Catching Pokémon in Pokémon Go is more than just tapping the screen; it's a skill honed through practice and understanding. Landing an Excellent Throw not only earns you bonus experience points (XP) and stardust but also significantly increases your chances of catching rarer and more powerful Pokémon. This guide will break down the techniques and strategies to consistently achieve Excellent Throws.
What Makes an Excellent Throw?
Before diving into the techniques, let's clarify what constitutes an Excellent Throw. When you throw a Poké Ball, a colored ring appears around the Pokémon. This ring shrinks over time. An Excellent Throw requires you to hit the Pokémon with the Poké Ball while the ring is its smallest, innermost size. The smaller the ring, the higher the bonus XP and stardust you receive.
How to Achieve Excellent Throws: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mastering Excellent Throws involves coordinating several factors:
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Practice Makes Perfect: Consistent practice is paramount. Start by aiming for Great Throws and gradually work your way up to Excellent Throws. The more you practice, the better you'll understand the timing and trajectory needed.
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Mastering the Curveball: Curveballs are crucial for improving your accuracy and hitting the smaller target. To throw a curveball, hold down on the Poké Ball, spin it in a circle, and then release. The added spin increases your throw's accuracy and provides a bonus XP multiplier.
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Understanding the Timing: Pay close attention to the shrinking target ring. Wait for it to reach its smallest size before releasing the Poké Ball. This requires patience and precise timing. Don't rush the throw; a controlled, well-timed throw is much more effective than a frantic, inaccurate one.
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Adjust Your Distance: The distance between you and the Pokémon also impacts the throw. Too close, and you might miss due to the throw's trajectory. Too far, and the Poké Ball might not reach the target. Experiment to find the optimal distance for your throwing style.
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Using Berries: Razz Berries, Pinap Berries, and Nanab Berries can help increase your catch rate. While they don't directly improve your throw accuracy, they give you more attempts, which helps you practice and improve your timing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of Excellent Throws?
Excellent Throws reward you with significantly more XP and Stardust compared to Nice, Great, or regular throws. This is crucial for leveling up quickly and powering up your Pokémon. They also increase your chances of catching elusive Pokémon.
Is there a trick to getting Excellent Throws consistently?
While there's no single magic trick, consistent practice, mastering the curveball, and precise timing are key. Experiment with different distances and throwing angles to find what works best for you.
Do all Pokémon react the same to Excellent Throws?
While Excellent Throws increase your catch rate for all Pokémon, rarer and higher CP Pokémon are more challenging to catch, even with an Excellent Throw.
How can I improve my accuracy?
Practice, practice, practice! Focus on mastering the curveball and paying attention to the target ring's size. Start with easier Pokémon to build your confidence and skills.
Are there any in-game items that help with Excellent Throws?
No specific in-game items directly improve the accuracy of Excellent Throws. However, berries can indirectly help by increasing your catch rate, thus providing more opportunities to practice your throws.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you'll significantly increase your ability to land those coveted Excellent Throws in Pokémon Go. Remember, patience and precision are key to becoming a Pokémon catching master!
