Just like the games that sparked interest in the franchise, Pokémon GO offers a range of Poké Balls for players to discover, earn through gameplay, or buy. Among these, Ultra Balls are known for their effectiveness, only second to the iconic Master Ball, which guarantees a catch every time it’s used. Yet, Pokémon have a knack for escaping even the mighty Ultra Balls, causing no small amount of frustration amongst Pokémon GO enthusiasts. One tweak could change all that: making an Excellent Throw with an Ultra Ball ought to ensure a guaranteed capture or at least significantly enhance the odds.
In the world of Pokémon GO, unlike the traditional Pokémon games where throws are automatically calculated, players are required to manually fling their Poké Balls at the creatures. This hands-on approach adds a layer of complexity as the Pokémon tend to move unpredictably, making it possible for a throw to completely miss its mark. However, landing a ball near the bullseye can yield a Nice, Great, or even an Excellent Throw. Achieving an Excellent Throw demands precision, hitting the center of the circle when it’s at its tiniest. This feat is notably challenging and a testament to a player’s skill if done regularly. Many Special Research objectives hinge on a player’s ability to perform Excellent Throws, including those needed to secure a Master Ball. Still, the reward for an Excellent Throw, even with an Ultra Ball, is merely a slight boost in success rate, which can be disheartening after the effort involved.
Making Excellent Throws with Ultra Balls carry a benefit, such as guaranteeing a catch, would acknowledge and reward players who invest time in honing their skills. Ultra Balls are rare, after all, and watching a coveted Pokémon flee after using several Ultra Balls can be demoralizing, especially when the outcome often feels like a roll of the dice. Allowing an Excellent Throw to secure a capture, or at least making it more likely to do so, would be a fitting reward for devoted players, encouraging them to practice their throw accuracy. Gamers might then strategically reserve their Ultra Balls for situations where they’re confident in their ability to land an Excellent Throw or when they’re facing a Pokémon they are particularly eager to catch, perhaps a Shiny.
The opportunity to reward players through Excellent Throws could extend to raiding activities too. During raids, players have a limited number of special balls—typically Premier Balls—available to capture the defeated Raid Pokémon. Losing out on catching a Pokémon after investing time in a raid is arguably the most frustrating experience. Granting an Excellent Throw during a raid even a modest chance at an automatic capture would make raids more gratifying and motivate players to continue refining their skills in Pokémon GO.
