Pokémon GO: How to Increase Catch Rates for Rare Pokémon

To maximize your catch rate for rare, high-CP, or shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO, apply a Golden Razz Berry, select an Ultra Ball, and land a curveball immediately as the Pokémon's attack animation ends. If a Pokémon breaks out of the Poké Ball, you must re-apply a Golden Razz Berry before your next throw to maintain the bonus multiplier.

Mastering Throw Timing and Curveballs

Curveballs provide an automatic hidden multiplier to your catch chances compared to straight throws. Executing them reliably is the single most important physical mechanic during an encounter.

Spin the Ball: Rotate the Poké Ball in small circles on your screen until it sparkles.
Throw in an Arc: Launch the ball toward the side of the screen rather than straight up. The spin causes the ball to curve back toward the center of the Pokémon's target area.
Time the Attack Animation: Pokémon occasionally enter an attack animation during which any thrown ball is deflected and wasted. Wait for the attack motion to begin, then start your throw so the ball lands right as the animation finishes and the target circle reappears.
Target Smaller Circles: Aiming for smaller target rings yields "Great" or "Excellent" landing bonuses, which further improve catch probability.

Resource and Inventory Priorities

High-value encounters require preparation before spawns appear. Managing your bag inventory ensures you have the necessary items when encountering low-base-catch-rate targets.

Item	Recommended Usage	Priority / Source
Golden Razz Berry	Feed before every throw against rare, high-CP, or shiny Pokémon. Re-apply after any breakout.	High Priority (Earned via Raid Battles)
Ultra Ball	Best standard ball modifier; save exclusively for rare or difficult catches.	High Priority (Retain high quantities in bag)
Great Ball	Use for mid-tier targets to conserve your Ultra Ball supply.	Medium Priority
Poké Ball	Standard catch multiplier for common spawns.	Low Priority (Clear out to free bag space if needed)

Managing Encounter Risks and External Buffs

Even with optimal execution, low base catch rates mean rare Pokémon can break out or flee. Maintaining throw consistency and timing prevents panic throws that miss the contact area entirely.

Additionally, keep in mind how spawn items interact with catch mechanics:

Incense and Lure Modules: These items increase the density and frequency of Pokémon spawns in your area, but they do not alter or increase the individual catch rate of any Pokémon that appears.
Throw Control: Focus entirely on ball selection, berry re-application, curveballs, and circle timing. External items will not compensate for poor throw execution.