credit to the folks at the bottom of the image for this! 

Myth: Oooh! The Nearby Pokemon Grid is Pulsing Green!

Sorry, Charlie. That doesn’t mean a damn thing when it comes to tracking Pokemon. Rumor had it that when you selected a Pokemon from the list facing the right direction, the nearby Pokemon box would pulse green. That rumor’s been busted. The nearby Pokemon list flashes green when a new Pokemon appears on the grid. You need to move your feet (Junior Senior style) in order for the GPS to figure out if you’re headed in the right direction. Simply turning around won’t cut it. 

Myth: Incense and Lures Can Bring Them to You

You may think that using a lure or incense will draw those nearby Pokemon to you…but, this rarely happens. It seems, they are too smart to fall for the bait. However, you’re almost guaranteed to get a ton of Pidgeys, Zubats and Rattatas.

You Gotta Catch Em All

And there you have it: everything we know about tracking and finding nearby Pokemon. We wish you the best of luck as you travel across the land to become the very best. Have some tips and tricks of your own? Share in the comments, below!