Pokemon fleeing in Pokemon GO can be one of the most frustrating experiences for trainers, but understanding why it happens can help you improve your catch rates and gameplay strategy.
The Basic Mechanics of Pokemon Fleeing
Every Pokemon in Pokemon GO has what we call a “flee rate” – basically, the likelihood that they’ll run away after a failed catch attempt. Some Pokemon are naturally more skittish than others. For instance, that Abra you’ve been chasing has a whopping 99% flee rate, while something like a Pidgey is much more likely to stick around for multiple catch attempts.
Common Reasons for Pokemon Fleeing
Speed Limits and Soft Bans
If you’re moving too fast (like in a car or train), Pokemon are programmed to flee more often. This is Niantic’s way of discouraging people from playing while driving. I’ve learned this the hard way during many passenger-seat catching attempts!
GPS Issues
Sometimes your GPS signal might jump around, making the game think you’re moving when you’re actually standing still. When this happens, the game’s anti-cheating system kicks in, causing Pokemon to flee more frequently.
Shadow Bans and Soft Bans
If you’ve been flagged for suspicious behavior (like using third-party apps or spoofing your location), you might experience more Pokemon fleeing than usual. This is actually a protective measure from Niantic to maintain fair gameplay.
How to Reduce Flee Rates
Let me share some practical tips I’ve learned from countless hours of gameplay:
– Use better balls (Great and Ultra Balls) for valuable Pokemon
– Apply Razz Berries before throwing
– Work on improving your throw accuracy for “Great” and “Excellent” throws
– Make sure you’re standing still when catching rare Pokemon
– Wait for the Pokemon’s attack animation to end before throwing
Understanding the Catch Circle
Here’s something many players overlook: the color of the catch circle actually tells you the likelihood of both catching AND keeping the Pokemon. Red means high flee risk, while green suggests the Pokemon will probably stick around even if you miss the first throw.
Remember, Pokemon fleeing isn’t always about bad luck – it’s often about understanding these underlying mechanics and adapting your catching strategy accordingly. Next time you’re out hunting, try implementing these tips, and you’ll likely see better results. Just like in the main Pokemon games, patience and strategy are key to becoming a successful trainer!
