The Galarian forms of the legendary birds—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—are highly sought-after Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Their unique designs and powerful abilities make them desirable additions to any trainer's team. However, their notoriously low catch rates present a significant challenge. This guide delves into the specifics of their catch rates and provides strategies to increase your chances of successfully capturing these elusive avian powerhouses.
What are the Galarian Bird Pokémon's Catch Rates?
The Galarian Birds share the same base catch rate: 3. This is incredibly low, placing them among the hardest Pokémon to catch in the game. For comparison, many common Pokémon have catch rates in the 255 range. This low rate means even with optimal strategies, successfully catching them requires patience, precision, and a healthy dose of luck.
How to Increase Your Chances of Catching a Galarian Bird
Several factors influence your chances of a successful capture. Mastering these strategies significantly increases your odds:
1. Weaken the Pokémon:
This is paramount. The lower the Pokémon's HP, the higher the chance of capture. Bring the Galarian bird's HP down to the red, but be careful not to faint it! A fainted Pokémon cannot be caught. Use effective moves and consider status effects like Sleep or Paralysis to further hinder its ability to fight back.
2. Use Effective Poké Balls:
Don't waste your standard Poké Balls. Invest in high-quality Poké Balls like Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and even Master Balls (if you have one!). Ultra Balls offer the best balance of accessibility and effectiveness.
3. Utilize Status Conditions:
Inflicting status conditions significantly improves your catch rate. Sleep and Paralysis are particularly effective because they prevent the Pokémon from attacking, extending your window of opportunity to throw Poké Balls. Consider using moves like Sleep Powder (from certain Pokémon like Jumpluff) or Thunder Wave (from Pikachu or other Electric-type Pokémon).
4. False Swipe:
The move False Swipe is invaluable for weakening Pokémon without causing a faint. This move always leaves a target with 1 HP, setting you up for a perfect catch attempt. Pokémon like the newly introduced Fidough can learn this extremely helpful move!
5. Timing is Key:
Pay close attention to the animations when throwing a Poké Ball. A successful capture is heavily influenced by the timing and trajectory of your throw. Aim for the center of the Pokémon for optimal results. This requires practice and patience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Poké Ball to use for Galarian Birds?
Ultra Balls provide a good balance between effectiveness and accessibility. While Master Balls guarantee a capture, they are incredibly rare, so Ultra Balls are the recommended choice. Great Balls are a decent alternative if you're low on Ultra Balls.
Can I use a Master Ball on a Galarian Bird?
Yes, you absolutely can. A Master Ball guarantees the capture of any Pokémon, regardless of its catch rate. However, Master Balls are extremely rare and should generally be saved for truly exceptional situations.
What are the best Pokémon to use against Galarian Birds?
This depends on the specific bird you are facing. For example, a Rock-type Pokémon would be effective against Galarian Articuno (Ice/Flying), while Ground-types excel against Galarian Zapdos (Fighting/Flying). Knowing the type matchups before engaging in battle is crucial for effective weakening.
Are there any other methods to increase catch rates?
While the aforementioned methods are the most effective, some trainers believe that certain in-game events (like specific weather conditions) may subtly influence catch rates. However, this remains largely anecdotal evidence, and there's no definitive proof.
By following these strategies and exercising patience, you'll greatly improve your odds of adding the majestic Galarian Birds to your Pokédex! Good luck!
