Pokémon Movements in Pokémon Go

Catching a Pokémon in Pokémon Go is not a straightforward task as it might seem to be, since they are not battled like in the main series games. Besides the matter of selecting and throwing balls as well as giving Berries, there is the matter of Pokémon actually moving around in addition to "attacking" during capture, which complicates things a bit. I've identified these ways, based on my experience in catching Pokémon in the game, according to patterns.

Many Pokémon have a movement pattern I term as "jumper", because they periodically jump up from and go back down to their spot, although the Pokémon never move to a different spot. Many of the starters have this pattern, as well as a few common Pokémon like Rattata, Hoothoot, and Zigzagoon. The "jumper" pattern allows for an opportunity to throw a ball in the middle of the jump, which might just land depending on timing and the Pokémon in question. I find this the least annoying pattern as well, compared to some of the others.

Some Pokémon move in a "swayer" pattern; they move from left to right and back to the center. Notably, they are Pokémon that hover in the air like Koffing and Gastly. The pattern isn't annoying but may be a bit hard to time, since the movement is significant. Nevertheless, it may be possible to attempt a successful throw near the end of the movement. It would perhaps be risky to attempt a throw in the middle, though it might just work. It's certainly a unique pattern with minimal annoyance.

One pattern that I have qualms with is what I call "shifter"; it's similar to the "swayer" pattern yet somewhat different. Instead of a single continuous pattern, the Pokémon moves to one side (left or right), stays there for a time, then moves back to the center, then moves again ad infinitum. A few hovering Pokémon like Bronzor and Kyogre have this pattern, and the latter for example is a notable tough one. The problem is when the Pokémon stays on one side for too long, making a throw difficult. I find that patience is as necessary as a certain amount of skill for this one.

In similar way to "swayer" Pokémon, some Pokémon can ascend and stay at the top before going back down. These have what I term as the "floater" pattern. The ascent may be slow as with Drifloon, or fast as with Swablu and the Latias and Latios duo. The most annoying part of this pattern is having to adjust the throw for when the Pokémon has ascended, which may be difficult. Even so, it's still not as comparatively difficult as the "swayer" pattern since the Pokémon remains in the center, and should be doable in any way regardless of its problems.

The "buzzer" pattern is perhaps the most annoying one. Pokémon that have this pattern move about semi-erratically before returning to the center. Notable offenders include Magnemite, Yanma, and Combee, all of which fly or float. The best course of action is perhaps not to deal with it and to immediately give a Nanab Berry before the Pokémon moves every which way, unless some other Berry is desired. In the latter case, patience may be somewhat necessary, either while the Pokémon is at the center or elsewhere.

It is natural, of course, for Pokémon to move about, so it would be expected that they move about during capture attempts as well. These movement patterns are reasonably representative of the way they are expected to move, and yet they all present their own challenges. But once they are understood and figured out, they just become another stepping stone in the effort of a Trainer to catch Pokémon in the game.

One year ago: Being Young and Proud
Two years ago: PokéNumbers