Gen 5 Catch Rate Calculator

Pokémon Gen 5 Catch Rate Calculator

Understanding Pokémon Catch Rates in Generation 5

Catching Pokémon is a core mechanic in the series, and the success rate is determined by a complex formula that has seen variations across generations. In Generation 5 (Black, White, Black 2, White 2), the catch rate calculation involves several factors, aiming to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for trainers.

The Catch Rate Formula Explained

The formula for determining the probability of successfully catching a Pokémon in Generation 5 is as follows:

Catch Rate = (((3 * Max HP - 2 * Current HP) * Base Catch Rate * Ball Multiplier) / (3 * Max HP)) * Shiny Multiplier / 256

Let's break down each component:

• Pokémon Level: While not directly in the final catch rate calculation itself, a Pokémon's level is crucial as it influences its HP (Max HP and Current HP). Higher levels generally mean higher HP, making them harder to catch.
• Base Catch Rate: Each Pokémon species has a "Base Catch Rate" inherent to them. Legendary Pokémon typically have very low base catch rates, while common Pokémon have higher ones.
• Current HP: The lower the Pokémon's current HP, the higher the chance of catching it. Bringing a Pokémon down to critical HP significantly improves your odds.
• Max HP: The maximum HP of the Pokémon at its current level.
• Ball Type Multiplier: Different Poké Balls offer varying bonuses. Standard Poké Balls have a multiplier of 1.0, while more specialized balls like the Dusk Ball or Ultra Ball provide higher multipliers, increasing your catch probability.
• Status Condition: Encountering a Pokémon with a status condition (Sleep, Freeze, Poison, Burn, Paralysis) provides a significant boost to your catch rate. Sleep and Freeze offer the largest bonus (effectively doubling the chance), while Poison, Burn, and Paralysis offer a smaller, but still helpful, increase.
• Shiny Multiplier: A shiny Pokémon's catch rate is doubled in Generation 5.
• 256: This is a normalizing factor in the formula.

The result of this formula is a value that, when compared against a random number generated during the catch attempt, determines success. A higher calculated catch rate means a greater chance of success.

Factors Not Included in Gen 5 Catch Rate

Unlike some other generations or fan-made calculators, the base Generation 5 formula does not directly account for:

• The Pokémon's current status (e.g., paralyzed, asleep). This is handled by the 'Status Condition' modifier in our calculator.
• The specific type of Poké Ball used. This is handled by the 'Ball Type Multiplier'.
• Whether the Pokémon is shiny. This is handled by the 'Shiny Multiplier'.

Our calculator simplifies these external factors into multipliers and inputs that directly feed into the core Gen 5 formula.

Example Calculation

Let's consider catching a Level 50 Gible with a Base Catch Rate of 45.

• Pokémon Level: 50
• Base Catch Rate: 45
• Current HP: 10 (critical health)
• Max HP: 120
• Status Condition: Paralysis (Multiplier: 1.5)
• Ball Type: Ultra Ball (Multiplier: 2.0)
• Is Shiny: No (Multiplier: 1)

Calculation:

Catch Rate = (((3 * 120 - 2 * 10) * 45 * 2.0) / (3 * 120)) * 1 / 256

Catch Rate = (((360 - 20) * 45 * 2.0) / 360) * 1 / 256

Catch Rate = ((340 * 45 * 2.0) / 360) * 1 / 256

Catch Rate = (30600 / 360) * 1 / 256

Catch Rate = 85 * 1 / 256

Catch Rate ≈ 0.33203125

This means there's approximately a 33.2% chance of catching the Gible under these conditions. If the Gible were affected by Sleep or Freeze (Multiplier: 2.0), the chance would increase significantly.

Understanding these mechanics can help trainers strategize their encounters and increase their chances of acquiring rare and powerful Pokémon in the Unova region and beyond.