How to Get Safari Balls in Pokémon Go: A Complete Guide – Pokémon Go has captivated players worldwide with its augmented reality gameplay and exciting features. One of the most nostalgic nods to the Pokémon series is the Safari Ball, a special Poké Ball type originally introduced in the mainline Pokémon games. While the Safari Ball is not a regular item in Pokémon Go, it has appeared during special events, sparking interest among players eager to add this unique item to their collection.

If you’re curious about how to get Safari Balls in Pokémon Go, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about their availability, uses, and potential return in future events.

What Are Safari Balls in Pokémon Go?

In the mainline Pokémon games, Safari Balls are exclusive to the Safari Zone. These areas allowed players to catch Pokémon under unique conditions, using Safari Balls instead of standard Poké Balls. The design of Safari Balls, featuring green and camo-like patterns, makes them stand out as a nostalgic and sought-after item for Pokémon fans.

In Pokémon Go, Safari Balls have only been introduced during certain events, making them a rare and exciting addition to the game.

Can You Get Safari Balls in Pokémon Go?

The short answer is: Safari Balls are not widely available in Pokémon Go, but they have been featured during specific in-game events, particularly those tied to Safari Zone events.

Safari Zone events in Pokémon Go are real-world gatherings hosted in select cities, where players can catch exclusive Pokémon, earn bonuses, and enjoy unique gameplay features. During these events, Safari Balls are sometimes used to enhance the experience and add a nostalgic touch.

When Safari Balls Were Used in Pokémon Go

Safari Balls were first introduced in Pokémon Go as part of the Safari Zone events. These are special events held in real-world locations where players gather to explore and catch Pokémon unique to the event. Safari Balls have been featured as the primary tool for catching Pokémon in certain instances, replacing regular Poké Balls.

Key Events Featuring Safari Balls

1. Pokémon Go Safari Zone Events

• In past Safari Zone events, players were given access to Safari Balls for catching Pokémon within the designated zones.
• These events typically include exclusive Pokémon spawns, shiny Pokémon, and themed rewards.

2. Special Themed Events

During specific limited-time events inspired by the Safari Zone experience, players have had the chance to use Safari Balls in exclusive encounters.

How to Get Safari Balls in Pokémon Go

If you’re hoping to get Safari Balls in Pokémon Go, here’s what you need to know about their availability and potential opportunities to use them:

1. Participate in Safari Zone Events

The primary way to access Safari Balls in Pokémon Go is by attending official Safari Zone events.

How to Attend:

Tickets for Safari Zone events are usually sold through the Pokémon Go app. These events are announced well in advance, allowing players to plan their participation.

What to Expect:

At Safari Zone events, you may receive Safari Balls automatically as part of the gameplay mechanics. These balls are typically used during the event to catch specific Pokémon.

2. Watch for Limited-Time In-Game Events

Occasionally, Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, incorporates event-exclusive items into the game. While Safari Balls are not a regular feature, they could return during themed events or as part of a nostalgia-driven update.

Tips for Staying Updated:

Keep an eye on Pokémon Go’s official announcements, social media channels, and in-game news for updates on upcoming events.

3. Speculate on Future Features

Although Safari Balls are not widely accessible in Pokémon Go, their presence in past events suggests they may return in the future. Niantic frequently revisits popular themes and features, so it’s worth staying hopeful and watching for announcements.

Uses of Safari Balls in Pokémon Go

During events where Safari Balls are available, they serve a specific purpose:

1. Catching Pokémon in Safari Zones

Safari Balls are used exclusively in designated Safari Zone areas during events. They cannot be used outside of these events, which limits their functionality but makes them a collectible item.

2. Themed Gameplay Experience

The use of Safari Balls adds a nostalgic element to Safari Zone events, paying homage to the classic Pokémon games.

Strategies for Maximizing Safari Zone Events

If you’re attending a Safari Zone event and get the chance to use Safari Balls, here are some tips to make the most of the experience:

1. Plan Ahead

Safari Zone events are time-limited, so preparation is key.

• Research the Event: Understand which Pokémon will be featured, especially if there are rare or shiny versions available.
• Pack Essentials: Bring external batteries for your phone, water, and snacks to ensure you can play comfortably.

2. Use AR Mode Wisely

When using Safari Balls, ensure your AR mode is optimized for accuracy. Switching to AR+ can give you better control during encounters.

3. Target Rare Pokémon First

If there’s a limited supply of Safari Balls, prioritize catching rare Pokémon or event-specific spawns before common ones.

Will Safari Balls Be Added to Regular Gameplay?

As of now, Safari Balls remain exclusive to special events. However, Pokémon Go has a history of incorporating features from the mainline games over time.

Niantic may decide to introduce Safari Balls more broadly in the future, possibly as part of a new game mode, event, or update. Fans of the classic Pokémon games would likely welcome such a move, as it would bring an extra layer of nostalgia and strategy to Pokémon Go.

Tips for Staying Informed About Safari Ball Updates

To ensure you don’t miss out on any future opportunities to use Safari Balls in Pokémon Go, follow these steps:

1. Follow Official Pokémon Go Channels

Niantic regularly updates players about upcoming events and features through its website, blog, and social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

2. Join the Pokémon Go Community

Being part of a local or online Pokémon Go community can help you stay informed about events, tips, and updates. Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Facebook groups are excellent for connecting with other players.

3. Check In-Game Notifications

The in-game news section is a reliable source for announcements about events, updates, and new features.

Alternatives to Safari Balls

Since Safari Balls are not a regular item in Pokémon Go, players rely on other types of Poké Balls for their everyday gameplay. Here’s a quick overview of alternatives:

• Standard Poké Balls: The most common type, suitable for regular encounters.
• Great Balls: Increased catch rate, ideal for tougher Pokémon.
• Ultra Balls: The best non-event Poké Ball for catching rare or high-CP Pokémon.
• Special Balls: Event-specific balls like Premier Balls are used during raids or Community Days.

Conclusion

While Safari Balls in Pokémon Go are not a regular feature, they add an exciting and nostalgic twist to Safari Zone events. Players eager to use these unique Poké Balls should watch for official announcements about upcoming events and take advantage of any opportunities to participate.

Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon Go trainer or a newcomer, staying informed and prepared will ensure you don’t miss out on rare items like Safari Balls. Who knows? With Niantic’s history of revisiting fan-favorite features, we might see a broader introduction of Safari Balls in the future. Until then, enjoy the thrill of the hunt and keep exploring the world of Pokémon Go!