Gen 9 Catch Rate Calculator

Calculate your chances of catching a Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.

The Generation 9 Catch Rate Calculator is a specialized tool designed to help Pokémon trainers in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet estimate their chances of successfully catching a wild Pokémon. Unlike earlier generations, Generation 9 introduced subtle changes and mechanics that influence catch rates. This calculator aims to provide a precise, real-time estimation by taking into account numerous factors that affect the probability of a successful capture.

Who Should Use It:

• Players aiming to complete their Pokédex.
• Trainers looking for specific Pokémon with good IVs or Natures.
• Players who want to use specific Poké Balls for aesthetic or practical reasons.
• Anyone curious about the underlying mechanics of catching Pokémon in the latest generation.

Common Misunderstandings:

• Shiny Pokémon: Many believe shiny Pokémon are harder to catch. This is a myth; their catch rate is identical to their non-shiny counterparts.
• Level Difference: While a higher level Pokémon can often defeat opponents more easily, the difference in your Pokémon's level and stats compared to the wild Pokémon matters more for *weakening* it than directly for the catch rate formula itself, though it influences the final modifier.
• Ball Effectiveness: Not all balls provide a standard bonus. Some, like the Quick Ball or Timer Ball, have conditional effectiveness, and others, like the Beast Ball, have specific targets (Ultra Beasts).

Generation 9 Catch Rate Formula and Explanation

The catch rate calculation in Generation 9 is complex, involving several stages and modifiers. The core formula aims to determine a final "catch modifier" which is then used to calculate the probability of success. A simplified representation of the key elements influencing the final catch probability is as follows:

Simplified Core Calculation:

Catch Modifier = (((3 * MaxHP – 2 * CurrentHP) * BaseCatchRate * BallModifier * StatusModifier * ItemModifier) / (3 * MaxHP)) * LevelModifier

Shake Value = Catch Modifier / 65535 (approximately, simplified)

Catch Probability = 1 – (Shake Value ^ 4) (for 4 shakes)

The calculator works by deriving a final "catch modifier" value which is then used to estimate the percentage chance of success after 4 shakes.

Variable Explanations:

Variables Used in Catch Rate Calculation

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
MaxHP	Maximum Hit Points of the target Pokémon.	HP Points	1 – ~1000
CurrentHP	Current Hit Points of the target Pokémon.	HP Points	0 – MaxHP
BaseCatchRate	The Pokémon's inherent catch rate, a value from 0 to 255.	Unitless	1 – 255
BallModifier	A multiplier based on the type of Poké Ball used.	Multiplier	1.0 – 5.0 (Master Ball)
StatusModifier	A multiplier applied if the target Pokémon has a status condition.	Multiplier	1.0 (None) – 2.5 (Paralysis, Sleep, Freeze)
ItemModifier	A multiplier applied if the target Pokémon holds a specific item that affects catch rate.	Multiplier	1.0 – 1.2
LevelModifier	A complex modifier influenced by the target Pokémon's level and the attacking Pokémon's stats (specifically Attack stat). This is a simplification in the formula shown above.	Multiplier	Variable

Practical Examples

Let's illustrate with a couple of scenarios:

Example 1: Catching a Mid-Levelted Tinkaton

• Target Pokémon: Tinkaton
• Target Pokémon's Level: 30
• Base Catch Rate: 45
• Target Pokémon Current HP: 10% (e.g., 25 out of 250 Max HP)
• Status Condition: None (Modifier = 1.0)
• Ball Used: Great Ball (Modifier = 1.5)
• Held Item: None (Modifier = 1.0)
• Your Pokémon's Level: 50
• Your Pokémon's Attack Stat: 150
• Move Type: Fairy (let's assume for type effectiveness consideration, though not directly in this simplified formula).
• Target Types: Fairy / Steel

Plugging these values into the calculator (which incorporates the level modifier accurately), you might find a Catch Rate of approximately 35%. This indicates a moderate chance, suggesting you might need a few attempts or consider weakening the Pokémon further.

Example 2: Catching a Low-Levelled Pawmi with Status

• Target Pokémon: Pawmi
• Target Pokémon's Level: 5
• Base Catch Rate: 190
• Target Pokémon Current HP: 1 HP (out of 30 Max HP)
• Status Condition: Sleep (Modifier = 2.5)
• Ball Used: Ultra Ball (Modifier = 2.0)
• Held Item: None (Modifier = 1.0)
• Your Pokémon's Level: 10
• Your Pokémon's Attack Stat: 40
• Move Type: Electric
• Target Types: Electric

With a very low HP, a status condition, and a high base catch rate, even with a standard Ultra Ball, the calculator might show a Catch Rate of over 85%. This scenario highlights how significantly low HP and status effects can increase your chances.

