Unlocking Zekrom: The Ultimate Guide to Target Rings in Pokémon Violet

Alright, Pokémon Trainers, let’s cut straight to the chase. You want to bag yourself a Zekrom in Pokémon Violet, and you need to know the absolute minimum Target ring size you can get away with. Here’s the deal: The smallest Target ring you can successfully catch Zekrom in Pokémon Violet is the Great! Throw ring. Hitting within the Excellent! Throw ring will, of course, improve your chances even further, but a well-placed Great! Throw is your bare minimum threshold for a reasonable shot at capturing this legendary dragon. Forget Nice! Throws – they simply won’t cut it.

Understanding the Target Ring and Catch Mechanics

The Target ring system in Pokémon Violet (and Scarlet) is a refined version of the mechanics found in Pokémon GO, providing a skill-based element to catching wild Pokémon, especially the big names like Zekrom. The ring shrinks and expands, and your objective is to time your Poké Ball throw to land inside the ring when it’s at its smallest. The smaller the ring when your Poké Ball connects, the higher the catch rate multiplier.

• Ring Size Matters: The size of the Target ring directly impacts your catch rate. Smaller rings = higher catch rates.
• Throw Accuracy: Aim for the center! Even within a Great! or Excellent! ring, a centered throw will further boost your chances.
• Poké Ball Type: The type of Poké Ball you use is crucial. Ultra Balls are practically mandatory when facing a legendary like Zekrom.
• Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Paralysis or Sleep drastically increases your chances of a successful capture.

Strategies for Consistent Great! Throws (and Beyond!)

Consistently hitting Great! Throws requires practice, patience, and a good understanding of Zekrom’s movement patterns. Here’s a breakdown of strategies:

• Practice the Timing: Start by observing Zekrom’s idle animations and the rhythm of the Target ring. Anticipate when the ring will shrink to the Great! size and time your throw accordingly.
• Curveballs (Optional, but Recommended): Curveballs can increase your catch rate even further, but they require more skill. Practice throwing curveballs accurately. To throw a curveball, spin the Poké Ball before releasing it.
• Use Berries Wisely: Razz Berries (and their upgraded versions) can make Zekrom less likely to move or attack, giving you a better window for a precise throw.
• Strategic Positioning: Adjust your position around the encounter area to get a better angle for your throws. Sometimes a slight change in perspective can make all the difference.
• Don’t Get Discouraged: Zekrom is a legendary Pokémon; it’s designed to be difficult to catch. Don’t give up after a few failed attempts. Keep practicing and refining your technique.

Maximizing Your Catch Rate: A Checklist

Before even attempting to catch Zekrom, ensure you’ve covered these bases:

• Stock Up: Have plenty of Ultra Balls (at least 50-100) and berries (Razz Berries, Golden Razz Berries, Silver Pinap Berries) on hand.
• Status Infliction: Bring a Pokémon with moves that can inflict Paralysis or Sleep. False Swipe can also weaken Zekrom without knocking it out.
• Understand Zekrom’s Moves: Knowing Zekrom’s moveset will allow you to anticipate its attacks and movements, giving you a better window for throws.
• Save Before the Encounter: Save your game right before initiating the battle with Zekrom. This allows you to reset if things go terribly wrong (e.g., accidentally knocking it out).
• Stay Calm: Catching legendaries requires patience. Don’t rush your throws. Take your time and focus on accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions trainers have about catching Zekrom in Pokémon Violet:

1. Can I catch Zekrom with a Poké Ball?

Technically, yes. Is it likely? Absolutely not. Your chances are astronomically low. Stick to Ultra Balls for a realistic chance.

2. Do critical catches ignore the Target ring?

No. Critical catches are a separate mechanic that instantly catch a Pokémon regardless of your throw accuracy, but they are rare and independent of the Target ring. Still aim for Great! or Excellent! throws.

3. Does the weather affect catch rates?

While weather can impact the availability and strength of wild Pokémon in the overworld, it doesn’t directly affect catch rates in battle.

4. How do I consistently throw curveballs?

Practice! Start by spinning the Poké Ball with your finger. The direction you spin it determines the curve’s direction. Aim slightly to the opposite side of the screen from the direction of the curve to compensate.

5. What’s the best berry to use when catching Zekrom?

Golden Razz Berries are the most effective, significantly increasing the catch rate. However, they are rare. Silver Pinap Berries offer a balance between increased catch rate and increased rewards (they also increase the amount of items you receive if you successfully catch the Pokémon). Standard Razz Berries are a decent, readily available alternative.

6. Can I use a Master Ball to catch Zekrom?

Yes! A Master Ball guarantees a successful catch, regardless of the Target ring. However, you only get one in the main game, so consider if you want to use it on Zekrom or another legendary.

7. Does Zekrom have a shiny form in Pokémon Violet?

Yes, Zekrom has a shiny form in Pokémon Violet. However, its shiny form is shiny-locked, which means that the Zekrom in the static encounter cannot be shiny. You can only obtain shiny Zekrom through other methods, such as trading or transferring from other games.

8. What happens if I accidentally knock out Zekrom?

If you accidentally defeat Zekrom before catching it, don’t panic! Because of the Indigo Disk DLC, after defeating the Elite Four, you can battle him again after waiting a day.

9. Is Zekrom stronger in Violet compared to other games?

Zekrom’s base stats remain consistent across Pokémon games. However, the difficulty of catching it can vary depending on the game’s mechanics and available resources.

10. How can I tell if my throw was a Great! or Excellent! throw?

The game provides visual and auditory feedback. When you release the Poké Ball, the screen will display “Great!” or “Excellent!” along with a corresponding sound effect.

11. Are there any specific Pokémon that are good for weakening Zekrom without knocking it out?

Pokémon with the move False Swipe are ideal. This move always leaves the target with at least 1 HP. Gallade and Scyther are excellent choices.

12. Does increasing my Pokémon’s level increase my catch rate?

No, your Pokémon’s level does not directly affect the catch rate. The catch rate is primarily determined by the Pokémon’s species, HP remaining, status conditions, Poké Ball type, berry used, and throw accuracy (Target ring size).

Master these techniques, and Zekrom will soon be joining your Pokémon team. Good luck, Trainer! Now go out there and catch ’em all!