How to Incubate an Egg in Pokémon Go

Have you ever wondered how to get rare Pokémon without roaming aimlessly in Pokémon Go? Incubating eggs is your golden ticket. It’s one of the most exciting and rewarding mechanics in the game, letting you hatch Pokémon that aren’t always available nearby. In this guide, we’ll explain how to incubate an egg in Pokémon Go, step by step, including tips, tricks, and FAQs to maximize your hatching success.

What is an Egg in Pokémon Go?

In Pokémon Go, an egg is an item containing a Pokémon that you don’t see until it hatches. Eggs are obtained from PokéStops, gifts, or special events. They are a way to discover Pokémon that are rare, regional, or unavailable in your area.

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Why Should You Incubate Eggs?

Incubating eggs is more than just walking:

• Access to rare Pokémon not found locally.

• IVs and movesets can be higher for hatched Pokémon.

• Event Pokémon are often released only through eggs.

• Extra XP for hatching, boosting your trainer level.

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Types of Pokémon Eggs

Pokémon Go eggs come in different distances and rarity tiers:

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What You Need Before Incubating

Before you start:

• Pokémon Go installed and updated

• At least one egg in your inventory

• At least one incubator (Starter incubators are infinite; others have limited uses)

• A reliable walking route or Adventure Sync enabled

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Step-by-Step Guide to Incubate an Egg

Step 1: Open Pokémon Go

Launch the app on your mobile device and log in. Make sure GPS is enabled for tracking distance.

Step 2: Go to Your Pokémon Inventory

Tap the Poké Ball → Pokémon to access your collection.

Step 3: Select “Eggs” Tab

At the top of the screen, switch from “Pokémon” to “Eggs”. Here, you’ll see all eggs you’ve collected.

Step 4: Choose an Egg

Select the egg you want to hatch. Check its distance requirement (2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 12 km) to plan your route.

Step 5: Select an Incubator

• Tap “Use Incubator”.

• Starter incubators are infinite-use.

• Special incubators can hatch multiple eggs faster or reduce distance (as event bonuses).

Step 6: Start Walking

Once incubated, walk the required distance. Pokémon Go tracks your distance using GPS or Adventure Sync (even when the app is closed). After completing the distance, your egg will hatch automatically.

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How to Use Incubators Efficiently

• Save special incubators for 10 km and 12 km eggs, which give rarer Pokémon.

• Stack eggs: Place multiple eggs in incubators simultaneously to hatch more efficiently.

• Event bonuses: Some events reduce distance needed, maximize these opportunities.

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Distance Requirements for Egg Hatching

• 2 km → Short walks, easy to complete

• 5 km → Moderate distance, often produces medium rarity Pokémon

• 7 km → Event or quest-specific Pokémon

• 10 km → Rare Pokémon

• 12 km → Ultra-rare Pokémon, often region-locked

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Tips to Hatch Eggs Faster

1. Use Adventure Sync – tracks steps even when Pokémon Go is closed.

2. Walk, don’t drive – speed limits prevent distance tracking above ~10 km/h.

3. Treadmill method – walking in place can count toward distance.

4. Combine with daily activities – integrate hatching into your routine.

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Best Practices for Managing Multiple Eggs

• Use separate incubators for longer-distance eggs.

• Check your inventory daily to prioritize rare eggs.

• Rotate incubators: Start with 2 km eggs first if you want quick hatches and XP.

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Incubating Eggs While Using Adventure Sync

Adventure Sync lets your eggs hatch even when the app is closed:

• Enable via Settings → Adventure Sync.

• Make sure Health or Google Fit permissions are granted.

• Walk normally; the app will count your steps automatically.

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Hatching Rare or Legendary Pokémon

• Rare eggs (10 km/12 km) have higher chances for legendary Pokémon.

• Keep special incubators ready for events where regional Pokémon appear in eggs.

• Check in-game news to know which eggs contain which Pokémon.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Driving too fast → distance won’t count.

• Leaving GPS off → app cannot track walking distance.

• Not using Adventure Sync → missing passive hatching opportunities.

• Using basic incubator on 12 km eggs → slower progress, fewer bonuses.

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How to Track Egg Progress

• Open Eggs tab in Pokémon Go.

• Progress bar shows how much distance is left.

• Tap egg for detailed distance traveled vs required.

• Check periodically to adjust walking routes.

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Special Event Eggs and Bonuses

• 7 km eggs often appear during events and may include special Pokémon.

• Double XP or Candy bonuses may apply during hatching events.

• Keep extra incubators ready to maximize rewards.

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Conclusion: Mastering Egg Incubation in Pokémon Go

Incubating eggs is a fun and rewarding part of Pokémon Go. By understanding incubators, distances, and Adventure Sync, you can hatch rare Pokémon efficiently while enjoying the game. Combine these strategies with daily walking, event bonuses, and smart incubator use, and your Pokémon collection will grow faster than ever!

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FAQs

1. How do I incubate multiple eggs at once?
Use multiple incubators simultaneously. Starter incubators are infinite, while special incubators have limited uses.

2. Can I hatch eggs without walking?
Yes, Adventure Sync tracks your steps even when the app is closed.

3. What’s the difference between 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 12 km eggs?
The distance determines the rarity of the Pokémon you may hatch. Longer distances usually yield rarer Pokémon.

4. Do eggs expire?
No, eggs remain in your inventory until hatched.

5. Can I speed up egg hatching?
Yes, using special incubators or participating in hatching events can reduce the distance needed or increase efficiency.

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Key Takeaways Summary

• Use incubators wisely to hatch eggs efficiently.

• Adventure Sync allows distance tracking without active gameplay.

• Longer-distance eggs produce rarer Pokémon.

• Combine walking and event bonuses to maximize XP and rewards.

• Track progress regularly and rotate eggs for optimal hatching.

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