Do Nanab Berries Prevent Fleeing in Pokémon GO? A Deep Dive
No, Nanab Berries do not prevent Pokémon from fleeing in Pokémon GO. While the common misconception is that they stop Pokémon from running away, their actual function is to calm down the Pokémon, making it less erratic and easier to hit with a Poké Ball. This stabilization can indirectly lead to a successful catch before the Pokémon has a chance to flee, but the berry itself does not guarantee or directly prevent fleeing. It merely increases the likelihood of a successful throw by reducing movement.
Understanding the Purpose of Nanab Berries
The Nanab Berry is a frequently misunderstood item in Pokémon GO. Its primary purpose is to reduce a Pokémon’s movement and attentiveness during an encounter. In essence, it makes the Pokémon less jumpy, allowing trainers a better opportunity to land a well-aimed throw. This is particularly useful for Pokémon that are prone to dodging Poké Balls or performing attack animations that disrupt the trainer’s throwing rhythm. Consider it less of a “flee prevention” tool and more of a “stabilization” aid.
The Nanab Berry addresses a common frustration among players – the constant movement of Pokémon during encounters. Some Pokémon, like Abra, are notoriously difficult to catch due to their high flee rate and tendency to teleport away immediately. While a Nanab Berry will not negate Abra’s flee rate, it can create a window of opportunity to land a catch before the Pokémon vanishes.
Nanab Berry vs. Other Berries: A Comparative Analysis
To truly understand the Nanab Berry, it’s crucial to compare it with other berries available in Pokémon GO:
- Razz Berry: Increases the catch rate. Effectively makes it easier to catch the Pokémon in general.
- Pinap Berry: Doubles the amount of Candy received if the next catch attempt is successful. Doesn’t affect the catch rate itself.
- Golden Razz Berry: Significantly increases the catch rate, more effective than a regular Razz Berry.
- Silver Pinap Berry: A hybrid berry that increases both the catch rate (less than a Golden Razz but more than a Razz Berry) and the Candy received (more than a regular Pinap Berry).
Compared to these berries, the Nanab Berry is unique in its utility. It doesn’t directly increase your chances of catching the Pokémon or enhance your Candy rewards. Instead, it focuses on improving your throwing accuracy by making the target more predictable.
Strategic Uses of Nanab Berries
While the Nanab Berry might not be the most glamorous item in your inventory, it has strategic applications:
- For Beginners: New players often struggle with throwing accuracy. Nanab Berries can provide a valuable aid in landing more consistent throws.
- For Erratic Pokémon: As mentioned, Pokémon with high movement or disruptive animations are prime candidates for Nanab Berries.
- For Practice: Using Nanab Berries on common Pokémon can provide a low-pressure environment to practice your curveball throws and accuracy.
- When Low on Other Berries: If you’re running low on Razz Berries or Pinap Berries, a Nanab Berry is better than nothing! It might just give you the edge you need to secure a catch.
- For Raid Bosses: While Golden Razz Berries are the go-to for Raid Bosses, a Nanab Berry can be useful if you’re struggling to hit the boss due to its erratic movements. This is more applicable for solo raids or when you’re trying to conserve your Golden Razz Berries.
Are Nanab Berries Useless?
The sentiment that Nanab Berries are useless is widespread, and it is understandable. Compared to the direct benefits of Razz and Pinap Berries, the Nanab Berry’s effect can seem subtle. However, skilled players who consistently land excellent throws may find less value in Nanab Berries compared to players still learning the throwing mechanics or struggling with specific Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nanab Berries
1. Do Nanab Berries guarantee a catch?
No, they do not. Nanab Berries simply make the Pokémon calmer and easier to hit. The catch is still determined by various factors like the Pokémon’s catch rate, the type of Poké Ball used, throw accuracy (Nice, Great, Excellent), and the presence of any catch bonuses.
2. Does using a Nanab Berry increase my chances of getting XL Candy?
No, Nanab Berries do not affect the chance of obtaining XL Candy. XL Candy drops are primarily influenced by the Pokémon’s level and rarity.
3. Can I use multiple Nanab Berries on the same Pokémon?
Yes, you can. The effect of the Nanab Berry lasts for only one throw. If the Pokémon breaks free and resumes its erratic behavior, you can use another Nanab Berry to calm it down again.
4. Are Nanab Berries effective against Legendary Pokémon?
While Golden Razz Berries are the preferred choice for Legendary Pokémon due to their significant catch rate bonus, a Nanab Berry can be used to make landing a throw easier, especially if the Legendary is moving erratically during Raids.
5. Do Nanab Berries affect the circle size for Nice, Great, and Excellent throws?
No, the Nanab Berry doesn’t directly influence the circle size. The circle size is determined by the Pokémon’s level and species, and the timing of the throw.
6. Is it better to use a Nanab Berry or a Razz Berry?
It depends on your priorities and skill level. If you’re confident in your throwing accuracy, a Razz Berry is generally better as it directly increases the catch rate. However, if you’re struggling to hit the Pokémon, a Nanab Berry can help you land a more accurate throw.
7. How do I obtain Nanab Berries?
Nanab Berries can be obtained through various means:
- Leveling up your Trainer level
- Spinning PokéStops and Gyms
- Completing Special Research tasks and Field Research tasks
- Opening Gifts from friends
8. Do Nanab Berries work on Pokémon encountered through Incense or Lure Modules?
Yes, Nanab Berries work on any wild Pokémon encounter, regardless of whether they were spawned naturally, through Incense, or through Lure Modules.
9. What level do I need to be to get Nanab Berries?
Trainers can obtain Nanab Berries from Level 4 onwards.
10. Can Nanab Berries be used in conjunction with other Berries?
No, you can only use one type of Berry at a time. If you use a different Berry after using a Nanab Berry, the effect of the Nanab Berry will be replaced.
11. Does the Nanab Berry affect the Pokémon’s catch rate?
No, the Nanab Berry only influences the Pokémon’s movement patterns, making it easier to hit. It does not directly improve the catch rate.
12. Are Silver Pinap Berries better than Nanab Berries?
Yes, Silver Pinap Berries are generally considered better than Nanab Berries. They provide a catch rate bonus (like a Razz Berry) and increase the Candy received (like a Pinap Berry).
13. Does using a Nanab Berry make a Pokémon stay still permanently?
No, the effect is temporary. The Pokémon will eventually resume its normal movement patterns after a short period, or immediately after breaking free from a Poké Ball.
14. Can the Mean Look prevent fleeing Pokemon?
The move Mean Look will prevent a wild pokemon from fleeing in the main series games. However, switching your pokemon will lose this effect. In Pokemon Go, the move Mean Look does not have the fleeing prevention effect.
15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Pokémon GO?
For more in-depth research and analysis of Pokémon GO’s mechanics, consider exploring the resources available through academic organizations. Understanding the underlying principles of game design and learning within gaming contexts can enhance your gameplay experience. You can discover more about these topics at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org is a valuable resource for understanding how games can be used for educational purposes.
Conclusion
While Nanab Berries don’t directly prevent fleeing, they offer a valuable advantage in calming down jumpy Pokémon. Understanding their intended function and strategic use can help trainers of all skill levels improve their throwing accuracy and secure more successful catches. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed Nanab Berry – it might just be the difference between a successful catch and a frustrating escape!