Why is Every Pokémon Fleeing After One Throw? The Ultimate Guide to Pokémon GO Escape Artists

The frustration is real: you encounter a rare Pokémon, nail the throw, maybe even use a Razz Berry, and… poof! It’s gone after the first shake of the Poké Ball. So, why is every Pokémon fleeing after one throw? The most common reason is that you are experiencing a soft ban in Pokémon GO. Soft bans are temporary restrictions placed on accounts suspected of violating the game’s Terms of Service, typically related to spoofing or other forms of cheating. This is intended as an anti-spoofing measure. They make Pokémon flee almost immediately after the first throw. Other possible reasons include hitting a high level Pokemon with regular Pokeballs, in which case the Pokémon may escape. If you make the perfect shot, and get the Pokeball through the center of the circle, the Pokemon may still break free, so keep trying.

Understanding Soft Bans in Pokémon GO

A soft ban is Niantic’s way of saying, “Hey, we think you’re up to something!” It’s not a permanent ban, but it severely restricts your gameplay. The most common symptom is that Pokémon will flee immediately after your first attempt to catch them. You also might not be able to spin PokéStops, or if you do, you won’t receive any items.

What Triggers a Soft Ban?

Several actions can trigger a soft ban, even unintentionally:

• GPS Spoofing: This is the most common cause. Using apps or methods to fake your GPS location is a direct violation of the Terms of Service.
• Excessive Speed: If the game detects you moving at speeds inconsistent with walking or driving (like teleporting large distances), it can trigger a soft ban. Even being a passenger in a very fast-moving vehicle could trigger a ban.
• Exceeding Catch or Spin Limits: There are daily limits to how many Pokémon you can catch and PokéStops you can spin. Exceeding these limits can lead to a soft ban.
• Automated Devices: Using devices like the Gotcha to automate spinning PokéStops or catching Pokémon can raise red flags.

How Long Does a Soft Ban Last?

The duration of a soft ban varies. Most last for a few minutes to a couple of hours. The longest time is typically 2 hours. The best thing to do is just wait it out. However, in some cases, bans can last longer.

How to Get Rid of a Soft Ban

Unfortunately, there’s no magic button to instantly remove a soft ban. The key is patience.

1. Wait It Out: The most reliable method is simply waiting. Typically, the ban will lift within a few hours.
2. Niantic Help Center: If you believe you were banned accidentally (and you haven’t been spoofing), you can try contacting the Niantic Help Center, but be prepared to explain your situation thoroughly.
3. Account Reset (Proceed with Caution): Some players suggest logging out of your account, uninstalling and reinstalling the game, and then logging back in. This method is not guaranteed and may not work.

Addressing Pokémon Escape Rates Beyond Soft Bans

While a soft ban is the usual suspect for persistent fleeing Pokémon, other factors can contribute to your catching woes:

• Pokémon Level and Difficulty: Higher level Pokémon are inherently harder to catch. They have lower base capture rates.
• Poké Ball Type: Using standard Poké Balls on high-level Pokémon is a recipe for disaster. Switch to Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and even Master Balls when facing challenging Pokémon.
• Berries: Razz Berries increase your chance of catching a Pokémon. Nanab Berries make the Pokémon less erratic, making it easier to hit them with a Poké Ball.
• Throw Technique: Mastering curveball throws and aiming for “Nice,” “Great,” or “Excellent” throws significantly boosts your catch rate.
• Circle Size: The smaller the colored circle when you throw your Poké Ball, the higher your catch bonus. Aim for the smallest circle possible.

FAQs: Demystifying Pokémon Fleeing and Bans

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the reasons behind Pokémon fleeing and the nuances of bans in Pokémon GO:

1. Does losing GPS signal cause Pokémon to flee?

Losing GPS signal for a few seconds can cause the game to temporarily lose track of your location, potentially leading to Pokémon fleeing. And ironically, while it was intended as an anti-spoofing/bot measure, it doesn’t affect spoofers/bots at all since they never lose signal or drift when using a GPS hack!

2. Can I get unbanned from Pokémon GO?

Yes, you can appeal a suspension for violating the Niantic Terms of Service. Contact their support team using the “Ban Appeal” form. Be prepared to provide a detailed explanation of your situation.

3. How long should I wait before teleporting in Pokémon GO if I’m spoofing?

It’s best to wait for the maximum cooldown time (up to 2 hours) after performing in-game actions before teleporting to a new location. This minimizes the risk of triggering a soft ban.

4. Why do Pidgey and Rattata run away so much?

Pokémon with lower base capture rates often have higher base flee rates. This means that if they break out of the Poké Ball, they are more likely to run away.

5. Do Nanab Berries prevent Pokémon from fleeing?

No, Nanab Berries don’t prevent fleeing. They make the Pokémon less active and easier to hit with a Poké Ball by slowing their movements. Razz Berries are the ones that increase the chance they stay inside the ball.

6. What determines if I can run from a Pokémon battle?

You can only run from battles with wild Pokémon. You cannot escape from Trainer battles.

7. Why isn’t my Pokémon obeying me?

If a Pokémon’s level is too high, and you don’t have the necessary badges, it will be disobedient in the main series games. This doesn’t apply to Pokemon Go.

8. How do I stop Pokémon from fleeing after teleporting (while spoofing)?

Using a trapping or binding move, a trapping ability, or Taunt can prevent wild Pokémon from fleeing after teleporting.

9. Do Pokémon ever run out of moves in Pokémon GO?

No, Pokemon in Pokemon Go do not run out of moves. In the core series, when the PP of a move has been depleted, the Pokémon will no longer be able to use that move until PP is restored.

10. Is spoofing considered cheating in Pokémon GO?

Yes, spoofing is a violation of the Pokémon GO Terms of Service and is considered cheating.

11. Can Pokémon GO detect spoofing?

Yes, Pokémon GO can detect spoofing apps. They may use a “blacklisted app” approach, leading to warnings if a detected app is installed.

12. What is the “cheating warning” in Pokémon GO?

The “cheating warning” is a notification that Niantic has detected suspicious activity on your account, potentially indicating the use of unauthorized third-party software or GPS spoofing.

13. How long does a Pokémon GO shadowban last?

A shadowban typically lasts for 10-15 days. During this time, you may not encounter rare Pokémon.

14. What is the “7-day warning notice” in Pokémon GO?

During this 7 day notice, you can still play the game, however, no rare Pokémon will appear, including shiny Pokémon.

15. Is PGSharp a safe spoofing app?

PGSharp is considered relatively safer for spoofing compared to some other methods, but it still carries the risk of detection and potential bans. It is always recommended to use a separate account and not your main one when spoofing.

Conclusion: Catching Them All Fairly

While the allure of rare Pokémon and the ease of spoofing may be tempting, it’s crucial to remember the principles of fair play and abide by Niantic’s Terms of Service. Understanding the reasons behind Pokémon fleeing and the consequences of cheating will help you enjoy the game responsibly and avoid frustrating bans. Remember to use the correct Pokeball and Razz Berries when you are trying to catch Pokemon!

For more information on game design and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. By understanding the underlying mechanics and ethical considerations, you can continue your journey to become a true Pokémon Master – the honest way.