Is There a Way to Get a Second Master Ball in BDSP? The Truth Revealed!
So, you’re itching for another Master Ball in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP)? You’re not alone! That perfect, guaranteed catch is something every trainer craves. The short answer is this: Officially, through typical gameplay, you only receive one Master Ball in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. However, several methods, some more legitimate than others, exist for those determined to acquire a second, or even unlimited, Master Balls. Let’s dive into the details.
Methods for Obtaining Additional Master Balls
The key to understanding this quest is acknowledging that the game’s design intends for you to have only one. But resourceful players are always finding ways to circumvent limitations. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
1. The Loto-ID Lottery
This is the most widely discussed and theoretically “legitimate” method. Every day, you can visit the TV Station in Jubilife City and participate in the Loto-ID lottery. This lottery uses the IDs of your Pokémon. The more Pokémon you have from different trainers (obtained via trading), the higher your chances of winning.
Here’s how it works:
- Daily Visit: Check the Loto-ID terminal on the ground floor of the Jubilife TV station daily.
- ID Matching: The lottery draws a random ID number. If the ID of any of your Pokémon matches the drawn number, you win a prize.
- Prize Tiers: The top prize, a Master Ball, is awarded if all five digits of one of your Pokémon’s ID numbers match the drawn number.
The catch? The odds of matching all five digits are astronomically low – estimated at 1 in 100,000. While technically a method to get a second Master Ball, it’s more akin to winning the real-world lottery. Patience, persistence, and a whole lot of luck are required.
2. Trading
This is a solid option if you have access to another BDSP game, or a friend willing to help. The Master Ball is a tradable item. You can have a Pokémon hold the Master Ball and trade it to another game.
Here’s the process:
- Equip the Ball: Give your Master Ball to a throwaway Pokémon.
- Trade: Trade that Pokémon to another game cartridge.
- Retrieve the Ball: Remove the Master Ball from the traded Pokémon in the receiving game.
This, of course, requires a second system and game, or the assistance of a friend. And remember, you cannot trade items through Pokémon HOME.
3. Item Duplication Glitches (Use at Your Own Risk!)
A classic method in many Pokémon games, item duplication glitches exploit programming flaws to create copies of items. Whether such a glitch exists in your version of the game may depend on if it has received the most recent patches.
- Check Online Forums: Search online forums and Pokémon communities for active item duplication glitches in BDSP. However, these methods are often quickly patched out.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: If you find a working glitch, follow the instructions precisely. Incorrectly performing the glitch could lead to save data corruption.
- Proceed with Caution: Be aware that using glitches is not an intended part of the game and could have unforeseen consequences.
WARNING: Utilizing glitches carries risks and is not officially supported by Nintendo or Game Freak. Save data corruption is a possibility. You may also not be able to trade Pokémon or battle online.
4. Using External Devices (Gameshark/Action Replay)
External devices like Gameshark or Action Replay allow you to enter cheat codes that can modify the game’s data, including adding items to your inventory.
- Obtain the Device: Purchase a Gameshark or Action Replay device compatible with Nintendo Switch.
- Find Cheat Codes: Search online for Master Ball cheat codes for BDSP.
- Enter the Code: Follow the device’s instructions to enter the cheat code into the game.
- Receive Master Balls: The code should add Master Balls to your inventory.
DISCLAIMER: Using external devices like Gameshark to cheat can severely impact your gameplay.
Important Notes Regarding Cheating:
- Legality: Using external devices or glitches might violate the terms of service for online play.
- Game Experience: Cheating can diminish the sense of accomplishment and make the game less enjoyable in the long run.
- Save Data: Always back up your save data before attempting any glitch or cheat, as there’s a risk of corruption.
FAQs: Your Burning Master Ball Questions Answered
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about acquiring and using Master Balls in BDSP and other Pokémon games:
1. Can you buy a Master Ball in BDSP?
No, you cannot purchase a Master Ball in any shop within Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl. They are not available for sale.
2. Can you get a Master Ball from the Loto ID every day?
You can try the Loto-ID every day, but the odds of winning the Master Ball (matching all five digits) remain incredibly low, approximately 1 in 100,000.
3. Is the Master Ball 100% catch rate guaranteed in BDSP?
Yes, the Master Ball has a 100% guaranteed catch rate on any wild Pokémon you use it on in BDSP. It bypasses the usual catch rate calculations.
4. Do you need a Master Ball to catch Legendary Pokémon in BDSP?
No, you do not need a Master Ball to catch Legendary Pokémon. It’s entirely possible to catch them with other Poké Balls, but it requires patience, strategy, and perhaps a little luck. Use False Swipe to reduce their health to 1HP and inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis to increase your chances.
5. Can you trade a Master Ball in BDSP?
Yes, you can trade a Master Ball in BDSP. Simply have a Pokémon hold the Master Ball and trade that Pokémon to another player or game. Remember you cannot do this using Pokémon HOME.
6. Can a Master Ball fail in any Pokémon game?
Outside of the first-generation games (Red and Blue), where very rare glitches could cause a Master Ball to fail, it has a 100% guaranteed catch rate in all subsequent Pokémon games, including BDSP.
7. What is the best Pokémon to use the Master Ball on in BDSP?
This is subjective! Many players save it for a shiny Pokémon they desperately want, roaming legendaries, or a particularly difficult-to-catch Pokémon. It’s your choice!
8. How many Master Balls do you get in a standard Pokémon game?
Typically, you only receive one Master Ball during the main storyline of a Pokémon game. Obtaining more requires alternative methods like the lottery or trading, or if you don’t mind using glitches or cheats.
9. Are glitches/cheats safe to use to get Master Balls?
No, glitches and cheats are not entirely safe. They can lead to save data corruption, and their use might violate the terms of service for online play. Always back up your save data before attempting any glitch or cheat. The GamesLearningSociety.org does not endorse any cheat codes.
10. Can you make a Master Ball with Apricorns?
No, Apricorns are used to craft special Poké Balls using Kurt in Azalea Town in the GSC games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal) and their remakes. Apricorns are not in BDSP.
11. What happens if you use a Master Ball on a trainer’s Pokémon?
You cannot use a Master Ball on a trainer’s Pokémon. The game mechanics prevent you from attempting to catch Pokémon owned by other trainers. That would not be cool!
12. Is it possible to duplicate items, like Master Balls, in BDSP?
Whether item duplication glitches exist or work on a specific version of BDSP depends on if it has received the most recent patches. You should search online communities for any discoveries from resourceful players. If you find a working glitch, follow the instructions precisely. Incorrectly performing the glitch could lead to save data corruption. You may also not be able to trade Pokémon or battle online.
13. Can you transfer Master Balls to other Pokémon games?
You can transfer a Master Ball through trading. If you move a Pokémon with a Master Ball to the Pokémon HOME service, it will be stripped of its held item.
14. Does the Master Ball exist in the Pokémon anime?
Yes, the Master Ball has appeared in the Pokémon anime, though rarely, and with varying levels of effectiveness.
15. Are there any legendary Pokémon that are impossible to catch without a Master Ball?
No, there are no Legendary Pokémon that are impossible to catch without a Master Ball. All Legendary Pokémon can theoretically be caught with other Poké Balls, though it may require extreme patience and luck.