Should You Use Your Master Ball on Miraidon? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of whether to use your precious Master Ball on Miraidon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a weighty one, fraught with potential regret. The short answer is: generally, no, you shouldn’t. While tempting, especially given Miraidon’s low catch rate, there are compelling reasons to save your Master Ball for rarer and more difficult-to-catch Pokémon, particularly those that can flee or don’t respawn. There are alternatives to catching Miraidon, and a strategic approach can save your coveted Master Ball for a truly desperate situation. Let’s dive into the details.
Why Saving Your Master Ball is Usually the Best Strategy
The Master Ball is a trainer’s ultimate weapon, guaranteeing capture of any Pokémon it’s thrown at. In most Pokémon games, you only receive one Master Ball. Because of its unique properties, you want to ensure its use is well thought out. While the initial, story-related Miraidon presents a challenge due to its low catch rate, it is a guaranteed catch in a sense as the story will not progress until you successfully add this legendary to your team.
Therefore, considering the ability to eventually catch Miraidon using other Poke Balls, it is a much better idea to keep your Master Ball.
Understanding Miraidon’s Catch Rate
Miraidon, as mentioned, has a notoriously low catch rate (3). This translates to a very small chance of capturing it with regular Poké Balls, even when weakened. However, it’s important to remember that the initial Miraidon is a required capture to progress the story. The game is designed to make the encounter winnable, even if it takes multiple attempts. And what about the second Miraidon you can catch later in the game? Are the same rules applying? Read on.
Why Not Use It on the Second Miraidon?
After completing The Way Home questline, you can find a second Miraidon in Area Zero. This is where the temptation to use the Master Ball may be at its peak. However, even with the second Miraidon, patience and strategic use of other Poké Balls can prove successful.
The Power of Preparation
Before engaging with the second Miraidon, prepare yourself. This includes:
- Stocking up on Ultra Balls: These are the most reliable standard Poké Balls for catching powerful Pokémon.
- Using Repeat Balls (if applicable): Since you technically “own” a Miraidon, the Repeat Ball will have an increased catch rate.
- Applying Status Conditions: Paralysis or Sleep significantly increase the catch rate.
- Eating Catching Power Sandwiches: These sandwiches boost your chances of capturing Pokémon.
- Weakening the Miraidon: Lowering its HP into the red dramatically improves your odds.
With enough perseverance, and perhaps a little luck, you should be able to capture the second Miraidon without resorting to the Master Ball.
Pokémon Worthy of the Master Ball
So, if not Miraidon, what is worthy of such a powerful item? Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- Roaming Legendaries (if present in your game): If you are playing a game with roaming legendaries, such as some of the Galarian Birds in Pokemon Go, that have very low spawn rates, low capture rates, and can flee, the Master Ball is a great option.
- Shiny Pokémon that Know Self-Destruct/Explosion: Imagine finding a Shiny Graveler! To prevent it from blowing itself up, the Master Ball is your best bet.
- Pokémon with Teleport: Similar to roaming Pokémon, some Pokémon, particularly Abra or Galarian Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos have the ability to teleport out of battle.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. However, carefully consider the risk/reward before committing your Master Ball to a Pokémon you can eventually catch through other means.
FAQs: All About the Master Ball and Miraidon
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the decision-making process:
1. Can I catch Miraidon without a Master Ball?
Absolutely! With the right preparation, the odds of catching it with Ultra Balls, Repeat Balls, and status conditions are good. The story Miraidon is “guaranteed” and the second Miraidon is catchable with effort.
2. What is the catch rate of Miraidon?
Miraidon has a very low catch rate of 3. This means it’s challenging but not impossible to catch without a Master Ball.
3. Does Miraidon respawn if I knock it out?
Yes, the initial, story-related Miraidon will respawn if you knock it out. The story won’t progress until you catch it.
4. Is the second Miraidon shiny locked?
Yes, both Koraidon and Miraidon are shiny locked in Scarlet and Violet, meaning you cannot find them in their shiny form through normal gameplay.
5. What Poké Ball is best for catching Miraidon besides the Master Ball?
Ultra Balls and Repeat Balls (if you’ve already caught Koraidon/Miraidon) are your best bets. The status conditions paralysis or sleep, coupled with weakened HP and a Catching Power sandwich will further increase the odds.
6. How do I increase my catch rate in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
- Lower the Pokémon’s HP: The lower the health, the higher the chance of success.
- Inflict a status condition: Sleep and paralysis significantly boost the catch rate.
- Use appropriate Poké Balls: Ultra Balls, Repeat Balls (if applicable), and Dusk Balls (at night or in caves) are most effective.
- Eat a Catching Power sandwich: These sandwiches provide a temporary boost to your catch rate.
7. Can you miss with a Master Ball?
The Master Ball has 100% capture rate.
8. Can you get more than one Master Ball in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Officially, you receive only one Master Ball through story progression. However, there are methods, albeit unreliable, to potentially acquire a second one through the Cram-O-Matic.
9. What Pokémon should I save my Master Ball for in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
While there are no specific Pokémon that demand a Master Ball in Scarlet and Violet due to the absence of roaming legendaries and instant-fail scenarios, consider saving it for future downloadable content (DLC) that might introduce such Pokémon.
10. Are Ultra Balls better than Master Balls?
Ultra Balls are not “better” than Master Balls. The Master Ball guarantees capture, while Ultra Balls have a lower catch rate. Ultra Balls are better for general use when you have time and resources to spare.
11. What happens if I use my Master Ball and fail to catch the Pokémon?
With Master Ball, failing is not possible!
12. Can I change the nature of Miraidon after I catch it?
Yes! After completing certain post-game content, you can use mints to change a Pokémon’s nature. Therefore, the nature is less important than the catch itself.
13. What are the best counters for Miraidon in Pokémon Go?
The best Pokémon Go Miraidon counters are Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, Shadow Salamence, Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Garchomp & Mega Gardevoir.
14. What happens if I lose the fight against Miraidon?
You cannot lose the fight! The story will progress regardless of how you battle during the fight, which is basically the same as a story scene.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game strategies?
You can learn more about Pokémon game strategies on various websites, forums, and communities dedicated to Pokémon. You can also check out resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for research and insights into how games, like Pokémon, can be used for learning and development.
Final Thoughts
While the temptation to immediately catch Miraidon with your Master Ball is strong, remember that preparation, patience, and strategic use of other Poké Balls can ultimately save your valuable Master Ball for a situation where it’s truly indispensable. Consider your own play style and risk tolerance, but generally, saving your Master Ball is the wisest decision for a truly valuable encounter.