How to Tell When There’s a Full Moon in Pokemon Go

One of the aspects that makes Pokemon GO stand out is its use of real-world weather and astronomical conditions to affect gameplay.

One such condition is the phase of the moon, particularly the full moon, which can influence the appearance rates of certain Pokemon.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how you can determine when there’s a full moon in Pokemon Go, so you can plan your gameplay accordingly and increase your chances of encountering rare and elusive Pokemon.

Understanding the Moon Phases in Pokemon Go

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to determine the full moon in Pokemon Go, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the moon phases and how they are represented in the game.

The moon goes through eight distinct phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

In Pokemon Go, these phases are not directly displayed on the game’s interface, but they do influence the game’s mechanics in subtle ways.

Moon Phases and Pokemon Behavior

Certain Pokemon are known to appear more frequently during specific moon phases.

For example, Dark and Ghost-type Pokemon are more commonly found during the full moon, while Fairy and Normal-type Pokemon might be more prevalent during the new moon.

Understanding this correlation can help trainers plan their hunting sessions to maximize their chances of catching specific types of Pokemon.

How the Game Calculates Moon Phases

Pokemon Go doesn’t explicitly display the current phase of the moon within the game.

However, it uses the player’s geographical location and the current date and time to calculate the moon’s phase.

This information is then used to adjust the spawn rates of certain Pokemon types.

To determine the phase of the moon in your area, you can use various online tools and websites that provide astronomical data based on your location.

Spotting the Full Moon in Pokemon Go

Now that we have a basic understanding of how moon phases influence Pokemon behavior in the game, let’s focus on how to tell when there’s a full moon in Pokemon Go.

Since the game doesn’t display this information directly, you’ll need to be a bit detective-like in your approach.

Observing Pokemon Spawn Rates

One of the most straightforward methods to determine the full moon in Pokemon Go is to observe the spawn rates of Dark and Ghost-type Pokemon.

During a full moon, these Pokemon types tend to appear more frequently.

If you notice a sudden increase in the appearance of Pokemon such as Gastly, Misdreavous, or Sableye, it could be an indication that the full moon is upon you.

Using External Tools

There are various websites and mobile apps designed to provide astronomical information, including the current phase of the moon.

Websites like Time and Date allow you to enter your location and receive up-to-date information on the moon’s phase.

By cross-referencing this information with the spawn rates of Pokemon in your area, you can deduce when the full moon is occurring in Pokemon Go.

Maximizing Your Gameplay During a Full Moon

Knowing how to tell when there’s a full moon in Pokemon Go is one thing; knowing how to make the most of it is another.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your gameplay during this lunar event.

Prioritize Dark and Ghost-type Pokemon

During a full moon, make it a point to prioritize catching Dark and Ghost-type Pokemon, as they will be appearing more frequently.

This is an excellent opportunity to stock up on candy for these types, as well as to catch any rarer Pokemon of these types that you might be missing from your Pokedex.

Plan Your Hunting Sessions

Plan your Pokemon hunting sessions around the full moon to take full advantage of the increased spawn rates.

If possible, head to areas with a high density of Pokestops and Gyms, as these tend to attract more Pokemon.

Use Lures and Incense

To further increase your chances of encountering Dark and Ghost-type Pokemon during a full moon, use Lures and Incense.

These items attract more Pokemon to your location, and when used during a full moon, they can result in a bonanza of the types of Pokemon affected by the lunar event.

Conclusion

How to tell when there’s a full moon in Pokemon Go requires a bit of detective work, observation, and knowledge of the game’s mechanics.

By understanding how moon phases influence Pokemon behavior, observing spawn rates, and using external tools to track the moon’s phases, you can accurately predict when the full moon is happening and plan your gameplay accordingly.

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Author

Alex

By day he's an engineer and by night (well, evening or very early morning but night sounds way cooler) Alex runs the Apps UK ship. He has a keen interest in language, fitness & especially social media - he is always on the lookout for the next hot platform.

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