Are Max Raid Dens Guaranteed Catch? Your Comprehensive Guide!
Yes, generally, Max Raid Dens offer a 100% catch rate for the Pokémon you defeat within them. This applies to both Tera Raid Dens in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and standard Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Once you’ve triumphed over the raid boss, you are guaranteed to catch it, regardless of the Poké Ball you use. However, there is one significant exception to this rule: event dens. These special raids, often featuring Pokémon with unique moves or increased shiny odds, do not adhere to the 100% catch rate and may not even allow you to throw a Poké Ball at all. Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics and address some common questions players have about catching Pokémon in raids.
Understanding the Catch Mechanics
The seemingly straightforward 100% catch rate in Max Raid Battles simplifies the post-battle process significantly. Unlike wild encounters where catch rates, status conditions, and ball types are critical, raids offer a guaranteed capture. This allows players to focus on strategizing and battling the raid boss, knowing that victory equals acquisition.
The Exception: Event Raids
As mentioned, event raids are the primary exception to the guaranteed catch rule. These raids are often designed to celebrate specific occasions, promote new content, or offer unique challenges. In many event raids, especially those featuring particularly powerful or rare Pokémon, the game may prevent you from throwing a Poké Ball altogether. You receive rewards for defeating the boss, but the Pokémon itself remains unattainable. It is also important to note that while defeating event raids awards you with items, you cannot keep the event Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raid Catches
Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions about catching Pokémon in raids, designed to clarify any lingering confusion and arm you with the knowledge to succeed:
1. Do Tera Raid Dens have a 100% catch rate?
Yes, Tera Raid Dens in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do have a 100% catch rate. Once you successfully defeat the Tera Raid Boss, you are guaranteed to catch it, no matter which Poké Ball you use, except for event Tera Raids.
2. Can a Max Raid catch fail?
Under normal circumstances, no. In standard Max Raid Battles, a catch cannot fail. However, event raids are an exception, where you might not even get the chance to throw a Poké Ball.
3. What is the catch rate for Ditto in Max Raids?
The catch rate for Ditto in Max Raids is also 100%, just like any other non-event raid Pokémon. This makes Max Raid Battles a reliable method for acquiring Ditto, especially if you’re looking for one with specific IVs (Individual Values).
4. How can I guarantee a catch after a raid (aside from the 100% catch rate)?
While standard raids have a 100% catch rate, this question likely stems from the mindset of wild encounters. In those scenarios, strategies like using Razz Berries or aiming for excellent throws can increase your odds. However, in normal Max Raid Battles, these tactics are unnecessary.
5. Is a shiny raid Pokémon a guaranteed catch?
Yes, if you encounter a shiny Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle or Tera Raid Battle (excluding event raids), it is a guaranteed catch. This makes raid dens a popular method for shiny hunting.
6. Are all Tera Raids guaranteed catch?
Again, yes! Tera Raids are typically a guaranteed catch, simplifying the process of acquiring powerful Tera Type Pokémon. Remember, event raids are the exception.
7. What are the shiny odds for Max Raid Dens?
The shiny odds for Max Raid Dens can be significantly better than in the wild. Without a Shiny Charm, players might see odds around 1 in 300. With a Shiny Charm, the odds improve to approximately 1 in 100, making them much more appealing for shiny hunters.
8. Are Tera Raids guaranteed IVs?
Yes, Tera Raids guarantee a certain number of perfect IVs on the Pokémon you catch. Higher-star raids offer a greater number of guaranteed perfect IVs, making them an excellent source for competitive Pokémon. Five-star and six-star raids are especially valuable.
9. How rare is a 6-star Ditto raid?
Encountering a 6-star Ditto raid is quite rare. Even finding a 6-star raid itself requires progressing through the game and unlocking that difficulty level. Once unlocked, the chance of a 6-star raid being a Ditto is still low, estimated around 1/32.
10. Why am I not catching Pokémon after raids?
If you are not catching Pokémon after raids, double-check that it is not an event raid. Event Raids are often set up as challenges where you earn rewards but cannot capture the Pokémon. If it’s a standard raid, it should be a guaranteed catch.
11. Should I catch Max Raid Pokémon?
Absolutely! Max Raid Pokémon offer several benefits. They are guaranteed to have at least one maxed-out IV, and higher-level raids offer even more. They also have a chance to possess their Hidden Ability, making them highly desirable for competitive battling and breeding.
12. Why are Max Raid Battles so hard?
Max Raid Battles can be challenging due to several factors. They involve unique mechanics, such as the raid boss’s ability to nullify abilities and shields that must be broken. Coordination with teammates is crucial, and understanding the boss’s moveset is essential for success.
13. What does the pink Dynamax beam mean?
The pink Dynamax beams shooting into the sky indicate the location of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon dens in the Wild Area of Pokémon Sword and Shield. These dens are where you initiate Max Raid Battles.
14. Should you use Ditto in raids?
Using Ditto in raids is a niche strategy. Generally, it’s not recommended to bring a Ditto to a Max Raid Battle unless you have a specific strategy in mind. Ditto will transform into one of the other raid partners and copy their stats and moves.
15. Can you fail a shiny legendary in Pokemon GO?
This question pertains to Pokemon GO, not necessarily main series games like Sword and Shield. Shiny legendary Pokémon encountered in raids in Pokemon GO were once guaranteed catches, they currently are not.
Maximizing Your Raid Experience
Understanding that Max Raid Battles offer a guaranteed catch rate (excluding event raids) allows you to focus on mastering the battle mechanics. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your raid experience:
- Team Composition: Choose Pokémon with advantageous type matchups against the raid boss.
- Strategic Moves: Utilize moves that lower the boss’s stats or inflict status conditions like paralysis or burn.
- Coordinate with Teammates: Communicate with your raid partners to synchronize attacks and support each other.
- Utilize Dynamax/Terastallize Wisely: Time your Dynamax or Terastallize transformation strategically to deal maximum damage or endure powerful attacks.
- Break the Shield: Focus on breaking the raid boss’s shield as quickly as possible to prevent it from using powerful moves.
Connecting with the Community
Raiding is a social activity, and connecting with other players can enhance your experience. Consider joining online communities, forums, or Discord servers dedicated to Pokémon games. Sharing tips, strategies, and raid locations can greatly improve your chances of success.
The Educational Value of Gaming
Games, like the Pokémon series, offer numerous educational benefits, fostering problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative teamwork. Organizations like the Games Learning Society understand and promote the positive impact of gaming on education. Explore their work further at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Max Raid Battles and Tera Raid Battles are a fantastic feature in the Pokémon games, providing a reliable way to obtain powerful Pokémon with guaranteed catches. By understanding the mechanics, including the exception of event raids, and utilizing strategic team compositions, you can significantly improve your chances of success and expand your Pokémon collection. Happy raiding!