Critical catching is a relatively new feature added in recent generations of Pokemon. In Sword and Shield, it’s toned down a bit but you can still take advantage of critical catches. In this guide, we’ll go over what a critical catch is and how you can get the Catching Charm in Pokemon Sword and Shield so you can dramatically improve your critical catch rate.
How to Get a Catching Charm and Critical Catch in Pokemon Sword and Shield
So for starters, let’s explain what a critical catch even is. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, a critical catch is a random event when throwing a Poke Ball where essentially it boosts your chances of catching a Pokemon. You’ll hear an odd sounding chime and visual indication when you’ve got a critical catch and with a bit of luck, you will catch the Pokemon.
Prior to getting the Catching Charm in Pokemon Sword and Shield, it’s extremely rare, but not impossible to get a Critical Catch.
However, once you reach the snowy town of Circhester, you can get the Catching Charm and increase your chances of getting a Critical Catch.
When you arrive at Circhester, go to the Hotel Ionia on the lower right side of town. Then once you’re there, go to the elevator and head on up to the second floor.
Once upstairs, go to the left and enter the doorway at the end of this hallway. In the back of this room, there will be an NPC that will ask you to check in with him when you’ve caught every Pokemon. In the meantime though, he hands you the Catching Charm so you can have an easier time filling out your Pokedex.
With the Charm in your possession, you’ll find that the more you progress through and fill out your Pokedex, the higher your chances will be of getting a Critical Catch.
Go to Circhester, head to Hotel Ionia and on the second floor in the far left room an NPC will give you one for free.
Totally RNG, but very rare and possibly impossible until you get the charm.
This Hotel area is similar to other areas in previous games where the developers hang out and there appears to be a few benefits for checking back here once you become champion and complete the Galar Pokedex.
The Catching Charm is a Key Item, and does not need to be equipped by a Pokemon to work. Once you have it, you’ll benefit from the better Critical Catch Rate.
That’s all you need to know for how to get the Catching Charm and Critical Catch in Pokemon Sword and Shield. For more tips, tricks and FAQs answered, be sure to check out our Sword and Shield wiki guide.
