SelectPokemon GOplayers will have the chance to try out the game’s latest Poke Ball when the Wild Area 2024 event kicks off in November.Pokemon GOplayers who purchase tickets to either the live event in Fukuoka, Japan, or the Global event will get the chance to catch critters using the newly-added Safari Ball, a classic type of Poke Ball making its way toPokemon GOfrom the main series of games. While the Safari Ball sounds like it will be a must-use item for players looking to expand their collection during this event, it comes with a major drawback that could keep it from achieving greatness.
Pokemon GOhas a history of introducing new versions of the series' many Poke Balls to the game during events.Beast Ballswere introduced to the franchise in Gen 7 and were later added toPokemon GOduring Pokemon GO Fest 2022 as special Poke Balls designed specifically for catching UItra Beasts, making them ideal for catching these rare creatures but less useful for most others. While the Safari Balls are not as limited in their catching capabilities as Beast Balls, the two balls share another similar downside inPokemon GO.
Pokemon GO’s Safari Ball Makes it Easier to Catch Mons, But Only for a Limited Time
Pokemon GO’s Version of the Safari Ball Follows its Main Series Counterpart’s Lead
In the mainline Pokemon series, Safari Balls have been around since the Gen 1 days when they were given to players to use exclusively in the Safari Zone. Players can only use Safari Balls in the Safari Zone and they are, in turn, the only balls that can be used in the location. Although theSafari Zone and related areas have been phased out in recent generations, the Safari Ball remains a rare Poke Ball for players to show off and use as a cosmetic option when catching wild mons.
Pokemon GOtakes these Poke Balls back to their roots and makes them a limited-time offering forPokemon GOplayers participating in the Wild Area 2024 event. Safari Balls can only be obtained through special Timed Research given to Wild Area ticket holders, and have a rare chance to drop from PokeStops during the event for these same players. Additionally, these balls can only be used during the event and any left unused by players will disappear from their item bags after the event ends.
Why the Safari Ball is a Double-Edged Sword for Pokemon GO Players
The major draw of usingSafari Balls duringPokemon GO’s Wild Area eventis their increased catch rate. Similar to the mainline Safari Balls prior to Gen 8,Pokemon GO’s version will give players a much better chance of catching the player’s desired critter, making them perfect for capturing some of the rare mons that will be spawning during the event. However, the limited nature and expiration date of the Safari Balls means they will only be useful for the few short days the Wild Area event runs.
Niantic has stated that Safari Balls will also be less effective outside of the location of the live Wild Area event: Fukuoka, Japan.
Like Beast Balls, Safari Balls are teed up to be a great new recurring event-onlyPoke Ball typethat offers players participating an increased chance to catch rare mons. However, their event exclusivity holds them back from being a truly great addition toPokemon GO. With this in mind, players participating in the Wild Area 2024 event should take full advantage of the Safari Balls they’re given within the short timeframe of the event to maximize their great catching utility.
