ORAS Catch Rate Calculator
e.g., Legendaries are usually 3
Poké Ball (1x)
Great Ball (1.5x)
Ultra Ball (2x)
Dusk Ball (Dark/Cave) (3x)
Net Ball (Water/Bug) (3.5x)
Quick Ball (Turn 1) (4x)
Timer Ball (Turn 10+) (4x)
Master Ball (100%)
None (1x)
Sleep / Freeze (2.5x)
Paralyze / Burn / Poison (1.5x)
None
O-Power Lv. 1 (1.1x)
O-Power Lv. 2 (1.2x)
O-Power Lv. 3 (1.3x)
No
Yes (1.5x)
Estimated Catch Probability:
0%
How Catch Rates Work in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
In Pokémon ORAS, the catching mechanic uses a specific formula derived from Generation VI logic. Unlike earlier games, ORAS introduces the Capture Charm and O-Powers, which significantly boost your chances of catching elusive Legendaries like Rayquaza or Deoxys.
The calculation happens in two main stages. First, the game determines a "Catch Value" (denoted as a). If this value is 255 or higher, the Pokémon is caught automatically. If it's lower, the game performs "shake checks" to determine if the ball stays closed.
The ORAS Catch Formula
The primary value a is calculated as follows:
a = (((3 * MaxHP – 2 * CurrHP) * BaseRate * BallMod) / (3 * MaxHP)) * StatusMod * CharmMod * OPowerMod
| Factor | Impact on Catch Rate |
|---|---|
| HP Reduction | Reducing a Pokémon to 1 HP (using False Swipe) nearly triples the catch chance compared to full HP. |
| Status Effects | Sleep and Freeze are the most effective, offering a 2.5x multiplier. Paralyze, Poison, and Burn offer 1.5x. |
| Base Rate | Common Pokémon like Magikarp have a rate of 255. Legendaries usually have a rate of 3. |
| Capture Charm | Obtained after completing the National Pokédex, this key item provides a permanent 1.5x boost. |
Examples for Common ORAS Encounters
- Kyogre/Groudon: With a base catch rate of 3, at 1 HP, asleep, and using an Ultra Ball, your chance is approximately 9-10% per throw.
- Rayquaza: Rayquaza has an unusually high base catch rate for a legendary (45) due to story requirements. At low HP with a Great Ball, it is relatively easy to catch.
- Beldum: Notoriously difficult! It has a catch rate of 3 (same as a legendary) and only knows Take Down, meaning it can knock itself out via recoil damage.
Pro Tips for Catching Success
1. Use False Swipe: This move is essential as it leaves the target with at least 1 HP. Breloom or Gallade are excellent False Swipe users in ORAS.
2. Turn Timer: If the battle lasts more than 10 turns, the Timer Ball becomes the most powerful ball in the game with a 4.0x multiplier, outperforming the Ultra Ball (2.0x).
3. O-Power Strategy: Before entering a legendary encounter, activate Catching O-Power Lv. 3. It lasts for 3 minutes and provides a massive 1.3x multiplier that stacks with everything else.