Everything You Need to Know About Safari Balls in Pokémon Go’s Go Wild 2024: Global Event

Key Takeaways:

1. Safari Balls Are Event-Exclusive Poké Balls: Available only during the Go Wild 2024: Global event, they feature a higher catch rate than standard Poké Balls, making them perfect for snagging hard-to-catch Pokémon like Mighty Pokémon and Galarian Birds.
2. Time-Limited and Non-Transferable: Safari Balls expire daily at 6:15 PM (local time) during the event and cannot be used outside of the event or transferred to Pokémon Home.
3. Available Through Free and Paid Methods: Earn Safari Balls by completing Timed Research tasks or purchasing event-exclusive tickets for additional rewards.

What Are Safari Balls in Pokémon Go?

Safari Balls are a new and exclusive addition to Pokémon Go, introduced for the Go Wild 2024: Global event. These camouflage-patterned Poké Balls are inspired by the Safari Balls from the mainline Pokémon games but have been adapted for Pokémon Go gameplay.

With their superior catch rate second only to the Master Ball Safari Balls are designed to help trainers capture tough opponents like Mighty Pokémon, Galarian Birds, and event-exclusive creatures. However, there’s a catch: they can only be used during the event and will disappear from your inventory at the end of each event day.

Interestingly, Pokémon caught with Safari Balls cannot be transferred to Pokémon Home, meaning they’re bound to stay in Pokémon Go forever. Whether this adds exclusivity or frustration depends on how you plan to manage your Pokémon collection!

How to Get Safari Balls in Pokémon Go

During the Go Wild 2024: Global event, there are several ways to collect Safari Balls. Here’s a breakdown:

Free Methods

1. Timed Research Tasks:
   • All trainers will receive a Timed Research task upon logging into the event. Completing this task rewards two Safari Balls.
   • These tasks refresh daily, so logging in both days of the event (Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, November 24) will ensure you grab your free Safari Balls.
2. Spinning PokéStops and Gyms:
   • You might randomly receive Safari Balls from spinning PokéStops or Gym dials. However, this method is entirely luck-based and unreliable if you’re hoping to stockpile Safari Balls quickly.

Paid Methods

1. Go Wild 2024: Global Ticket ($11.99/£11.99 or local equivalent):
   • Purchasing this event ticket provides hourly Timed Research tasks, each rewarding 20 Safari Balls.
   • To maximize this reward, you must complete and claim each task within the same hour it’s issued. If you miss the deadline, both the task and Safari Balls will vanish.
2. Go Safari Ball: Extra Access Ticket ($2/£1.99 or local equivalent):
   • This optional add-on provides additional hourly Timed Research tasks, each rewarding four Safari Balls.
   • This ticket can be stacked with the main event ticket, giving players two hourly tasks and potentially doubling the Safari Ball rewards.

Important Notes on Paid Tickets

• These tickets must be purchased from the Pokémon Go web store and cannot be bought with Poké Coins.
• Tickets are nonrefundable, so make sure to plan your event participation before making a purchase.

Do Safari Balls Expire?

Yes, Safari Balls are highly time-sensitive.

Any unused Safari Balls will expire from your inventory at 6:15 PM (local time) at the end of each event day. This means that even if you stockpile Safari Balls on Saturday, they won’t carry over to Sunday.

To make the most of your Safari Balls, focus on using them during the final hour and 15 minutes of each day (from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM). This window is perfect for targeting Mighty Pokémon or elusive Galarian Birds, which require the superior catch rate Safari Balls offer.

What Makes Safari Balls Unique?

Event Exclusivity

Safari Balls are not part of Pokémon Go’s standard gameplay. They’ve only appeared during the Go Wild 2024: Global event and the Fukuoka, Japan Safari Zone event, making them rare collectibles.

Inspiration from the Mainline Games

Just like in the mainline Pokémon games, where Safari Balls could only be used in Safari Zones, Pokémon Go has tied their use to specific event areas and timeframes. This nostalgic connection makes Safari Balls a treat for longtime fans of the franchise.

How to Maximize Your Safari Ball Usage

To get the most out of Safari Balls during the Go Wild 2024: Global event, follow these tips:

1. Target Mighty Pokémon and Rare Spawns

Safari Balls are especially effective against Mighty Pokémon stronger, more elusive versions of standard Pokémon. They’re also perfect for capturing the elusive Galarian Birds, which have notoriously low catch rates. Make sure to activate your Daily Adventure Incense to increase your chances of encountering these rare spawns.

2. Plan Your Playtime

If you’re using paid tickets to gain extra Safari Balls, plan to play consistently throughout the event hours (10:00 AM to 6:15 PM local time). This will ensure you can complete all hourly Timed Research tasks and maximize your rewards.

3. Don’t Forget the Expiration Time

Keep a close eye on the clock, especially during the final hour of the event. Use up all your Safari Balls before 6:15 PM each day to avoid losing them.

4. Optimize Catch Strategies

Make sure to use berries, curveball throws, and excellent throw bonuses to boost your chances of successfully catching Pokémon with Safari Balls.

What Else Is Happening During the Event?

The Go Wild 2024: Global event is packed with activities for Pokémon Go trainers. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Mighty Pokémon Encounters: Challenge and catch these stronger versions of Pokémon.
• Gigantamax Toxtricity Debut: Battle this special form of Toxtricity during raids.
• Studded Jacket Snorlax: A unique event-exclusive variant of Snorlax to add to your collection.
• Max Battles: Collect Max Particles from Power Spots and complete the To the Max! quest to challenge Dynamax Pokémon.
• Special Quests and Research: Complete An Accomplished Trainer quest if you’ve purchased an event ticket.

FAQ

1. Can Safari Balls be used after the event ends?
No, Safari Balls expire at 6:15 PM (local time) each event day. They cannot be carried over or used outside of the Go Wild 2024: Global event.

2. Are Safari Balls better than Ultra Balls?
Yes, Safari Balls have a higher catch rate than Ultra Balls, making them ideal for catching rare and elusive Pokémon.

3. How do I get Safari Balls without spending money?
You can earn Safari Balls for free by completing Timed Research tasks and spinning PokéStops during the event. However, free methods provide fewer Safari Balls compared to paid options.

4. Can I transfer Pokémon caught with Safari Balls to Pokémon Home?
No, Pokémon caught with Safari Balls cannot be transferred to Pokémon Home and must remain in Pokémon Go.

5. What happens if I miss an hourly Timed Research task?
If you fail to complete and claim an hourly Timed Research task, both the task and its Safari Ball rewards will expire and cannot be reclaimed.