Decoding the Enigmatic Beast Ball: A Comprehensive Guide
The Beast Ball is a specialized Poké Ball introduced in the Pokémon Sun and Moon games, and later appearing in Pokémon GO and other entries. Its primary function is to significantly enhance the catch rate of Ultra Beasts. These extradimensional Pokémon are notoriously difficult to capture with standard Poké Balls, making the Beast Ball an invaluable tool for trainers seeking to add these rare creatures to their teams. While exceptionally effective against Ultra Beasts, the Beast Ball performs poorly when used on ordinary Pokémon, possessing a drastically reduced catch rate.
Understanding the Beast Ball’s Mechanics
The Beast Ball’s functionality is tied directly to its intended target: Ultra Beasts. When used against these creatures, the Beast Ball exhibits a catch rate multiplier that far surpasses that of regular Poké Balls, Great Balls, or Ultra Balls. This makes capturing Ultra Beasts much more manageable, turning a potentially frustrating encounter into a more achievable task. However, its effectiveness plummets when used on non-Ultra Beast Pokémon, rendering it a suboptimal choice for catching common or even legendary Pokémon outside of the Ultra Beast classification.
In Pokémon GO, the Beast Ball is unique in that it is event-exclusive and, like the Premier Ball, cannot be stored in the player’s Bag after use. You receive a limited supply during Ultra Beast encounters and must use them strategically.
Beast Ball: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the nuances of the Beast Ball.
1. What is the catch rate modifier of the Beast Ball against Ultra Beasts?
The Beast Ball has a significantly improved catch rate when used against Ultra Beasts. In the main series games, it’s generally accepted to be a 5x catch rate multiplier, dramatically increasing your chances of success. Pokémon GO doesn’t explicitly state the multiplier but demonstrates similarly improved success rates.
2. Can the Beast Ball be used to catch any Pokémon?
While the Beast Ball can technically be used to attempt to catch any Pokémon, its catch rate is abysmal against non-Ultra Beasts. It’s generally accepted that the catch rate is 0.1x, meaning you’re much less likely to catch a regular Pokémon with it compared to a standard Poké Ball.
3. Are Beast Balls a guaranteed catch for Ultra Beasts?
No, Beast Balls are not a guaranteed catch for Ultra Beasts. While they greatly improve your chances, there is still a possibility of failure. Factors like the Ultra Beast’s remaining health, status conditions (like paralysis or sleep), and luck all play a role. Necrozma is also an exception and doesn’t benefit from the boost.
4. How do Beast Balls differ from other Poké Balls?
The primary difference lies in their specialized catch rate against Ultra Beasts. Regular Poké Balls, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and even the rare Master Ball do not receive this bonus. The Beast Ball is designed specifically for targeting Ultra Beasts. Also, in Pokémon GO, Beast Balls cannot be retained after the encounter, unlike other purchasable Poké Balls.
5. Where can I obtain Beast Balls?
Beast Balls are typically obtained through specific events tied to Ultra Beast appearances in the various Pokémon games. In Pokémon GO, they are provided during Ultra Beast raids. In the main series games, they are often distributed during the post-game content focused on capturing Ultra Beasts.
6. Is the Master Ball a better choice than the Beast Ball for Ultra Beasts?
The Master Ball does guarantee a successful catch on any Pokémon, including Ultra Beasts. However, Master Balls are exceptionally rare. Since Beast Balls offer a high catch rate against Ultra Beasts, it is more economical to use Beast Balls and save the Master Ball for Pokémon that are incredibly difficult to catch or have a high flee rate.
7. What happens if I try to breed a Pokémon caught in a Beast Ball?
Breeding mechanics differ slightly between the main series games and Pokémon GO, where breeding isn’t possible. In the main series, the Pokémon’s Poké Ball can be passed down to the offspring. Usually, the female’s Poké Ball determines the offspring’s Poké Ball. If breeding two of the same species, there’s a 50/50 chance of the baby inheriting either parent’s ball. A male pokemon of any species can pass down their ball only when bred with Ditto. Therefore, if you breed a Pokemon caught in a Beast Ball, the offspring will inherit the Beast Ball depending on breeding dynamics.
8. Can I buy Beast Balls in any Pokémon game?
No, Beast Balls are generally not available for purchase in any Pokémon game. They are usually acquired through specific in-game events or story progression, designed to be a limited and valuable resource.
9. Does spinning the Poké Ball affect the Beast Ball’s catch rate?
In Pokémon GO, spinning the Poké Ball before throwing introduces a curveball effect, which can increase the catch rate. Landing an “Excellent” throw can significantly boost your chances of capturing the Pokémon. Therefore, while the spin itself might not directly affect the Beast Ball, utilizing it effectively to achieve better throws is beneficial.
10. Does tapping on the screen after throwing the Beast Ball increase the catch rate?
No, tapping on the screen after throwing the Beast Ball does not increase the catch rate. The game determines the outcome of the catch as soon as the ball is thrown; the subsequent animation is purely cosmetic.
11. Which Pokémon are classified as Ultra Beasts?
Ultra Beasts are a unique category of Pokémon originating from Ultra Space. Some examples include:
- Nihilego
- Buzzwole
- Pheromosa
- Xurkitree
- Celesteela
- Kartana
- Guzzlord
- Poipole
- Naganadel
- Stakataka
- Blacephalon
These are just a few examples, and the list can expand as new Pokémon games are released.
12. Should I save my Beast Balls for specific Ultra Beasts?
The decision to save Beast Balls depends on your priorities and play style. If you aim to collect all Ultra Beasts, you might want to use Beast Balls on the first encounter to ensure you catch them. If you’re confident in your throwing skills and have plenty of other Poké Balls, you could try using regular Poké Balls first and reserve Beast Balls for tougher Ultra Beasts or those with low catch rates.
13. Is there a trick to getting excellent throws consistently in Pokémon GO?
There are various techniques to improve your chances of landing Excellent Throws in Pokémon GO. One popular method involves using the Augmented Reality Plus (AR+) mode and angling the camera towards a flat surface. Practice and consistency are key.
14. What happens if I run out of Beast Balls during an Ultra Beast encounter?
In Pokémon GO, if you run out of Beast Balls during an Ultra Beast encounter, the encounter ends. You will not be able to attempt to catch the Ultra Beast further at that time. It’s crucial to aim carefully and make each throw count.
15. Are Vortex Balls better than Beast Balls?
The article mentions Vortex Balls can catch any Pokemon. Vortex Balls do not exist in any Pokemon Game. However, if they were to exist, Vortex Balls wouldn’t necessarily be superior to Beast Balls for catching Ultra Beasts. The Beast Ball’s specialized catch rate against Ultra Beasts likely makes it more effective in those specific encounters.
Conclusion: Mastering the Beast Ball
The Beast Ball is a powerful and specialized tool designed for a very specific purpose: capturing Ultra Beasts. Understanding its mechanics, limitations, and optimal usage is crucial for any trainer seeking to expand their collection with these rare and elusive creatures. While it may not be the best choice for every Pokémon encounter, the Beast Ball remains an indispensable asset when facing the extradimensional threat of the Ultra Beasts. For more information on games and learning, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.