Safari Zone Catching

The Safari Zone is the only source of Chansey, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Tangela, Exeggcute and Dratini, and it takes away every tool you normally use.

Step 1: Understand the rules

No battling, no weakening, no status. You get 30 Safari Balls and 500 steps for your 500 Poke Dollars, and the game ends when either runs out.

Step 2: Know what Bait and Rocks do

Bait makes the Pokemon eat: it becomes less likely to flee, but harder to catch. Rock makes it angry: easier to catch, but far more likely to flee. They are opposite trade-offs, not upgrades.

Step 3: Pick a lane per target

For a common Pokemon, throw a Rock and accept the flee risk. For something you desperately want and rarely see, Bait first so it stays, then throw balls.

Step 4: Do the errands while you are in there

The Secret House in Area 3 holds HM03 Surf, and the Gold Teeth are hidden in the zone - the Warden trades them for HM04 Strength. Both are mandatory for the rest of the game.

Step 5: Bring the Super Rod

Dratini is fished out of the Safari Zone ponds - the only Dragonite line in the game.