How to Use This Generation 9 Catch Rate Calculator

Using this calculator is straightforward:

1. Input Pokémon Details: Enter the Level and Base Catch Rate of the wild Pokémon you are targeting. You can find the Base Catch Rate in various online Pokédex resources.
2. Input Your Pokémon's Stats: Enter the Level and Attack Stat of your Pokémon that will be using the move to weaken the target. Also, input the target's Current HP and Max HP.
3. Select Modifiers:
   • Choose the Status Condition affecting the wild Pokémon (if any).
   • Select the Ball Type you intend to use. Note that some ball modifiers are conditional (e.g., Nest Ball depends on level, Repeat Ball on species already caught). The calculator uses common multipliers; specific advanced conditions might require manual adjustment or deeper research.
   • Select any relevant Held Item that might influence the catch rate.
   • Choose the Move Type and the Target Pokémon's Types. These are crucial for determining if the move is super-effective, which indirectly affects how easily you can reduce the target's HP.
4. Check for Shiny: Tick the "Is Shiny?" box if applicable (it doesn't affect the calculation).
5. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Catch Rate" button.

Interpreting Results: The calculator will display the estimated Catch Rate percentage, the Shake Value (related to how many shakes before a catch), and the overall Catch Probability Multiplier. A higher percentage means a better chance of success.

Key Factors That Affect Generation 9 Catch Rate

1. Base Catch Rate: This is the fundamental property of each Pokémon species. Legendaries typically have very low base catch rates (e.g., 3), while common early-game Pokémon often have high rates (e.g., 190-255).
2. Target Pokémon's Current HP: This is arguably the most impactful factor you can control during a battle. The lower the HP, the significantly higher the catch modifier becomes. Bringing a Pokémon down to 1 HP maximizes this effect.
3. Status Conditions: Inflicting Paralysis, Sleep, or Freeze provides the largest multiplier (2.5x) to the catch modifier, followed by Burn or Poison (2.0x). Badly Poisoned offers a slightly lower bonus than standard poison.
4. Poké Ball Type: Different balls offer varying multipliers. Master Balls have a 5.0x modifier, while Ultra Balls and specialized balls like Dive, Nest, Repeat, Timer, and Quick Balls offer 2.0x or 3.0x bonuses under specific conditions. Standard balls have a 1.0x multiplier.
5. Level Modifier (Indirectly via Attacking Pokémon's Strength): While not a direct multiplier on the base formula, the ability of your Pokémon to weaken the target Pokémon without knocking it out is paramount. A higher level and better Attack stat for your Pokémon make it easier to reduce the target's HP to a critical level safely. Moves like False Swipe are invaluable here.
6. Type Effectiveness: Using a super-effective move can help lower the target's HP faster, making it easier to reach low HP thresholds required for optimal catch rates.
7. Held Items: Some held items, when the Pokémon's HP is full, can provide a small boost to the catch rate. This is a less common factor but can contribute.
8. Species Matching (Repeat Ball): If you are trying to catch a species you have already caught, the Repeat Ball offers a higher success rate.

FAQ about Generation 9 Catch Rates

Q1: Does the level of the wild Pokémon matter for catch rate?

A: Yes, indirectly. While the core formula uses the attacking Pokémon's level and stats to determine a modifier, the wild Pokémon's level is also factored into this complex adjustment. Higher-level wild Pokémon can sometimes be slightly harder to catch if your attacking Pokémon isn't sufficiently strong to reduce their HP easily.

Q2: Are Shiny Pokémon harder to catch in Generation 9?

A: No, the shininess of a Pokémon has absolutely no impact on its catch rate in Generation 9 or any other generation.

Q3: What is the best ball to use for catching any Pokémon?

A: The Master Ball offers a 100% catch rate, but it's a single-use item. For general use, Ultra Balls provide a good balance of effectiveness (2.0x modifier). If specific conditions apply (e.g., low HP, status, type matchups, location), specialized balls like the Dive Ball, Nest Ball, or Quick Ball can offer better odds.

Q4: How much does lowering a Pokémon's HP affect the catch rate?

A: Significantly. The formula heavily favors lower HP percentages. Bringing a Pokémon down to 1 HP provides the maximum possible bonus from this factor, making it much easier to catch.

Q5: Does the type of ball matter if the Pokémon is already asleep?

A: Yes. Status conditions and the ball type are independent multipliers. You get the benefit of both the status condition multiplier (e.g., 2.5x for Sleep) AND the ball multiplier (e.g., 2.0x for Ultra Ball).

Q6: What if the target Pokémon has two types?

A: The calculator accounts for this by allowing you to input both types. While the simplified formula doesn't directly use type matchups, knowing the types is essential for strategic battle planning (e.g., using super-effective moves to lower HP efficiently without fainting the target).

Q7: Can I use this calculator for Pokémon from previous generations?

A: While the core mechanics are similar, Generation 9 might have slight variations. This calculator is specifically tuned for the formulas and multipliers active in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Q8: What does the "Shake Value" mean?

A: The Shake Value is an intermediate calculation. When you throw a Poké Ball, it shakes a certain number of times. The probability of success is tied to how many shakes occur before the ball closes. A higher catch modifier leads to a higher shake value and thus a higher chance of success across those shakes.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• Pokémon Type Effectiveness Chart: Understand which moves are super-effective against different Pokémon types.
• EV/IV Calculator: Optimize your Pokémon's stats for battle.
• Natures Guide: Learn how Natures affect stat growth.
• Abilities Explained: Discover the unique effects of Pokémon Abilities.
• Move List & Effects: Browse through all available moves and their properties.
• Shiny Hunting Methods: Explore different strategies for finding Shiny Pokémon.