How do SOS Battles Work?
SOS Battles are a new feature in Pokémon Sun and Moon, where wild Pokémon can call for help from their allies, creating a thrilling and unpredictable encounter. In this article, we will delve into the mechanics of SOS Battles, exploring how they work, what affects their likelihood, and the benefits of participating in these battles.
What triggers an SOS Battle?
An SOS Battle is triggered when a wild Pokémon calls for help from its allies. This usually happens when a wild Pokémon is defeated, leaving it with little to no HP. If the defeated Pokémon has no allies nearby, it will not call for help and the battle will end.
What happens during an SOS Battle?
During an SOS Battle, a second wild Pokémon will appear to help its injured ally. This can happen multiple times, creating a chain reaction of additional Pokémon joining the battle. The number of Pokémon in the battle increases with each SOS call, making it a challenging and exciting encounter.
Chain Length
The length of an SOS chain is random and depends on various factors, including the species and level of the Pokémon involved, as well as the time of day and weather. A longer chain typically means a higher chance of encountering rare or shiny Pokémon.
Breaking the Chain
There are two ways to break an SOS chain:
- Defeating the original Pokémon: If the original Pokémon is defeated, the chain is broken and the battle ends.
- Defeating all the Pokémon in the chain: If all the Pokémon in the chain are defeated, the chain is broken and the battle ends.
Benefits of SOS Battles
Participating in SOS Battles offers several benefits:
- Higher chances of encountering rare and shiny Pokémon: The longer the chain, the higher the chances of encountering a rare or shiny Pokémon.
- Increased experience and level: Battling multiple Pokémon at once can help your Pokémon gain more experience and level up faster.
- New strategies and tactics: SOS Battles require adapting to new situations and using different strategies to defeat the multiple Pokémon.
Tips for SOS Battles
Here are some tips for SOS Battles:
- Use powerful moves: Effective moves like Hyper Beam and Earthquake can help quickly take out multiple Pokémon at once.
- Keep an eye on your party’s HP: Make sure to keep an eye on your party’s HP, as SOS Battles can be intense and unpredictable.
- Take advantage of typing: Knowing the typing of the Pokémon involved can help you strategize and exploit weaknesses.
SOS Battles and Shiny Hunting
SOS Battles also offer opportunities for shiny hunting. Here are some tips:
- Save frequently: Saving your game frequently during an SOS Battle can increase your chances of encountering a shiny Pokémon.
- Use the right Pokémon: Choose Pokémon with high base stats and powerful moves to increase your chances of catching a shiny.
- Keep an eye on chain length: Longer chains often mean higher chances of encountering a shiny Pokémon.
Conclusion
SOS Battles are a thrilling and exciting feature in Pokémon Sun and Moon, offering new strategies and opportunities for encountering rare and shiny Pokémon. By understanding the mechanics of SOS Battles, you can improve your chances of success and make the most of this exciting new feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What triggers an SOS Battle?
- A: An SOS Battle is triggered when a wild Pokémon calls for help from its allies, usually when it is defeated or has low HP.
- Q: How do I break an SOS chain?
- A: An SOS chain can be broken by defeating the original Pokémon or defeating all the Pokémon in the chain.
- Q: What are the benefits of SOS Battles?
- A: SOS Battles offer higher chances of encountering rare and shiny Pokémon, increased experience and level, and new strategies and tactics.
References
[1] "SOS Battles." Pokémon Wiki.
[2] "How to Make the Most of SOS Battles." GameSpot.
[3] "SOS Battles and Shiny Hunting." Reddit.
[4] "How do SOS Battles Work?" Gaming Stack Exchange.