Mastering the Art of the Catch: Preventing Pokémon from Fleeing in Pokémon GO

The frustration is real. You’ve finally encountered that rare Pokémon you’ve been hunting for, you throw a Poké Ball, and then… poof! It flees, vanishing into the digital ether. While you can’t completely guarantee a catch, there are several proven methods and strategies to significantly reduce the chance of a Pokémon fleeing in Pokémon GO. It’s a combination of skill, timing, the right items, and understanding the game’s mechanics.

Techniques to Increase Your Catch Rate

• Mastering the Throw: The size of the target circle is crucial. Aim for a throw when the colored circle is at its smallest. This increases your chances of landing a “Great” or “Excellent” throw, which grant substantial catch bonuses. Practice makes perfect!

• Berry Power: Berries are your best friends. A Razz Berry increases your catch rate, while a Golden Razz Berry provides an even greater boost, making it essential for tackling particularly challenging Pokémon, like those found in Raids. Use them strategically.

• Poké Ball Selection: Don’t underestimate the power of upgraded Poké Balls. Great Balls and Ultra Balls offer better catch rates than the standard Poké Ball. Save your Ultra Balls for those Pokémon you really want.

• Understanding the Circle Colors: The color of the circle surrounding a Pokémon indicates its difficulty to catch. Green is easiest, followed by yellow, orange, and red. The redder the circle, the more challenging the catch, and the more likely the Pokémon is to flee. Use appropriate Berries and Poké Balls accordingly.

• Medal Bonuses: Earning medals for catching certain types of Pokémon gives you a permanent catch bonus for Pokémon of that type. Focus on catching a lot of the same type to level up those medals!

• Curveball Throws: Mastering the curveball throw takes practice, but it provides a significant catch bonus once you get the hang of it. Spin the Poké Ball before throwing to add a curve.

Understanding the Mechanics of Fleeing

Pokémon flee for various reasons, some of which are out of your control. However, understanding these factors can help you prepare:

• Base Flee Rate: Each Pokémon species has a different base flee rate. Rarer and more powerful Pokémon generally have higher flee rates.

• Player Level: As you level up, the Pokémon you encounter become stronger and more likely to flee.

• Speed Lock: Moving too quickly (often when in a vehicle) can trigger a speed lock, increasing the chance of Pokémon fleeing. Avoid playing while driving!

FAQs: Addressing Your Concerns About Fleeing Pokémon

How does the circle size affect catch rate in Pokémon GO?

The smaller the circle when you throw a Poké Ball, the higher your chance of landing a “Great” or “Excellent” throw. These throws provide substantial catch bonuses. Aim for the smallest possible circle for the best results.

What’s the difference between Razz Berry and Golden Razz Berry in Pokémon GO?

Both Razz Berries and Golden Razz Berries increase your catch rate, but Golden Razz Berries provide a significantly larger boost. Use Razz Berries for moderately difficult Pokémon and Golden Razz Berries for tough Raid Bosses and rare spawns.

Do weather boosts affect flee rate in Pokémon GO?

While weather boosts increase the CP of Pokémon, they don’t directly affect their flee rate. However, the increased CP might make them more difficult to catch, indirectly increasing the likelihood of them fleeing.

How do medals increase catch rate in Pokémon GO?

Medals grant permanent catch bonuses for Pokémon of the same type. For example, earning a gold medal for catching Fire-type Pokémon will increase your catch rate for all Fire-type Pokémon you encounter.

What is the best Poké Ball to use in Pokémon GO?

Ultra Balls offer the highest catch rate of the standard Poké Balls. Use them on particularly rare or difficult Pokémon. Master Balls, obtainable through special research, guarantee a successful catch.

Does spinning the Poké Ball before throwing make a difference in Pokémon GO?

Yes! Spinning the Poké Ball before throwing allows you to throw a curveball, which provides a significant catch bonus. It takes practice to master, but it’s well worth the effort.

What happens if a Pokémon flees after using a Golden Razz Berry in Pokémon GO?

Even with a Golden Razz Berry, there’s still a chance a Pokémon can flee, especially if it has a high base flee rate and you don’t land a “Great” or “Excellent” throw. Don’t be discouraged; keep trying!

How can I improve my aim when throwing Poké Balls in Pokémon GO?

Practice consistently! Use AR mode to get a better sense of distance and trajectory. Pay attention to the Pokémon’s movements and time your throws accordingly.

Is there a trick to catching Legendary Pokémon in Raids in Pokémon GO?

Legendary Pokémon in Raids are notoriously difficult to catch. Use Golden Razz Berries, aim for “Excellent” throws, and try to hit them during their attack animation.

Can I increase my chances of catching Pokémon by using special lures in Pokémon GO?

While Lure Modules attract more Pokémon, they don’t directly affect the catch rate. They increase the frequency of encounters, giving you more opportunities to practice your catching skills.

What is a soft ban and how does it affect my ability to catch Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

A soft ban is a temporary restriction placed on your account for suspicious activity, such as teleporting or spoofing your location. During a soft ban, Pokémon will always flee after the first Poké Ball throw. Avoid spoofing to prevent soft bans.

Does the time of day affect the flee rate of Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

No, the time of day does not directly affect the flee rate. However, certain Pokémon are more common at certain times, and those Pokémon might have varying flee rates.

How does speed affect Pokémon spawns and flee rates in Pokémon GO?

Moving too quickly can trigger a speed lock, reducing the number of Pokémon that spawn and increasing the likelihood of those you encounter fleeing. It’s best to play while walking or stationary.

Why do Pokémon with low CP sometimes flee in Pokémon GO?

Even Pokémon with low CP can flee if you fail to land a good throw or use appropriate items. The base flee rate of the species also plays a role.

Does the “AR+” mode make it harder or easier to catch Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

“AR+” mode can make it more challenging to catch Pokémon because it requires you to get closer to them. However, it also offers an “Expert Handler” bonus for getting close, which increases your catch rate. Whether it’s harder or easier depends on your skill and the Pokémon’s behavior.

Advanced Strategies for Dedicated Trainers

For those seeking to truly master the art of catching, consider these advanced strategies:

• Quick Catch Trick: This technique allows you to skip the catch animation, saving valuable time and allowing you to quickly attempt another throw if the Pokémon breaks free. There are many tutorials available online.

• Practice Throwing Techniques: Dedicate time to practicing different throwing techniques, such as the curveball and the circle lock technique (setting the circle size before throwing).

• Stay Updated on Events: Pokémon GO frequently hosts events that can impact catch rates and Pokémon spawns. Stay informed about upcoming events and adjust your strategies accordingly.

A Final Word of Advice

Catching Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a blend of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Don’t get discouraged if a Pokémon flees; learn from the experience and keep practicing. With the right techniques and items, you’ll significantly increase your chances of building a strong and diverse collection. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

The Games Learning Society researches the intersection of gaming and education, exploring how games can be used to enhance learning and engagement. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.