Pokemon Go was thrown into the online world. Many people just didn't see it coming, let alone the furor it would set off. And with this furor has come much confusion, as people are becoming more and more accustomed to how the game works, including some understanding of the rustling leaves in Pokemon Go. In fact, one of the lasting criticisms of Pokemon Go has been the lack of explanatory scope that the game makers have provided. Trainers are, quite literally, learning as they go along - rather than adhering to a guide provided by the makers of Pokemon. For example, there has been much confusion about the role and function of teams, how they work, and what their long-term role may be. Similarly, there is confusion over smaller elements, such as the purpose of rustling leaves. Here, we aim to set the record straight. We're going to detail the function of rustling leaves and why trainers should take these leaves seriously. Rather than playing an aesthetic function, rustling leaves may be the key to solving some central challenges in Pokemon Go.
Where Do Pokemon Go Rustling Leaves Show Up?
So, you've been walking around town trying to catch some Pokemon when, all of a sudden, you see rustling leaves on the screen. Should rustling leaves be considered a delight or a distraction? So what do rustling leaves mean? Rustling leaves are a sign that Pokemon may be nearby. I use the word 'may' because there is no certainty about this fact. There may be Pokemon or there may not be Pokemon – it all depends. And this should be familiar if you think back to older versions of Pokemon. In older versions, rustling leaves was a signal that Pokemon were nearby. But, like all Pokemon games, the Pokemon you encounter also have the capacity to escape.
How to Take Advantage of Rustling Leaves in Pokemon Go
Rustling leaves are a useful tool to let you know a Pokemon is nearby. Whether you heed this advice is up to you because, as we have learned, there is a risk that Pokemon may escape before you reach your desired destination. There have been reports, though, that even rare Pokemon have been acquired at the sites of rustling leaves – however, readers should take this report with caution, not least because there are many rumors going around by players trying to understand how Pokemon Go actually works. Of course, you can increase the probability of encountering rare Pokemon. Players familiar with incense and the lure will know what I mean. Incense is an item that, for thirty minutes, attracts Pokemon to your current destination. 
This, of course, also includes Pokemon residing in rustling leaves. But while incense increases the probability of finding those Pokemon, it by no means guarantees that you'll encounter those Pokemon. Again, there's a high element of probability with rustling leaves. Nonetheless, it's worth your while walking toward the direction of rustling leaves if they appear. More likely than not, you'll encounter a Pokemon - and that can never be considered a bad thing. Plus, you might even encounter rare Pokemon, too!
Gold Rustling Leaves in Pokemon Go?
Speaking of rare Pokemon, there has even been talk of golden leaves. Golden leaves are thought to be a specific type of rustling leaves which, when they appear, signal that a rare Pokemon is near. If you're lucky enough to encounter golden leaves, you might have struck gold. But, again, this is just a rumor. It's difficult to know what's true and what's not with Pokemon Go these days. As the game progresses, and as the months pass, we'll have a better idea of the significance of rustling leaves.
Use Rustling Leaves to Catch More Pokemon in Pokemon Go
If you've just begun Pokemon Go, you might want to consider some other factors that can increase your chance of capturing new Pokemon.
Other Tools to Help
For example, take a look at the footsteps marker located at the bottom of the screen. The footsteps marker has a three-step indicator: with one step indicating a Pokemon is nearby, and three steps indicating that a Pokemon is far away. So if a Pokemon is listed as one step away, and, if you see rustling leaves nearby, this is a very powerful indication that a Pokemon is nearby and that you should immediately travel in the designated direction. Using the footsteps marker with rustling leaves multiplies the probability that you'll find a Pokemon. If you also use incense, this creates the ideal circumstances for that Pokemon to enter your vicinity. It means that more than one member of your team might encounter the Pokemon hidden inside the rustling leaves. It by no means guarantees this, but it nonetheless increases the probability of this occurrence. Incense is a great way to share the burden of finding new Pokemon.
Catch the Pokemon Once You've Found Them in Rustling Leaves
If you're lucky enough to encounter Pokemon hidden inside rustling leaves, you'd better know how to catch those Pokemon. In other words, know the strategy for capturing Pokemon, know how to use PokeBalls correctly, and know how not to scare Pokemon away. For example, when you encounter the Pokemon in rustling leaves, be sure to hurl the PokeBall when a green, yellow or red circle envelops the Pokemon. Yes, the circle will get smaller, but the smaller the green circle the more likely you'll actually capture the Pokemon. You can increase the probability further by using more advanced Pokeballs, such as Ultra Balls. However, these are rare and only become available once your rank reaches a certain point. Nonetheless, these supreme balls a great way to capture Pokemon, particularly rare Pokemon. So yes, rustling leaves are more important than you might have thought. They are an indication that a Pokemon is nearby, but yet also indicates that there's no guarantee you'll encounter it. Still, at the very least, you now know what rustling leaves actually are!