How Do Master Balls Work in Pokémon GO?
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The Master Ball in Pokémon GO is the ultimate tool for any aspiring trainer, a legendary item renowned for its guaranteed capture rate. Unlike other Poké Balls that rely on chance, the Master Ball ensures that the Pokémon you throw it at will be caught, regardless of its rarity or CP. This makes it a highly coveted and strategically valuable resource. In essence, the Master Ball bypasses all usual capture mechanics, eliminating the possibility of the Pokémon breaking free or the ball missing entirely. You can use a Master Ball on wild Pokémon, those encountered after defeating in Raids, those found using Daily Adventure Incense, or those spawned from Lure Modules. This guaranteed catch makes it the go-to choice for the most elusive and challenging Pokémon encounters.
Understanding the Master Ball Mechanics
The Guarantee of Capture
The fundamental principle of the Master Ball is its 100% catch rate. This absolute certainty sets it apart from other Poké Balls, whose capture rates fluctuate based on factors like Pokémon species, CP, and curveball throws. No matter the circumstances, the Master Ball will always result in a successful capture, removing the frustration of a powerful Pokémon fleeing after multiple attempts. This reliability makes it especially valuable for encountering rare or difficult-to-catch species.
How to Use a Master Ball
Using a Master Ball is straightforward. When you encounter a Pokémon, simply select the Master Ball from your item bag and throw it at the desired target. Like any other Poké Ball, you aim and throw. However, what sets it apart is what happens after the throw – the Pokémon is guaranteed to be caught. This eliminates the usual tension associated with a capture attempt, and gives the trainer a moment to enjoy the success.
When Not to Use a Master Ball
While its guaranteed catch is enticing, the scarcity of the Master Ball means it should be used judiciously. You wouldn’t want to waste it on a common Pidgey when it could secure a rare Legendary. The Master Ball’s value lies in its ability to catch the most sought-after Pokémon; it’s advisable to consider the worth of the catch against the rarity of the item before committing.
Strategic Uses of the Master Ball
Knowing when to use the Master Ball is just as important as knowing how it works. It is not an item to be used indiscriminately but rather to save for unique and difficult circumstances.
Ideal Targets
Generally, the consensus among experienced players is to reserve the Master Ball for incredibly rare and hard-to-catch Pokémon. The Galarian Articuno, Galarian Moltres, and Galarian Zapdos are often cited as the most appropriate targets. These Galarian Legendary Birds are notoriously rare, with low encounter rates and high flee rates. Other worthy targets would be very rare and highly sought after Pokémon, including strong IV legendaries or shiny Pokemon.
Avoiding Wasted Potential
While the Master Ball offers guaranteed capture, using it on readily obtainable Pokémon is generally viewed as wasteful. It’s crucial to consider the long-term value and make use of other strategic methods, such as using Golden Razz Berries or great throws, for everyday encounters. The Master Ball is truly meant to be saved for those moments when all other strategies might fall short.
Unique Situations
There are also unique situations where the Master Ball might be a worthwhile investment. These could include:
- A particularly high CP, 100 IV or shiny variant of a rare Pokémon, ensuring you get the absolute best version of that Pokémon.
- A Pokémon with an exceedingly low catch rate that you need for your collection or battling strategy.
- XXL Pokémon are very rare, so you may choose to use your Masterball on one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Master Ball in Pokémon GO, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique item.
1. Can You Miss with a Master Ball?
No, the Master Ball, unlike regular Poké Balls, cannot miss. Even if you misaim the throw, the Pokémon will still be caught. This ensures that your investment in the Master Ball guarantees the capture of the desired Pokémon.
2. Is the Master Ball Infinite?
No, the Master Ball is not infinite. Once used, it’s gone from your inventory. You cannot obtain another by simply grinding for loot or in-game purchases. They are special event or research task rewards.
3. How Many Master Balls Can You Have?
You can only carry one Master Ball in your bag at a time. So once you have obtained your first Master Ball, you will need to use it before you are able to obtain a second one.
4. How Do You Get Extra Master Balls?
Master Balls are primarily obtained through special research tasks or event rewards from Niantic. There is no reliable method to acquire them. Currently, there is no opportunity to purchase them. While there have been rumors of obtaining one from Raid Battles, they are not usually awarded that way.
5. Does the Master Ball Always Catch a Pokémon?
Yes, the Master Ball always catches a Pokémon, guaranteed. There is a 100% success rate, making it a highly dependable resource.
6. Can You Use a Master Ball on a Raid Boss?
No, you cannot use a Master Ball on a raid boss during the post-raid encounter. After defeating a raid boss, you are required to use Premier Balls to attempt a capture. The Master Ball cannot be used in this instance.
7. Can you get Master Balls from PokeStops or Gyms?
No, you cannot get a Master Ball from spinning Poke Disks at PokeStops or Gyms. This special item is exclusively earned through special research or as event rewards, making them even more valuable.
8. What are the best Pokemon to use a Master Ball on?
The Galarian Articuno, Galarian Moltres, and Galarian Zapdos are generally regarded as the best use of a Master Ball, due to their rarity and extremely low capture rates. Other rare and difficult to catch Pokemon, such as high IV Legendaries and rare shiny encounters would also make worthy targets.
9. Can You Steal Pokemon from other Trainers with a Master Ball?
No, you cannot use a Master Ball to steal another Trainer’s Pokemon. The Master Ball only works on wild Pokemon.
10. How Rare is the Master Ball?
The Master Ball is one of the rarest items in Pokémon GO. Given its exceptional ability and the limited ways to obtain them, they are highly sought after and a rare find.
11. Does the Master Ball Catch Shiny Pokemon?
Yes, you can use a Master Ball to catch a shiny Pokémon. This can be especially helpful in securing a valuable shiny, that you would not want to risk fleeing.
12. How Do You Tell if a Pokémon is 100 IV?
In Pokémon GO, a 100% IV Pokémon will display three red stars and a red stamp when you review the Pokémon’s appraisal. This indicates that the Pokémon has perfect stats. Three orange stars will indicate approximately 80%-99% IVs, two stars is approximately 66-80% IVs, and one star is 50-65% IVs.
13. What Are the Rarest Pokemon in Pokemon Go?
Some of the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO include Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie, due to their regional spawns and infrequent appearances. Also, Galarian Birds are incredibly rare and have very low spawn and catch rates.
14. What are Lucky Pokemon?
Lucky Pokémon are obtained by trading Pokémon with friends. These Pokémon require less Stardust to power up and have a higher chance of having good stats, making them great for battling.
15. Do You Need a Master Ball to Catch Legendaries?
No, you do not need a Master Ball to catch Legendary Pokémon. While the Master Ball offers a guaranteed catch, you can use strategies like False Swipe, Spore (to put them to sleep), and Dusk Balls, as well as Golden Razz Berries and great throws to increase your catch rate.
In conclusion, the Master Ball is an invaluable asset in Pokémon GO, but its limited availability means that it should be used with care and strategic foresight. Knowing the mechanics of the Master Ball, when to use it, and when not to, can greatly enhance your experience and improve your Pokémon collection. Use it wisely, and may your encounters always result in the capture you desire!