Should I Use My Master Ball on Mew in Pokémon GO?
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The short answer is: probably not, but it depends. While the allure of instantly capturing the elusive Mythical Pokémon, Mew, with a guaranteed catch from a Master Ball is strong, there are several factors to consider before making such a decisive move. This article will delve deep into the pros and cons of using your precious Master Ball on Mew, helping you make an informed decision.
Why Mew Might Seem Like a Good Master Ball Target
Mew’s reputation as a rare and difficult-to-obtain Pokémon makes it a tempting candidate for a Master Ball. Here’s why many trainers might consider using their Master Ball on this Mythical creature:
- Rarity: Mew is not a Pokémon you’ll encounter frequently in the wild. It’s primarily available through special research tasks, and when it does appear, the encounter is often a one-time opportunity. The potential to lose such a rare Pokémon might scare players into considering using the Master Ball.
- Mythical Status: As a Mythical Pokémon, Mew is in a category of its own, distinct from regular Legendaries. This makes it even more desirable for collectors and competitive battlers. The desire to obtain a guaranteed catch on such a unique Pokémon can be very compelling.
- Initial Fear of Loss: The sheer excitement and anticipation of encountering Mew can overwhelm players. The thought of a rare encounter escaping might lead to a hasty use of the Master Ball. This is especially true given the fact the one encounter is all that you are generally given.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Your Master Ball on Mew
Despite these seemingly compelling reasons, using your Master Ball on Mew may not be the most strategic move. Here’s why:
- Guaranteed Encounters: Most encounters with Mew in Pokémon GO are part of Special Research tasks, not random wild spawns. In these encounters, the game typically ensures a successful capture, often with an inflated catch rate or guaranteed capture mechanics. This means the Master Ball’s guaranteed catch is redundant.
- Mew’s Catch Rate is Usually Enhanced: Unlike other elusive Pokémon like the Galarian Legendary Birds (Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos), which have notoriously low catch and high flee rates, Mew encounters are designed to be more player-friendly. Niantic often boosts the catch rate during Mew encounters, making other Pokéballs much more effective.
- Better Options Available: The Master Ball is a truly unique item. Using it on Mew, a Pokémon you’ll likely catch anyway, is wasteful. More optimal targets include Pokémon with incredibly low catch rates, like the aforementioned Galarian Legendary Birds, which can flee very easily if not captured quickly.
- One-Time Item: You only get one Master Ball in Pokémon GO through a Special Research Task which is why it’s so crucial to use it strategically. If there isn’t an available quest line to obtain another at the time, you need to be extremely careful how you use this item.
The Galarian Birds: A Superior Master Ball Target
The Galarian Articuno, Galarian Moltres, and Galarian Zapdos are much better options for the Master Ball. These Pokémon are incredibly rare to encounter, have a notoriously low catch rate, and a high flee rate. Using the Master Ball on one of these provides a much higher value because of the near impossiblity to capture one without it, compared to Mew which is essentially guaranteed. These are truly the one’s to be considering when you think about using your Master Ball.
Alternative Uses for Your Master Ball
If not on Mew, where else can you effectively use your precious Master Ball? Here are some options:
- Shiny Legendary Pokemon: Though some of them are easier to catch than others, using your Master Ball on a shiny legendary can be a valuable use. It guarantees that you capture the incredibly rare and aesthetically pleasing variant.
- Extremely Difficult Event Pokémon: Certain event Pokémon, especially during limited-time events or raids, might have an exceptionally low catch rate and a high flee rate. If there is no other way to obtain them, and you cannot risk missing them, this could be a time to break out the Master Ball.
- Situational Pokemon: This could include legendary raid bosses with a high level of difficulty, or Pokemon that you need to add to a pokedex collection.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision is yours. If capturing a specific Pokémon is incredibly important to you, and you’d like the peace of mind of a guaranteed capture, then the Master Ball is yours to use as you see fit.
The Verdict
While the desire to secure Mew with a Master Ball is understandable, it’s generally not the most strategic approach. Mew encounters are designed to be successful captures, making the Master Ball’s guaranteed catch somewhat unnecessary. Instead, consider saving your Master Ball for far more challenging encounters, like Galarian Legendary Birds, or shiny legendary Pokémon. The value and scarcity of the Master Ball makes it an item worth strategizing for, instead of using it on the first rare Pokemon you see.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Master Ball fail in Pokémon GO?
No, a Master Ball in Pokémon GO has a 100% catch rate. It will successfully capture any wild Pokémon you throw it at without fail. There are no exceptions.
2. Is there a second Master Ball available in Pokémon GO?
Currently, there is no confirmed way to get a second Master Ball in Pokemon GO. The only way to obtain one is through a Special Research quest when they are available. You should use it wisely.
3. What is the catch rate of an Ultra Ball compared to the Master Ball?
An Ultra Ball has a 2x multiplier to the catch rate of a basic Poké Ball. The Master Ball has a guaranteed capture rate. Therefore, using an Ultra Ball requires luck; the Master Ball requires nothing.
4. Can you miss with a Master Ball in Pokémon GO?
No. Like other Poké Balls, it can be thrown, but the catch is guaranteed, regardless of the throw. Even if you miss, the Pokemon will be captured automatically.
5. How do I get a Master Ball in Pokémon GO?
As of May 2023, the only way to obtain a Master Ball is by completing the Let’s GO! Special Research quest. Keep an eye out for other research quests that may be added.
6. Are there any Pokémon that can escape a Master Ball?
In the main series games and Pokémon GO, there are no known instances of a Pokémon escaping a Master Ball. It is considered infallible, except for one comical example in the anime with a Whiscash.
7. Should I use my Master Ball on Mewtwo?
Mewtwo is a powerful Legendary, but like Mew, its encounters are often part of raids, during which other Pokeballs can effectively capture it. Thus, it is not necessarily the best use of your Master Ball.
8. Is it better to use a Master Ball or a Timer Ball?
The Master Ball guarantees capture, whereas the Timer Ball’s effectiveness increases the longer the encounter goes on. If you’re confident in a long battle and have enough resources, the Timer Ball is worth it; however, the Master Ball offers an unmatchable guarantee.
9. Do you need a Master Ball to catch Legendary Pokémon?
No, a Master Ball is never required to catch a Legendary Pokémon. It just makes it much easier and more reliable, especially if you do not want it to flee or run.
10. What is the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie are considered to be among the rarest due to their limited regional availability and infrequent spawns.
11. What are the odds of finding a Master Ball naturally in Pokémon games?
The odds of finding a Master Ball naturally in the main series games are 1/10000. This is why you only get one in each game!
12. Is it possible to buy a Master Ball in Pokémon GO?
No. You cannot buy the Master Ball in Pokemon GO. You must complete the Special Research quest.
13. Can you use a Master Ball on a Pokémon in a gym?
No. The Master Ball can only be used on wild Pokémon encounters.
14. Is Eternatus a good use for the Master Ball?
No. Eternatus has a guaranteed catch rate once its health is reduced, thus making the Master Ball useless.
15. Can you capture Zamazenta with a Master Ball?
Yes, you can use a Master Ball on Zamazenta, but the encounter is guaranteed. Therefore, it is also a waste of such a rare item.