In Pokémon GO, the new Gen-6 Pokémon Swirlix and Spritzee are causing issues. Trainers show that they are unnecessarily difficult to catch and are asking why Niantic decided on such a low catch rate.
What is the problem? Since May 4, 2021, trainers can catch a few new Pokémon from Generation 6 in Pokémon GO. Xerneas stands as a legendary boss in level 5 raids. In the wild, Spritzee, Swirlix, and Viscor can be encountered.
However, with Spritzee and Swirlix, the catch rate is so low that trainers are now complaining. A comparison shows that Niantic took a similar approach with other Pokémon from Generation 6, and then improved the catch rate.
How hard are Swirlix and Spritzee to catch?
This is what the comparison shows: On reddit, Swirlix and Spritzee are currently a hot topic. The reddit user Althay started a thread showing the catch rates. He asks, “Do you also find that Spritzee and Swirlix are a bit difficult to catch? Maybe you remember the red circle from Scoppel, from 3 months ago. Well, Niantic is using the same tactic here.” (via reddit.com)
| Pokémon | Catch Rate |
| Swirlix | 20 % |
| Spritzee | 20 % |
| Pam-Pam (not yet in the game) | 30 % |
| Viscor | 40 % (Like Dratini, Larvitar Tanhel, Kaumalat …) |
It also shows that Porygon and Jigglypuff are more difficult to catch in the main Pokémon games than Spritzee and Swirlix. Nevertheless, in Pokémon GO, it’s the other way around.
The question arises as to why Niantic decided to give these two Pokémon a low catch rate. “They are not meta-relevant in PvE and could fill a niche in PvP, but they are not particularly special,” writes Althay in the same reddit thread.
Reminds Trainers of Scoppel and Dartiri
This is the comparison: When Niantic released the first wave of Gen-6 Pokémon in Pokémon GO, the topic of catch rates arose quickly. We reported in December 2020 on MeinMMO that players are hunting Generation 6, but a bunny and a bird are causing problems. These refer to Scoppel and Dartiri.
The situation was similar here: the Pokémon were hard to catch, even though they are not that special. Even with low CP, many great throws and berries were needed to keep them in the ball. A few weeks later, the developers made adjustments and increased the chances of a successful catch.
In January 2021, the poor catch rates in Pokémon GO were again a topic among trainers. The trigger was the Ice Cream Pokémon Gelatini, which made it clear with a deep red catch circle that trainers were having a hard time catching it.
This is what the trainers say: In the discussion on reddit, it becomes clear where the players’ problem lies. For example, razisgosu writes (via reddit.com): “I saw constant dark orange circles on Swirlix last night. I’m so tired of everything Niantic releases being wrong or made more difficult for nonsensical reasons. They jumped out of Ultra Balls last night when I threw them as curveballs. Absolutely ridiculous.”
Others write in the mentioned thread on reddit:
- “Every new Pokémon that is introduced is made artificially harder to catch for no reason”
- “Besides Kalos, this also brings back unpleasant memories of the Unova Ice Gelatini. Deep red circle, it was PAINFUL to catch”
- “This is really bad for rural players who can’t get Poké Balls”
How about you? Are you having trouble catching Spritzee and Swirlix, or do they stay easily in your balls? What do you think when Niantic releases new Pokémon with a low catch rate?
Let us know your opinion here on MeinMMO in the comments and exchange ideas with other trainers about it.
