Can You Catch Eternatus With a Beast Ball? The Ultimate Guide
Yes, you absolutely can catch Eternatus with a Beast Ball in Pokémon Sword and Shield, but here’s the kicker: it’s completely unnecessary. While the Beast Ball is designed to have a higher catch rate for Ultra Beasts, Eternatus is a Legendary Pokémon with a guaranteed 100% catch rate once you’ve defeated it in the storyline. Therefore, any Poke Ball, including the basic Poke Ball, will successfully capture Eternatus after the battle. Using a Beast Ball is purely for aesthetic preference.
Understanding the Catch Mechanics of Eternatus
Eternatus is a unique case in the Pokémon world. During the climax of Pokémon Sword and Shield, you’re forced into a Max Raid Battle against it. After a multi-stage fight where you weaken it significantly, you’re given the opportunity to catch it. Unlike standard Pokémon encounters, Eternatus has a catch rate that’s been pre-programmed to be 100% once its HP is depleted. This means the type of Poke Ball you use is irrelevant. You could technically catch it with a Master Ball, but that would be a huge waste of a valuable resource!
The Allure of the Beast Ball
The Beast Ball was introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon and was specifically designed to catch the mysterious Ultra Beasts. While it boasts a significantly higher catch rate for these extraterrestrial Pokémon, its effectiveness against regular Pokémon is considerably lower. Because Eternatus isn’t technically classified as an Ultra Beast, the Beast Ball’s special properties are effectively nullified during the catch attempt.
Resource Management: A Trainer’s Best Friend
Pokémon training is all about resource management. The Beast Ball is a finite resource obtained after becoming Champion. Given that you can’t get a Beast Ball until you beat the game, and Eternatus is caught before you become Champion, if you traded to get a Beast Ball before you caught Eternatus, it is still more valuable to save Beast Balls for Ultra Beasts in subsequent trades or for aesthetic use on other Pokémon. It makes little sense to expend one on a Pokémon you could just as easily capture with a standard Poke Ball.
The Psychology of the Catch
While the mechanics are clear, there’s also a psychological aspect. Some trainers enjoy catching powerful Pokémon in equally impressive balls, purely for the visual appeal. If you find the color scheme or design of the Beast Ball particularly fitting for Eternatus, then, by all means, use it. However, recognize that you’re doing so for aesthetic reasons, not because it improves your chances of success. There is value in the player’s individual experience of the game. You can read more about how games can be used as teaching tools and how they can improve learning outcomes on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Eternatus: A Deeper Dive
Eternatus is a Legendary Poison/Dragon-type Pokémon that serves as the primary antagonist in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it plays a crucial role in the story’s climax. In its powered-up form, Eternamax Eternatus, it boasts the highest base stat total of any Pokémon (though it’s unobtainable), highlighting its immense power. Despite its strength, capturing Eternatus is a fixed part of the narrative, simplifying the process for all players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eternatus
1. What is Eternatus weak against?
Eternatus, being a Poison/Dragon-type, is weak to Ground, Psychic, and Ice-type moves. Prepare your team accordingly for the battle!
2. Can I catch Eternatus with a Master Ball?
Yes, you can use a Master Ball, but it’s overkill! Since the catch rate is 100%, any Poke Ball will suffice. Save your Master Ball for a Shiny or a difficult-to-catch Pokémon later in the game.
3. Is Eternatus a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Eternatus is classified as a Legendary Pokémon.
4. Is Shiny Eternatus available in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
A Shiny Eternatus event was distributed via Gamestop for the release of the card game. Outside of that event distribution, Shiny Eternatus is not naturally available in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
5. Can I use Eternatus in competitive battles?
Yes, Eternatus is allowed in certain competitive formats. However, Eternamax Eternatus is banned due to its incredibly high stats.
6. What are the best moves to teach Eternatus?
Popular move choices for Eternatus include Dynamax Cannon, Flamethrower, Cross Poison, and Dragon Pulse.
7. Is Eternatus stronger than Zacian?
Statistically, Zacian and Zamazenta (individually) have higher total stats. However, Eternatus’s move-set makes it a powerful contender in battles. GamesLearningSociety.org has information on the statistics of different Pokemon for comparisons.
8. Can I battle Leon with Eternatus on my team?
Yes, and doing so unlocks special dialogue before and during the battle! It’s a fun easter egg for players who want to experience all the game has to offer.
9. What level is Eternatus when you catch it?
Eternatus is level 60 when you encounter it during the story.
10. Is there a way to influence Eternatus’s Nature?
Yes, you can use a Synchronize ability Pokémon in the lead slot of your party, which gives a 50% chance of the wild Pokémon having the same Nature as the Synchronize Pokémon. After you catch Eternatus, you can change its nature with Mints.
11. Does Eternatus have a Gigantamax form?
No, Eternatus does not have a Gigantamax form. Its unique transformation during the climax of the game is its Eternamax form, which is distinct from Gigantamaxing.
12. What is Eternatus’s ability?
Eternatus’s ability is Pressure, which makes opposing Pokémon use twice as much PP for their moves.
13. Is Eternatus available in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Eternatus is available in Pokémon GO as of recently.
14. What is Eternatus Max CP in Pokémon GO?
Eternatus has a Max CP of 5007 in Pokémon GO.
15. Why is Eternatus considered so powerful?
Eternatus’s stats are high, its movepool is diverse, and its role in the story gives it a sense of importance. While Eternamax Eternatus boasts the highest base stat total, even regular Eternatus is a formidable opponent.
In conclusion, while you can use a Beast Ball to catch Eternatus, it’s entirely unnecessary due to the guaranteed catch rate. Save your valuable resources and enjoy catching this Legendary Pokémon with any Poke Ball you choose!