A Trainer's Guide to Catching 'Pokémon Sun and Moon'
Catching Young Starters
As you start out on your adventure in Pokémon Sun or Moon, the first Pokémon you will be presented with are the local starters that fill the Alola region with new life. Catching these starters is a must! Here's a few tips so you can quickly and confidently get on with your journey.
Be Patient
Getting started can be a little intimidating, but never rush your decisions. When you first approach a group of Pokémon, take a moment and consider your options. Compare the types of each Pokémon available, choose the best nature and stats for your team and decide whether what you want is really worth the hassle of a difficult battle.
Timing is Everything
To successfully catch a Pokémon, you'll want to time your throws appropriately. Keep an eye on the left-hand corner of your screen, as this will tell you when the Pokémon is the most vulnerable and ready to be caught. The moment you see the colored ring become the smallest, press A — throw your Poké Ball at that exact moment to drastically increase your chances for a successful catch!
Analyzing Your Opponent
Before starting a battle with an opposing Pokémon, it's important to consider the type of Pokémon you'll be up against. Look for the type advantages and disadvantages of your Pokémon compared to your opponent. Having a plan of attack is key, as certain moves will hit the Pokémon for super effective damage and others may have no effect at all, making every move of great importance. Knowing exactly what your Pokémon can and can't do is the way to victory, but also to a successful capture!
Take Advantage of Status Effects
Sometimes you may find yourself in a bit of a pinch and you won't have it in you to take on a Pokémon by using your own strength. Status effects can be used to your advantage in these tough situations. Paralysis, freezing, burning and sleep can all make a Pokémon much easier to catch. Don't feel bad for taking advantage of these effects; we're all Pokémon trainers here, working to build the best teams.
Select the Right Poké Ball
At certain points in the game, you'll be able to gain access to specialty Poké Balls that have unique properties. Depending on the type of Pokémon you are trying to capture, it's important to pick the right Poké Ball for the job. Heavier Pokémon such as Snorlax or Steel and Rock types may require a stronger Poké Ball in order to increase your chances of successfully catching them.
Getting Ready for Battle
All the tips so far focus on catching your Pokémon, but before you make any successful throws you need to be ready for battle. Preparing yourself for the perfect showdown ensures that your Pokémon will make it out with minimal damage and the increased chances of a successful capture. Here's a few tips on how to be prepared.
Know Your Enemy
Before initiating a battle, take a look at what your opponent has in store. Analyze the Pokémon's moveset and pay attention to what type of damage output you can expect. Knowing the type of attacks you will be up against will allow you to tailor your own approach to the battle so you can take them down with the least amount of damage.
Leveling Up
If you're having too much trouble with a particular Pokémon, don't be afraid to backtrack and level up your team a bit. As your Pokémon gain levels, they will become stronger and you will become more capable of taking down those pesky Pokémon that you have been having trouble with. Not to mention, the additional levels also increase the likelihood of your Pokémon successfully staying in the Poké Ball.
Item Management
Managing your items is also key when you are in the middle of a battle. Heals, status healers and battle enhancers can all turn the tide of a battle in your favor. Make sure you are prepared for all possible scenarios and make sure you know exactly what each item does and when to use it.
Stay Focused
Finally, remember to stay focused while battling. Encounters can be short lived, so keep an eye on the time and make