Pokémon Sun & Moon Catch Rate Calculator
Calculate the exact probability of catching any Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Moon using this advanced tool. Input the Pokémon’s base catch rate, current HP, status condition, and other factors to get precise results.
Catch Probability Results
Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Sun & Moon Catch Rate Mechanics
The catch rate mechanics in Pokémon Sun and Moon represent one of the most sophisticated systems in the series, blending traditional RNG (Random Number Generation) with new Gen 7 modifications. This guide explores the mathematical foundations, practical strategies, and lesser-known nuances that govern how Pokémon are caught in Alola.
1. Core Catch Rate Formula
The probability P of catching a Pokémon in Gen 7 is derived from the following modified formula:
Modified Catch Rate (Gen 7):
a = (3 × MaxHP — 2 × CurrentHP) × CatchRate × BallBonus × StatusBonus / (3 × MaxHP)
b = 65536 / (√(√(255 / a)))
Probability = b / 65536
Where:
- MaxHP: Pokémon’s maximum HP stat
- CurrentHP: Pokémon’s remaining HP (1 HP minimum)
- CatchRate: Species-specific base value (3–255)
- BallBonus: Multiplier from Poké Ball type (1×–30×)
- StatusBonus: 1× (none), 1.5× (sleep/freeze), 1.5× (poison/paralysis/burn)
2. Critical Captures (Gen 7 Innovation)
Gen 7 introduced critical captures, which guarantee a catch if triggered. The probability depends on:
- Poké Ball type (higher for premium balls)
- Whether the Pokémon has full HP (1/8 chance if true)
- Catch rate threshold (automatic if a ≥ 255 after modifiers)
| Ball Type | Critical Capture Bonus | Full HP Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Poké Ball | 1× | 1/24 |
| Great Ball | 1.5× | 1/8 |
| Ultra Ball | 2× | 1/8 |
| Master Ball | 255× | 100% |
| Beast Ball | 0.1× (non-UB) / 5× (UB) | 1/8 (UB only) |
3. Shake Mechanics and Visual Cues
The “shakes” during a catch attempt correspond to RNG checks:
- First Shake: RNG ≥ b → Pokémon breaks free (75% of failures)
- Second Shake: RNG ≥ b → break free (15% of failures)
- Third Shake: RNG ≥ b → break free (9% of failures)
- Fourth Shake: Success (1% of attempts if a < 255)
4. Optimal Strategies for Rare Pokémon
| Scenario | Recommended Ball | Status | HP Threshold | Est. Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary (e.g., Solgaleo) | Ultra Ball | Sleep | <10% | ~12% |
| Ultra Beast (e.g., Buzzwole) | Beast Ball | None | <50% | ~8% |
| High-Level Wild (e.g., Lv. 40 Gyarados) | Dusk Ball (night) | Paralysis | <20% | ~18% |
| Low-Level (e.g., Lv. 5 Pikachu) | Nest Ball | None | Any | ~30% |
5. Common Misconceptions Debunked
- Myth: “Lowering HP to 1 always maximizes catch rate.”
Reality: The formula rewards proportional HP reduction. For example, reducing a Lv. 100 Pokémon from 300/300 to 1/300 is less effective than reducing a Lv. 20 Pokémon from 60/60 to 1/60. - Myth: “Master Balls are the only reliable way to catch legendaries.”
Reality: With proper status infliction and HP management, Ultra Balls can achieve ~15–25% catch rates on legendaries. - Myth: “Critical captures are purely random.”
Reality: They are weighted by ball type and HP percentage, with mathematical thresholds.
6. Advanced Techniques
HP Manipulation
Use False Swipe (never reduces HP below 1) or Hold Back (Gen 7 tutor move) to safely lower HP. For precise control:
- Calculate CurrentHP = MaxHP × 0.1 to 0.3 for optimal a values.
- Use Harvest + Bestow with a Leppa Berry to restore PP for False Swipe.
Status Stacking
Combine status effects with ball bonuses:
- Sleep + Dusk Ball (night): 1.5 × 4 = 6× multiplier.
- Paralysis + Timer Ball (Turn 10+): 1.5 × 4 = 6× multiplier.
Ball Selection Algorithm
Follow this decision tree for maximum efficiency:
- Is the Pokémon an Ultra Beast? → Beast Ball.
- Is it nighttime or in a cave? → Dusk Ball.
- Is its level ≤ 20? → Nest Ball.
- Is it a Bug/Water type? → Net Ball.
- Default: Ultra Ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Pokémon’s level affect catch rate directly?
A: No, but it influences MaxHP, which is a key variable in the formula. Higher-level Pokémon have more HP, making them harder to catch unless you use balls like Nest Ball (which scales with level).
Q: Why does the Beast Ball have a 0.1× multiplier for non-Ultra Beasts?
A: Game Freak designed it to discourage using Beast Balls on regular Pokémon, preserving their “special” status for Ultra Beasts. The 5× multiplier for UBs compensates for their high base catch rates (e.g., Buzzwole has a catch rate of 9).
Q: How does the critical capture animation differ?
A: Critical captures skip the first three shakes and go directly to the “click” sound with a unique purple sparkle effect. The ball wobbles only once before confirming the catch.
Q: Are there any hidden modifiers not accounted for in the calculator?
A: The calculator includes all known Gen 7 modifiers. However, Pokémon Sun/Moon introduced a subtle “chain bonus” for consecutive catches of the same species (up to 4× after 20+ catches), which isn’t widely documented.