Pokemon GO's newest Poke Ball sounds like a game changer with a hook

Choose Pokemon Go Players will have a chance to try out the latest version of Poke Ball when the Wild Area 2024 event starts in November. Pokemon GO players who purchase tickets to live events in Fukuoka, Japan or global events will be able to catch critters with the newly added Safari Ball, a classic Poke Ball type that moves to Pokemon GO from the main game series. ​​​​​​While the Safari Ball seems like a must-have item for players looking to expand their collection during this event, it has a major flaw that could prevent it from achieving greatness.

Pokemon GO has a history of introducing new versions of the series' many Poke Balls during events. Beast Balls were introduced to the franchise in Generation 7 and were later added Pokemon GO during 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 Safari Balls are not as limited in their catching capabilities as Beast Balls, both balls have another similar disadvantage in Pokemon GO.

Pokemon GO's Safari Ball makes it easier to catch Mons, but only for a limited time

The version of Pokemon GO Safari Ball follows the analogues of the main series

In the main Pokemon series, Safari Balls have been around since Gen 1 when they were given to players to use exclusively in the Safari Zone. Players can only use Safari Orbs in the Safari Zone, and they are in turn the only orbs that can be used in that location. Although the Safari Zone and associated areas have been discontinued in recent generations, the Safari Ball remains a rare poking ball that players can display and use as a cosmetic option when catching wild mana.

Pokemon Go takes these Poke Balls back to their roots and makes them a limited time offer for Pokemon Go players participating in the Wild Area 2024 event. Safari Balls can only be obtained through a special timed study provided to Wild Area ticket holders and have a rare chance to obtain from PokeStops during the event for those same players. Additionally, these swords can only be used during the event, and any 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 main draw of using Safari Balls during Pokemon GoThe Wild Area event is their increased catch rate. Similar to the main Safari Balls line before Gen 8, Pokemon Go's version will give players a much better chance of catching the creature they want, making them perfect for grabbing some of the rare mons that will spawn during the event. However, the limited nature and shelf life of Safari Balls means that they will only be useful for a few short days during the Wild Area event.

Niantic said Safari Balls will also be less effective outside of the Wild Area live event location: Fukuoka, Japan.

Like Beast Balls, Safari Balls are created as a great new recurring Poke Ball type that offers participating players an increased chance to catch rare Monna. However, their event exclusivity prevents them from being a truly great addition Pokemon Go. With this in mind, players participating in the Wild Area 2024 event should take full advantage of the Safari Balls they receive in a short period of time to maximize their excellent fishing benefits.