Encounters

Table Explanation

The encounters table consolidates every possible encounter type from all main series Pokémon games. It is built to accommodate the diverse mechanics and variations across these titles – ranging from standard encounters to those influenced by levels, weather, time of day, and other unique conditions.
The variant applied to an encounter table is dynamically determined based on which fields are populated. The sections below describe each variant type along with its conditions and typical use cases.
Level Variations
  • LEVEL_ONLY: Only the levels column is populated. This is the default configuration used in most games, such as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Sword.
  • LEVEL_AND_WAY_HOME: In addition to levels, the lvl_after_way_home field is filled. This variant is used when the encounter level may change after completing the “The Way Home” quest – the final storyline in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that unlocks after the main quests.
  • LEVEL_AND_ALPHA: When both levels and alpha_levels contain data, it indicates that an alternate “alpha” version of the Pokémon may appear (as seen in Pokémon: Legends Arceus).
Rate Variants
  • Note: Each encounter rate variation is specific to a game – no single title uses more than one variant. For example, Pokémon Black and White use only a seasonal rate variation, with encounter rates unaffected by weather.
  • RATE_OVERALL_ONLY: A single, uniform encounter rate is applied, regardless of other conditions, and all additional rate fields remain empty. This field is also used in games where multiple encounter rate variants are possible but not utilized. For instance, in Pokémon Sword and Shield encounter rates generally vary with weather, yet some encounters retain the same rate. The relevant field is:
    • rate_overall
    This variant is used in:
    • Pokémon Red and Blue
    • Pokémon Yellow
    • Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
    • Pokémon Emerald
    • Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee
    • Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
    • Pokémon X and Y
  • RATE_WEATHER_PERCENTAGES: Encounter probabilities vary with weather conditions. The associated fields are:
    • rate_overall
    • weather_fog_rate
    • weather_sandstorm_rate
    • weather_harshsunlight_rate
    • weather_blizzard_rate
    • weather_snow_rate
    • weather_thunderstorm_rate
    • weather_rain_rate
    • weather_cloudy_rate
    • weather_clear_rate
    This variant is used in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
  • RATE_TIME_AND_WEATHER_CHECKS: While the encounter rate remains constant, the time of day and weather conditions determine whether an encounter is possible. The relevant fields are:
    • rate_overall
    • while_clear
    • while_harsh_sunlight
    • while_cloudy
    • while_blizzard
    • while_weather_overall
    • during_night
    • during_evening
    • during_day
    • during_morning
    • during_any_time
    This variant is used in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
  • RATE_SEASONS: Encounter probabilities vary with the seasons, with each season roughly corresponding to one month in real time:
    Spring: January, May, and September
    Summer: February, June, and October
    Autumn: March, July, and November
    Winter: April, August, and December
    The associated fields are:
    • rate_overall
    • rate_winter
    • rate_autumn
    • rate_summer
    • rate_spring
    This variant is used in Pokémon Black and White as well as Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.
  • RATE_TIME_OF_DAY: Encounter rates change depending on the time of day. The relevant fields include:
    • rate_overall
    • rate_night
    • rate_day
    • rate_morning
    This variant is used in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon HeartGold and Soulsilver, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
  • RATE_PROBABILITY: In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the traditional percentage-based encounter system has been replaced with a dynamic probability system. The associated fields are:
    • rate_overall
    • probability_morning
    • probability_day
    • probability_evening
    • probability_night
    • probability_overall
    This variant is unique to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Other Table Variations
  • Boulder Variant: In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, certain encounters occur exclusively near boulders. The associated field is:
    • boulder_required
  • SOS Ally Variant: In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, some Pokémon can call for an ally. The relevant field is:
    • sos_allies
  • Visible Variant: In Pokémon Sword and Shield, certain encounters begin when a shaking bush is encountered, concealing the actual Pokémon until the interaction starts. The relevant field is:
    • visible
  • Group Variant: In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, some encounters include grouped Pokémon that assist in battle. The associated fields are:
    • group_rate
    • group_pokemon
  • Terrain Variant: In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, certain encounters occur only on specific terrains. The associated fields are:
    • on_terrain_land
    • on_terrain_watersurface
    • on_terrain_underwater
    • on_terrain_overland
    • on_terrain_sky
  • Max Raid Variant: In Pokémon Sword and Shield, some encounters are exclusive to the Max Raid mechanic. The associated fields are:
    • max_raid_perfect_ivs
    • max_raid_rate_1_star
    • max_raid_rate_2_star
    • max_raid_rate_3_star
    • max_raid_rate_4_star
    • max_raid_rate_5_star
  • Tera Raid Variant: In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, certain encounters are exclusive to the Tera Raid mechanic. The relevant field is:
    • tera_raid_star_level
  • Note Variant: Across all games, some encounters involve unique conditions or non-standard factors. Rather than categorizing these niche cases, they are described using a generic text field:
    • note
  • Trade For Variant: In many games, certain Pokémon are obtained through trading, which may require exchanging one of your own. The relevant field is:
    • trade_for

Encounter Methods

Encounters Schema Diagram