How to get Pokemon to come to you in Pokemon GO

If one of the goals that went into the making of Pokemon GO was for Niantic and Nintendo to get more people to go outside and be more active -- and it certainly seems like it was -- them mission accomplished. Go just about anywhere that the smash mobile sensation has been officially rolled out (apologies again to our Canadian friends) and you'll find people out and about trying to add to their collections.

That's great to see, but there are times when it's simply not feasible to track Pokemon down where they live. All of us have work, school, or some other kind of obligation that keeps us tethered to a single spot for hours at a time. Wouldn't it be great if you could get Pokemon to come to you?

As it turns out, there are ways of doing exactly that in Pokemon GO. Being mobile is still better, all things considered, but follow along and you'll find that you don't need to miss out on all the fun just because you're cooped up inside.

Burn some Incense

Incense isn't just to make your home smell better. In Pokemon GO, it actually attracts Pokemon to you for a span of 30 minutes, meaning they will head for you instead of the other way around.

You don't want to waste Incense, since you only get a two units of it to start and another after you level up a few times. After that, you'll have to buy more from the in-game shop using PokeCoins, the game's hard currency.

Still, Incense is perhaps the best way to make sure you'll encounter some Pokemon any time, anywhere, and is perfect for when you want to play but know you won't be able to travel for a while.

Use a Lure Module

The Lure Module needs a PokeStop to function, so it's not an option under all circumstances, but if you happen to be stuck someplace where you can't move but a PokeStop is within range, it's definitely something to consider.

In basic terms, a Lure Module works the same way as Incense, attracting Pokemon for 30 minutes. The difference is that it works for other players around the PokeStop too, so it's a good way to be social and enjoy Pokemon GO at the same time.

Lure Modules can be had for PokeCoins in the Shop, and might appear as rewards at PokeStops as well, though this writer has yet to find any that way.

Summon a Pokemon to you

Among the many things that Pokemon Go doesn't explain to new players is the 'Nearby' tab in the bottom right corner of the main screen. Tapping on it brings up a list of Pokemon in your area, along with up to three footprints beneath each one.

Those footprints give you a sense of how close each Pokemon is. One footprint is very close, while two or three means it's further away.

If you ever see a Pokemon in this tab with no footprints, you're in luck. Tap on the picture and you will summon the monster immediately at your current location.

None of these three tips will be applicable in every situation, but they beat sitting around unable to play until you can go outside, leave work, or what have you.