Summary
Since its inception, the main draw of thePokemonfranchise has been the concept of capturing its titular creatures and using them in battle. As time has passed following the success ofPokemon GO, the emphasis on the actual catching portion of the formula has only grown. Even casual observers are likely to be familiar with the series’ most distinctive symbol, the Poke Ball used to capture Pokemon in the wild. Throwing a Poke Ball inPokemonis a straightforward idea, but Game Freak has also iterated on the concept significantly over the years with new variants.
Across the series’ nine mainline generations, there have been an impressive number of new Poke Ball designs introduced. Even the first generation showcased a level of variety with its multiple available Poke Ball types, all focused on the simple increase of catch rate. Exploring a region has turned into a far more complicated activity in terms of capture, as players are best off making the ideal decision regarding whatthe best Poke Ball typeis for any given member of a Pokemon species.
Traditional Catch Rate Poke Balls
Debuting in the first generation, the original set of Poke Balls offer a simple progression that fit advancing in the games. These have simple effects on catch rate, the hidden stat which determines how likely a Pokemon is to be captured by a given Poke Ball attempt. The default Poke Ball, for example, has a 1x modifier to indicate that it has no effect on catch rate.Pokemon’s coveted Master Ball, on the other hand, has an absurd 255x modifier to ensure that it always succeeds.
1x
1.5x
2x
255x (Guaranteed)
Generation 1
Miscellaneous Poke Balls
As these Poke Balls tend to lack specific uses in-game, they generally serve as indicators of a Pokemon’s origin more than a tool that assists in capture. They usually have no effect on catch rate, and can hardly even be used or seen outside their intended context. Players ofBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’s Safari Zonewill be familiar with types like the Safari Ball, a Poke Ball exclusive to that area but offering no real benefit.
Generation 8 (Transfer from Pokemon Legends: Arceus)
Poke Balls with Special Effects
The imagery of the classic Poke Ball and its improved versions are iconic toPokemon, but many of the franchise’s players are likely to have memories of these unique Poke Balls. Beginning in the second generation, Poke Balls with specific effects became available to the player and offer a benefit if certain conditions are met. These have become a staple of the series in the years since, with so many different effects that one of these can find itself useful in most situations. With so many options, aPoke Ball type can represent the playerthrough habits and style.
Some offer clear modifiers for an obvious condition, but others, like the Nest Ball, use a more complicated formula under the hood to determine its effect. The situational use that the likes of the Love Ball is associated with has caused several of these Poke Balls to be written off as gimmicks by some players, but the usefulness of the likes ofScarlet and Violet’s Dusk Ball and Quick Ballin the right circumstances can make them some of the most reliable options of all.
4x on Pokemon with base Speed of at least 100
Generation 2
Level Ball
2x on Pokemon lower level than player’s 4x if player’s Pokemon level is double 8x if player’s Pokemon level is quadruple
4x on Pokemon encountered from fishing
Heavy Ball
-20 on Pokemon less than 100kg 1x on Pokemon between 100kg and 199.9kg +20 on Pokemon between 200kg and 299.9kg +30 on Pokemon 300kg and above
Love Ball
8x on Pokemon of the same species but opposite gender of the player’s (Same gender in Gen 2)
Friend Ball
1x, sets caught Pokemon’s friendship stat to 200, 150 (Gen 8 onward)
Moon Ball
4x on Pokemon from families thatevolve with a Moon Stone(N/A in Gen 2)
3.5x on Bug and Water-type Pokemon
3.5x on “water-dwelling Pokemon”
Generation 3
Nest Ball
((41 - Pokémon’s level)/10)x if Pokémon’s level is between 1 and 29 (Catch rate is higher for lower level Pokemon)
Repeat Ball
3.5x on Pokemon species that are already registered in the player’s Pokedex
Timer Ball
(1 + number of turns passed in battle * 1229/4096)x, maximum 4x at 10 turns (Catch rate is higher as more turns pass)
1x, doubles rate of caught Pokemon’s friendship increase
3x at night or in caves
1x, fully heals caught Pokemon
5x on first turn of battle
4x on sleeping Pokemon
5x onUltra Beasts, 0.1x otherwise
Generation 7
Hisuian Poke Balls
Following the franchise’s more recent focus on catching mechanics,Pokemon Legends: Arceusrevitalized the classic gameplay formula through allowing the player to physically aim and throw their Poke Balls. Paired with a setting shift into the past of the Hisui era, all of this game’s options are unique in their antiquated design and followPokemon Legends' Poke Ball retcon.
The basic Hisuian Poke Balls follow the same format of the traditionally modern variety, but the special ones affect mechanics specific to the Poke Ball throwing ofPLAvia the Feather Ball line’s throwing speed and the Heavy Ball line’s lack thereof. The Origin Ball takes on the role of the new Master Ball essentially, but it only works on theOrigin Formes of Palkia and Dialga.
0.75x
2.25x
1x, 1.25 on flying Pokemon
1.5x, 1.75x
2x, 2.75x
1x, 1.25x
1.75x, 2x
2.5x, 2.75x
Automatic on main story Legendaries
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
