Pokémon Capture Rate Calculator (Gen 7)
Calculate the exact probability of capturing any Pokémon in Pokémon Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon using this advanced calculator that accounts for all in-game factors.
Capture Results
Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Capture Mechanics in Generation 7
Generation 7 introduced significant changes to Pokémon capture mechanics with Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for competitive players, shiny hunters, and completionists aiming to catch every Pokémon in the Alola region.
The Capture Formula in Generation 7
The core capture formula in Generation 7 follows this structure:
- Modified Catch Rate (a): (3 × Max HP – 2 × Current HP) × Catch Rate × Ball Modifier × Status Modifier / (3 × Max HP)
- Probability Calculation: If a ≥ 255, capture is guaranteed. Otherwise, probability = (a / 255)^(1/4)
This formula accounts for:
- Pokémon’s current and maximum HP
- Base catch rate of the Pokémon species
- Type of Poké Ball used
- Status conditions (sleep, freeze, etc.)
- Special conditions (back sneak, fishing, etc.)
- Battle turns passed
- Catch Power from Festival Plaza
Poké Ball Multipliers in Generation 7
The type of Poké Ball used dramatically affects capture rates. Here’s a comparison of the most effective balls:
| Poké Ball | Multiplier | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Master Ball | 255 | Guaranteed capture (legendaries) |
| Beast Ball | 0.1× (normal) / 5× (Ultra Beasts) | Ultra Beasts only |
| Dusk Ball | 3.5× (day) / 4× (night/cave) | Cave Pokémon and night hunting |
| Quick Ball | 5× (first turn) / 1× (after) | First turn captures |
| Timer Ball | 1× + (turns × 0.3) (max 4×) | Long battles |
| Ultra Ball | 2× | General purpose high-performance |
Status Condition Effects
Inflicting status conditions remains one of the most effective ways to improve capture rates:
- Sleep/Freeze: 2.5× multiplier (most effective)
- Paralysis/Poison/Burn: 1.5× multiplier
- No Status: 1× multiplier
Note: In Generation 7, the False Swipe move was modified to always leave at least 1 HP, making it perfect for capture attempts. Combine this with a status-inflicting move like Thunder Wave or Spore for optimal results.
Special Capture Conditions
Generation 7 introduced several unique capture scenarios:
- Sneaking from Behind: When you approach wild Pokémon from behind in the overworld (tall grass), you get a 1.5× multiplier on the first turn.
- Fishing: Using the fishing rod gives a 1.5× multiplier when using appropriate balls like Dive Ball.
- SOS Battles: Pokémon called for help have their catch rate reduced to 0.1× of normal, but chain bonuses can offset this.
- Ultra Beasts: These special Pokémon have unique catch rates and are best captured with Beast Balls (5× multiplier).
Catch Power and Festival Plaza
The Festival Plaza’s Catch Power feature provides significant bonuses:
| Catch Power Level | Multiplier | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1.05× | 1-9 visitors with Catch Power |
| Level 2 | 1.1× | 10-19 visitors with Catch Power |
| Level 3 | 1.15× | 20-29 visitors with Catch Power |
| Level 4 | 1.2× | 30-39 visitors with Catch Power |
| Level 5 | 1.25× | 40+ visitors with Catch Power |
To maximize Catch Power:
- Recruit friends with high Catch Power levels
- Use the “Call for Help” feature in Festival Plaza
- Maintain at least 40 visitors with Catch Power for the maximum 1.25× bonus
Legendary Pokémon Capture Strategies
Capturing legendary Pokémon in Generation 7 requires special consideration:
- Save Before Battle: Always save your game before attempting to catch a legendary.
- Use Master Ball: For guaranteed capture (only one per game).
- Alternative Strategy:
- Use False Swipe to reduce HP to 1
- Inflict sleep or paralysis
- Use Ultra Ball or appropriate specialty ball
- Maximize Catch Power (1.25×)
- Consider using Adrenaline Orb to prevent self-destruction
- For Ultra Beasts: Beast Ball is the most effective (5× multiplier).
Legendary Pokémon in Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon have the following base catch rates:
- Tapu Koko/Lele/Bulu/Fini: 3 (0.4%)
- Solgaleo/Lunala: 45 (5.9%)
- Necrozma: 3 (0.4%)
- Ultra Beasts: 1-30 (varies by species)
SOS Battle Chaining for Rare Pokémon
SOS battles provide opportunities to catch rare Pokémon with special characteristics:
- Chain Length Bonuses:
- 10+ calls: 1.5× catch rate
- 20+ calls: 2× catch rate
- 30+ calls: 2.5× catch rate
- Special Pokémon:
- Alolan forms appear after specific chain lengths
- Hidden Abilities become available after 10+ calls
- Shiny Pokémon have increased odds after 70+ calls
- Optimal Strategy:
- Use a Pokémon with Harvest + Leppa Berry for infinite PP
- False Swipe + status move combination
- Adrenaline Orb to extend chains
- Stockpile healing items
Technical Implementation Details
For developers interested in the exact capture algorithm:
- The game calculates a modified catch rate (a) using the formula:
a = floor((3 * MaxHP - 2 * CurrentHP) * CatchRate * BallModifier * StatusModifier / (3 * MaxHP))
- If a ≥ 255, capture is guaranteed
- Otherwise, the game generates 4 random numbers (0-65535) and checks if:
floor((65536 * (a / 255)^(1/4)) / 65536) ≥ floor((65536 * random1 / 65536) * floor((65536 * random2 / 65536) * floor((65536 * random3 / 65536) * (65536 * random4 / 65536))))
- The shake count is determined by comparing against progressively higher thresholds:
First shake: (65536 * (6/255)^(1/4)) ≈ 10922 (16.67%) Second shake: (65536 * (12/255)^(1/4)) ≈ 21845 (33.33%) Third shake: (65536 * (24/255)^(1/4)) ≈ 32768 (50%) Capture: (65536 * (a/255)^(1/4))