When Does Night Begin in Pokémon GO? Understanding the Day/Night Cycle
The Pokémon GO world, much like our own, experiences a cycle of day and night. This isn’t just a cosmetic feature; the in-game time of day directly influences which Pokémon you encounter, how certain items function, and even the evolution of specific Pokémon. Understanding the day/night cycle is crucial for maximizing your Pokémon GO experience.
How the Day/Night Cycle Works
Pokémon GO’s day/night cycle is directly tied to your local real-world time and sun position. The game uses your device’s GPS and clock to determine your location and the current time, then simulates the appropriate lighting conditions within the game. This means that when it’s daytime where you are, it’s also daytime in your Pokémon GO game, and vice-versa.
Determining Day and Night in Your Game
The transition between day and night isn’t abrupt. Instead, there are subtle visual cues to help you determine the current in-game time:
- Sky Color: The most obvious indicator. During the day, the sky is bright blue. As evening approaches, the sky gradually transitions to orange and purple hues, eventually becoming dark blue or black at night.
- Ambient Lighting: Pay attention to the lighting on buildings, trees, and the environment. Shadows lengthen as the day progresses and become more pronounced during the night.
- Pokémon Encounters: Certain Pokémon are more likely to appear during specific times. Seeing more nocturnal Pokémon like Hoothoot or Murkrow is a strong sign that night has fallen in the game.
Why the Day/Night Cycle Matters
The day/night cycle significantly impacts various aspects of Pokémon GO gameplay:
Pokémon Spawns
As mentioned earlier, certain Pokémon are more active during certain times of the day. Some Pokémon are exclusively nocturnal, while others are diurnal. Knowing which Pokémon appear when can be a huge advantage when hunting for specific species. For example, you’re more likely to find Gastly, a Ghost-type Pokémon, during the night. Conversely, Pokémon like Sunkern, a Grass-type, are more common during the day.
Evolutions
Several Pokémon evolutions are tied to the day/night cycle. For example, Umbreon, a Dark-type evolution of Eevee, can only be obtained by walking 10km with Eevee as your buddy and then evolving it at night. Similarly, Espeon, a Psychic-type Eevee evolution, requires the same walking distance but must be evolved during the day.
Item Effectiveness
While less common, some items might have varying effects depending on the time of day. Always check the item description for any specific interactions with the day/night cycle.
Tips for Utilizing the Day/Night Cycle
To make the most of Pokémon GO’s day/night cycle, consider these tips:
- Plan Your Hunts: Research which Pokémon are associated with day or night and plan your playing sessions accordingly. If you’re after a specific nocturnal Pokémon, venture out after dusk.
- Check the In-Game Sky: Develop a habit of quickly glancing at the sky to gauge the current in-game time. This helps you anticipate which Pokémon might appear and prepare accordingly.
- Utilize Pokémon GO Communities: Online communities and forums often share information about specific Pokémon spawns and their times of appearance. These resources can be invaluable for tracking down elusive Pokémon.
- Pay Attention to Events: Some in-game events might feature increased spawns of specific Pokémon during certain times of day. Stay informed about events to maximize your chances of catching rare or special Pokémon. You might even be lucky enough to find a Pokémon with perfect IVs!
Troubleshooting Day/Night Issues
Occasionally, players might encounter issues with the day/night cycle not syncing correctly with their local time. This can usually be resolved by:
- Checking Location Services: Ensure that location services are enabled on your device and that Pokémon GO has permission to access your location.
- Checking Date and Time Settings: Verify that your device’s date and time are set correctly, preferably to automatic updates. Incorrect settings can confuse the game’s day/night cycle.
- Reinstalling the App: As a last resort, try reinstalling the Pokémon GO app. This can sometimes resolve underlying software conflicts.
Conclusion
The day/night cycle is a fundamental aspect of Pokémon GO, influencing spawns, evolutions, and even the overall atmosphere of the game. By understanding how it works and incorporating it into your gameplay strategy, you can significantly enhance your Pokémon GO experience and add another layer of depth to your Pokémon-catching adventures. Consider checking out the Community Day list to plan your catches around special events and the day/night cycle.