The Ultimate Guide: Mastering the Master Ball in Pokémon White 2
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So, you’ve reached that pivotal moment in Pokémon White 2. You’ve conquered gyms, navigated perilous routes, and now you hold the ultimate prize: the Master Ball. The question that plagues every trainer’s mind is: “Who deserves this guaranteed catch?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, but let’s dive deep into the factors to consider.
The Prime Candidate: Kyurem, But With Caveats
The most common and arguably safest recommendation is Kyurem. Why? Because Kyurem is a powerful legendary Pokémon that plays a significant role in the post-game content. More importantly, it can fuse with either Zekrom (from Black 2) or Reshiram (from White 2) to become Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, respectively, creating incredibly strong and strategically valuable Pokémon.
However, there’s a crucial caveat: you can catch Kyurem with other Poké Balls. The key is patience, status conditions (paralysis and sleep are your best friends), and a stockpile of Ultra Balls and maybe some Dusk Balls if you’re battling at night or in a cave. If you’re a dedicated trainer with the time and resources, you can save your Master Ball.
The Alternatives: Weighing Your Options
So, if not Kyurem, then who? Here are some alternative scenarios where using your Master Ball might be justified:
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Shiny Pokémon: A shiny Pokémon, especially a shiny legendary, is a prized possession. If you stumble upon one, and it has moves that can cause self-harm (like Take Down or Explosion), the Master Ball is your safety net against accidental KO.
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Nature and IV Hunting Legendaries: If you’re serious about competitive battling and want a Kyurem with a specific Nature and optimal Individual Values (IVs), using the Master Ball can save you hours of soft resetting (restarting your game). This is a time investment decision.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, it’s your game. If you just really like a specific Pokémon and want the satisfaction of a guaranteed catch, go for it!
Why Not to Use It On…
It’s also important to consider who doesn’t deserve your Master Ball:
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Zekrom/Reshiram: These Pokémon are part of the main story and are required to progress. They have relatively high catch rates compared to other legendaries, making the Master Ball a wasteful choice.
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Pokémon With High Catch Rates: Avoid using the Master Ball on any Pokémon that are generally easy to catch with standard Poké Balls.
Mastering the Choice: Key Considerations
Before making your decision, ask yourself these questions:
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Am I willing to spend time soft resetting for a specific Nature/IVs on a legendary? If the answer is no, the Master Ball might be a good option.
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Do I have a reliable method for inflicting status conditions? Paralysis and sleep drastically increase catch rates.
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Am I prepared to invest time and resources into catching Kyurem with Ultra Balls?
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Do I value the peace of mind of a guaranteed catch over potentially saving the Master Ball for an emergency?
The Master Ball is a powerful tool, but it’s best used strategically. Evaluate your priorities and playstyle to make the most informed decision. Consider the challenges and triumphs that you can gain as described by the Games Learning Society who explore learning through digital games and simulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get more than one Master Ball in Pokémon White 2?
No, you only obtain one Master Ball in Pokémon White 2 through normal gameplay. There are no in-game methods to acquire additional Master Balls. Rumors about getting one through trading on wi-fi are false in the case of Black and White 2.
2. Is Kyurem really that hard to catch without a Master Ball?
Kyurem’s catch rate is relatively low, making it challenging but not impossible to catch with regular Poké Balls. Persistence, status conditions, and a healthy supply of Ultra Balls are essential.
3. What are the best status conditions to use when catching legendaries?
Paralysis and sleep are the most effective status conditions for increasing catch rates. Freeze can also work, but it’s less reliable due to its chance of thawing.
4. Should I use my Master Ball on a roaming Pokémon?
Pokémon White 2 doesn’t feature traditional roaming legendaries like Tornadus or Thundurus from Black and White. Therefore, this isn’t a relevant consideration for this game.
5. What if I accidentally use my Master Ball on a weak Pokémon?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to undo using the Master Ball. This is why it’s crucial to be careful and deliberate when selecting your target.
6. Is it worth using the Master Ball for a shiny Pokémon, even if it’s not legendary?
This depends on your priorities. Shiny Pokémon are rare and valuable, but ultimately, the decision is yours. If you desperately want a particular shiny and fear losing it, the Master Ball is a safe bet.
7. What are IVs and why are they important?
Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential in battle. Higher IVs translate to stronger stats. While not essential for casual gameplay, they are important for competitive battling.
8. What does “soft resetting” mean?
Soft resetting involves restarting your game without turning off the power. This allows you to re-encounter a legendary Pokémon multiple times, hoping for a desired Nature and IVs. On a Nintendo DS, this is typically done by holding L+R+Start+Select.
9. Are there any Pokémon in White 2 that are impossible to catch without a Master Ball?
No. Every Pokémon in the game can be caught with other types of Poké Balls, given enough patience and luck.
10. What are the best Poké Balls to use besides the Master Ball?
Ultra Balls are your go-to option for catching legendaries. Dusk Balls are effective in caves or at night. Timer Balls become more effective the longer a battle lasts. Net Balls can be useful against Bug and Water-type Pokémon.
11. How do I check a Pokémon’s Nature?
A Pokémon’s Nature influences which stats grow faster. You can see a Pokémon’s Nature on its summary screen. Certain Natures are more desirable for competitive battling than others.
12. Where do I find Kyurem in Pokémon White 2?
Kyurem is found in the Giant Chasm after defeating the Elite Four and Team Plasma. You must have either Zekrom or Reshiram (depending on your game version) in your party to encounter it.
13. Is it possible to trade Pokémon from older generations into White 2?
Yes, it is possible to transfer Pokémon from older Game Boy Advance games like Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, as well as DS games like Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, to White 2. This requires having both a DS and a DS Lite or original DS, and using the Pal Park feature in the older games and the Poké Transporter.
14. What are the Elite Four and why do I need to beat them before catching legendaries?
The Elite Four are the four strongest trainers in the Unova region. Beating them (and the Champion) is a prerequisite for accessing much of the post-game content, including the areas where most legendaries reside.
15. Where can I learn more about competitive Pokémon battling strategies?
There are many online resources available, including forums, websites, and YouTube channels dedicated to competitive Pokémon. Check websites like Smogon University, which offer comprehensive guides on Pokémon battling strategies and team building. You can also learn more about engaging and immersive gaming experiences, and how they can affect learning through digital games and simulations at GamesLearningSociety.org.