S2 Cells in Pokémon GO: Mapping & Nest Guide
Pokémon GO utilizes a complex system of geographic division called S2 cells to manage various aspects of the game, including Pokémon spawns, nests, and even EX Raid eligibility. Understanding how S2 cells work can provide valuable insight into the game’s mechanics and help you maximize your gameplay. This comprehensive guide breaks down the intricacies of S2 cells and explains how they influence your Pokémon GO experience.
What are S2 Cells?
S2 cells are a hierarchical grid system developed by Google that divides the Earth’s surface into hierarchical cells of varying sizes. Think of it like a global grid, similar to latitude and longitude, but much more precise and adaptable for location-based games like Pokémon GO. The different cell levels, ranging from Level 0 (the largest) to Level 30 (the smallest), allow the game to manage information at various scales.
Different Levels of S2 Cells
The varying levels of S2 cells serve different purposes in Pokémon GO:
- Level 12 Cells: These are often associated with nests. Pokémon nests frequently change locations, and these changes typically align with Level 12 S2 cell boundaries.
- Level 17 Cells: These smaller cells can influence spawn points within nests and general spawn areas. Multiple spawn points can exist within a single Level 17 cell.
- Level 20 Cells: These are particularly relevant for EX Raids. Gyms residing within eligible Level 20 cells can host EX Raids.
How S2 Cells Affect Gameplay
Understanding S2 cells can significantly improve your Pokémon GO strategy:
Finding Nests
By identifying the boundaries of Level 12 S2 cells, you can pinpoint potential nesting locations. Various online resources and maps are available that visualize these cells, making it easier to track down specific Pokémon. Learn how to find nests in Pokemon GO and improve your chances of catching rare Pokemon. This knowledge allows you to efficiently target specific Pokémon during nesting periods.
Optimizing Spawn Point Hunting
Knowing the distribution of Level 17 cells can help you understand spawn patterns within a given area. This is particularly useful for maximizing your chances of encountering rare or desired Pokémon.
Understanding EX Raid Eligibility
Tracking Level 20 cells can help you identify gyms that are potentially eligible to host EX Raids. While not a guarantee, knowing which gyms fall within these cells gives you an edge in securing an invitation to these exclusive raids. Find out more about EX Raids and how to get invited.
Using S2 Cell Maps and Tools
Several third-party tools and resources are available to visualize S2 cells:
- Online S2 Cell Maps: These interactive maps allow you to explore different S2 cell levels and overlay them onto the real-world map, making it easy to visualize cell boundaries.
- S2 Cell Calculators: These tools allow you to input coordinates and determine the corresponding S2 cell IDs at various levels.
Tips and Strategies for Utilizing S2 Cells
Here are some practical tips for using S2 cell information:
- Cross-reference with other data: Combine S2 cell information with reports from other players and community resources like The Silph Road Atlas to gain a more comprehensive understanding of nesting locations and spawn patterns. Interested in learning more about Pokemon GO mechanics? Check out our guide on Pokemon GO nesting.
- Focus your search: Instead of wandering aimlessly, use S2 cell maps to narrow your search for specific Pokémon nests or potential EX Raid gyms.
- Stay updated: Nests and EX Raid eligibility can change regularly, so be sure to use up-to-date information and resources.
- Explore different cell levels: Experiment with different cell levels to understand how they influence spawns and other game mechanics.
- Contribute to community data: Share your findings with other players to help improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of community-driven resources. Understanding how Pokemon are distributed can drastically improve your gameplay. Learn more about how Pokemon GO spawn maps work to find the Pokemon you’re looking for!
Conclusion
S2 cells are a fundamental component of Pokémon GO’s underlying mechanics. While invisible to the naked eye, understanding how they work can give you a significant advantage in the game. By utilizing S2 cell maps and tools, you can optimize your search for nests, improve your understanding of spawn patterns, and increase your chances of participating in EX Raids. As you delve deeper into the world of S2 cells, you’ll gain valuable insights into the intricacies of Pokémon GO and become a more effective trainer. Happy hunting!