Sandstorm is a weather condition in Pokémon Go that significantly impacts gameplay, affecting both wild Pokémon spawns and battle strategies. Understanding how sandstorms work is crucial for maximizing your success as a Trainer. This guide delves into the intricacies of sandstorms, providing answers to frequently asked questions and offering expert tips for navigating this challenging weather phenomenon.
What Pokémon Appear During a Sandstorm in Pokémon Go?
Sandstorms increase the spawn rates of Pokémon that are typically found in desert or arid environments. Expect to see more Ground, Rock, and Steel-type Pokémon appearing in the wild. Specific Pokémon will vary by region and time of year, but you can generally count on encountering a higher concentration of these types during a sandstorm. Keep an eye out for rarer, desert-dwelling Pokémon that might only appear more frequently under these weather conditions. This makes sandstorms an excellent opportunity to complete your Pokédex and collect stronger, type-specific Pokémon.
What are the advantages of sandstorms in Pokémon Go?
The advantages of sandstorms primarily center around increased spawn rates of valuable Pokémon. This provides players with more opportunities to:
- Catch rare Pokémon: Desert-dwelling Pokémon, often difficult to find otherwise, become more accessible.
- Power up your team: Increased spawns allow you to gather more Candy and Stardust to power up your existing Pokémon.
- Complete research tasks: Many research tasks require catching specific types of Pokémon, and a sandstorm makes this significantly easier.
- Boost your XP: Catching more Pokémon naturally leads to higher XP gains, helping you level up faster.
What are the disadvantages of sandstorms in Pokémon Go?
While sandstorms offer advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Reduced spawn rates of other types: The increased spawn rate of Ground, Rock, and Steel types often comes at the cost of fewer spawns of other types of Pokémon.
- Potential for stronger opponents: The Pokémon appearing during a sandstorm might be stronger and more difficult to catch or defeat in raids and gyms.
Does weather boost affect Pokémon in sandstorms?
Yes, the weather boost still applies during a sandstorm. Pokémon that are boosted by sandy weather conditions will have increased CP and will be more powerful in battle. This means that during a sandstorm, you might encounter boosted Ground, Rock, and Steel-type Pokémon that are significantly stronger than usual.
How long do sandstorms last in Pokémon Go?
The duration of a sandstorm in Pokémon Go is variable. It can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the game's internal mechanics and potentially your geographic location. There's no fixed duration, so it's best to take advantage of the increased spawns while they last.
Are there any specific Pokémon boosted during sandstorms?
While the specific boosted Pokémon vary, you can generally expect Ground, Rock, and Steel-type Pokémon to receive a CP boost during a sandstorm. Keep an eye on in-game news and community resources to see which specific Pokémon are currently boosted in your area during sandstorm weather.
How can I best utilize sandstorms to improve my gameplay?
To maximize your gains during a sandstorm:
- Check your local weather: Utilize in-game weather information or community forums to find out when and where sandstorms are occurring near you.
- Stock up on supplies: Ensure you have enough Poké Balls, Berries, and other items to take advantage of the increased spawns.
- Focus on the boosted types: Prioritize catching and powering up the Ground, Rock, and Steel-type Pokémon that receive a weather boost.
- Participate in raids and gyms: Sandstorm-boosted Pokémon can be powerful allies in battles.
- Use lures and incense: These can further increase the number of Pokémon appearing in your area, maximizing your chances of catching rare Pokémon.
By understanding the impact of sandstorms and utilizing these strategies, you can significantly improve your Pokémon Go gameplay and expand your collection. Remember that these weather patterns are dynamic, so staying informed and adapting your strategy is key to success.
