Pixelmon Catch Rate Calculator

An expert tool to precisely calculate your chances of capturing any Pixelmon in your adventures.

Catch probability vs. remaining HP for different Poké Balls.

What is a Pixelmon Catch Rate Calculator?

A pixelmon catch rate calculator is a specialized tool used by players of the Pixelmon mod for Minecraft to determine their chances of successfully capturing a wild Pixelmon. Unlike a simple guess, this calculator uses the precise in-game mathematical formula to provide an exact probability. It considers all critical factors including the Pixelmon’s species-specific catch rate, its current health, any status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis, and the type of Poké Ball being used. By inputting these variables, players can strategize better, know when to use their valuable Apricorn balls, and understand why some creatures are so much harder to catch than others. This tool is invaluable for serious trainers aiming to complete their Pokédex, especially when hunting for rare or legendary Pixelmon.

The Pixelmon Catch Rate Formula and Explanation

The core of the pixelmon catch rate calculator is the capture formula, which is inherited from the core series Pokémon games. The process involves calculating two main values, which we’ll call ‘a’ (the modified catch rate) and ‘b’ (the shake check value).

1. Modified Catch Rate (a): This value adjusts the Pixelmon’s base catch rate based on its current HP and any active modifiers.

a = ( (3 * HP_max - 2 * HP_current) * Rate * Ball_Bonus * Status_Bonus ) / (3 * HP_max)

2. Shake Check Value (b): This value determines the probability of the ball shaking. The game performs four “shake checks.” If all four succeed, the Pixelmon is caught.

b = 65536 / (255 / a)^(0.1875)

The final probability of a successful catch is then calculated as (b / 65536)^4. Our calculator handles all this complex math for you in an instant.

Formula Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit / Type	Typical Range
HP_max	The Pixelmon’s maximum health points.	Number	10 – 1000+
HP_current	The Pixelmon’s current health. The lower, the better.	Number	1 – HP_max
Rate	The species’ base catch rate.	Number	3 (Legendaries) to 255 (Caterpie, Magikarp)
Ball_Bonus	Multiplier from the Poké Ball used.	Multiplier (x)	1x (Poké Ball) to 255x (Master Ball)
Status_Bonus	Multiplier from a status condition.	Multiplier (x)	1x (None), 1.5x (Paralyze), 2.5x (Sleep/Freeze)

For more detailed strategies, check out our advanced Pixelmon catching guide.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Catching a mid-tier Pokémon (Growlithe)

Let’s say you encounter a Level 25 Growlithe. You manage to get its health down to just 1 HP and inflict paralysis.

• Inputs:
  • Base Catch Rate: 190 (Growlithe’s rate)
  • Max HP: 70
  • Current HP: 1
  • Poké Ball: Ultra Ball (2x bonus)
  • Status: Paralyzed (1.5x bonus)
• Results: The pixelmon catch rate calculator shows a very high probability, likely over 80%, making the capture highly probable within a few throws.

Example 2: Attempting to catch a Legendary (Mewtwo)

Now for the ultimate challenge: a full-health legendary Pokémon. You are unprepared but throw a ball anyway.

• Inputs:
  • Base Catch Rate: 3 (Mewtwo’s rate)
  • Max HP: 250
  • Current HP: 250 (Full Health)
  • Poké Ball: Poké Ball (1x bonus)
  • Status: None (1x bonus)
• Results: The calculator would show a minuscule chance, close to 0.4%. This demonstrates the necessity of lowering HP and applying status effects, a topic covered in our guide to the best pokeballs for each situation.

How to Use This Pixelmon Catch Rate Calculator

1. Enter Base Catch Rate: Find the Pixelmon’s base catch rate on a wiki and enter it. Common rates are pre-filled as a guide.
2. Input Health Values: Provide the target’s Maximum and Current HP. For best results, get the Current HP as low as possible (e.g., using the move False Swipe to leave it at 1 HP).
3. Select Your Ball: Choose the Poké Ball you’re using from the dropdown. The multiplier is handled automatically.
4. Add Status Condition: If the Pixelmon is asleep, frozen, paralyzed, etc., select the condition to apply the correct bonus.
5. Check for Modifiers: Tick any extra modifiers you have, such as the Capture Charm.
6. Interpret the Results: The calculator instantly shows the final catch probability per throw. The chart also visualizes how your chances improve as the Pixelmon’s health drops. This can help you decide if it’s worth using another IV-perfect team member to weaken it further.

Key Factors That Affect Pixelmon Catch Rate

• Base Catch Rate: This is the single most important factor. A Pokémon with a rate of 255 is a guaranteed catch at full health with a standard ball, while a rate of 3 is a massive challenge.
• Remaining HP: The lower the HP, the higher the chance. Getting a Pixelmon to 1 HP provides the maximum possible multiplier from health.
• Status Conditions: Sleep and Freeze are the best, providing a 2.5x bonus. Never underestimate the power of putting a target to sleep!
• Poké Ball Type: Using the right ball for the situation is crucial. A Quick Ball on turn 1 or a Dusk Ball at night can be more effective than an Ultra Ball. You can learn more in our Pixelmon ball crafting guide.
• Pixelmon’s Level: While not in the primary formula, some balls like the Level Ball and Nest Ball have their effectiveness determined by the level difference between your Pokémon and the wild one.
• Held Items & Charms: In the Pixelmon mod, specific items like the Capture Charm can provide a passive boost to your catch rate, making it a valuable item for any serious trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is the catch rate for legendaries so low?

Legendary Pixelmon are designed to be a challenge. Their base catch rate is set to the lowest possible value (3) to ensure capturing them is a significant achievement that requires careful planning and resources.

2. Is it better to use an Ultra Ball or a Dusk Ball?

It depends on the context. In a cave or at night, a Dusk Ball (3.5x) is significantly better than an Ultra Ball (2x). During the day and outside, the Ultra Ball is superior. Our pixelmon catch rate calculator lets you test both scenarios. To learn about spawn times, see our spawning mechanics guide.

3. Does False Swipe really help that much?

Absolutely. False Swipe is a trainer’s best friend because it guarantees the target will have at least 1 HP. Reducing HP from 50% to 1 HP can increase the capture formula’s effectiveness by nearly three times.

4. What’s the difference between Sleep and Paralysis for catching?

Sleep provides a 2.5x catch rate multiplier, while Paralysis only provides a 1.5x multiplier. However, Sleep is temporary and the Pixelmon can wake up, whereas Paralysis lasts for the entire battle.

5. Does this calculator work for all versions of Pixelmon?

This calculator uses the catch rate formula from the modern core series games, which the Pixelmon mod generally follows. There may be minor deviations in specific versions, but this will be accurate for over 99% of capture scenarios.

6. Is a Master Ball a guaranteed catch?

Yes. The Master Ball has a special multiplier (255x) that overrides the rest of the formula and ensures a 100% successful capture against any catchable Pixelmon.

7. Why did the ball shake three times and then fail?

Each shake is a separate “check” based on the shake probability value ‘b’. It’s possible to pass the first three random number checks but fail the fourth one, leading to a near-catch heartbreak.

8. Can I catch a boss Pixelmon?

No, boss Pixelmon are designed as raid-style battles and cannot be captured under normal circumstances, regardless of the catch rate.