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Decoding the Beast Ball: More Than Just a Catching Tool

The point of a Beast Ball is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a specialized Poké Ball designed to significantly increase the catch rate of Ultra Beasts. Introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, the Beast Ball offers a dramatically higher success rate when used on these extradimensional Pokémon compared to standard Poké Balls. Beyond its primary function, it has also gained value in the community as a collectible item for trades and breeding, signifying a commitment to aesthetics and rarity.

Understanding the Nitty-Gritty of Beast Balls

The Beast Ball stands out in the world of Pokémon items. While a Master Ball guarantees a capture, and other specialized balls offer bonuses based on environment or Pokémon type, the Beast Ball hones in on a specific group of creatures: the enigmatic Ultra Beasts. But its usefulness extends beyond mere utility, blending into the social and aesthetic aspects of the Pokémon community.

A Catching Tool with a Twist

The fundamental reason for the existence of the Beast Ball is, undoubtedly, to aid trainers in capturing Ultra Beasts. These Pokémon, originating from Ultra Space, are powerful and notoriously difficult to catch using conventional methods. The 5x catch rate multiplier against Ultra Beasts makes the Beast Ball a crucial asset during these encounters.

However, the flip side is its abysmal performance against other Pokémon. With a 0.1x catch rate against non-Ultra Beasts, using a Beast Ball on a common Pidgey would be a spectacular waste and practically guarantee failure. This specialization forces trainers to strategize and reserve these valuable items for their intended targets.

Beyond Utility: Aesthetics and Rarity

In recent Pokémon games, especially Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Beast Ball has transcended its initial purpose. With the increased emphasis on customization and collectibility, Pokémon caught in special Poké Balls, known as Aprimons when in Apricorn Balls, have become highly sought after for trading and breeding. While not technically an Apricorn Ball, the Beast Ball shares a similar allure due to its rarity and distinctive appearance.

Breeding a Pokémon in a Beast Ball allows trainers to pass down the ball to subsequent generations (under specific conditions – more on that later). This has created a niche market for “BB-mon” (Pokémon bred in Beast Balls), prized for their aesthetic appeal and the effort involved in obtaining them. Think of it as adding a touch of exclusivity to your Pokémon team. This has also spawned a fun aspect of the game, which is discussing which Pokémon look great when caught in a particular ball.

A Statement of Style

Catching and breeding Pokémon in Beast Balls can be seen as a statement of style and dedication. It signals to other players that you’ve invested time and effort into acquiring rare items and creating aesthetically pleasing Pokémon teams. In a world where customization and self-expression are increasingly valued, the Beast Ball offers another avenue for trainers to showcase their unique style within the Pokémon universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Beast Balls

To further clarify the nuances of Beast Balls, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

Do Beast Balls have a 100% catch rate? No, Beast Balls do not have a 100% catch rate. They offer a 5x catch rate against Ultra Beasts, but there’s still a chance of failure. The Master Ball remains the only ball with a guaranteed catch.
Can you catch Ultra Beasts without Beast Balls? Absolutely! While Beast Balls make the process significantly easier, Ultra Beasts can be caught with any Poké Ball. However, be prepared for a potentially lengthy and frustrating battle if you opt for standard Poké Balls.
Can Beast Balls be passed down through breeding? Yes, but with caveats. The Pokémon’s ball can be passed down only when breeding a female of the same species, or when breeding with Ditto. In the first scenario, the offspring has a 50/50 shot of inheriting either parent’s ball.
How do I get Beast Balls? This varies depending on the game. Typically, they are awarded for story progression in the Ultra Beast quest, or as a rare reward in post-game content, like the Crown Tundra’s Dynamax Adventures in Pokémon Sword and Shield, where you must trade Dynite Ore to get one.
Do Beast Balls work on Necrozma? No, Beast Balls are designed specifically for Ultra Beasts and are ineffective against Necrozma which is a Legendary Pokémon.
Are Ultra Beasts considered Legendary Pokémon? The classification is somewhat ambiguous. While they possess traits of Legendary Pokémon (rarity, power), they are often categorized separately, sometimes referred to as “Sub Legendaries“. Game code has even classified them as Legendaries in the past.
Can Ultra Beasts be shiny? Yes! You can encounter Shiny Ultra Beasts, making them even more desirable.
Is a Beast Ball better than a Master Ball? It depends on the context. The Master Ball guarantees a capture, making it superior in terms of certainty. However, Beast Balls are more readily available (though still rare) and perfectly adequate for catching Ultra Beasts, freeing up your Master Ball for other rare or challenging Pokémon.
Why are Beast Balls valuable in trades? Because of their rarity, aesthetic appeal, and the effort required to obtain them. Pokémon bred in Beast Balls are considered collectible and add a certain flair to a team.
Do Beast Balls work on Solgaleo or Lunala? Like Necrozma, Solgaleo and Lunala are not Ultra Beasts, so the Beast Ball’s specialized bonus won’t apply. However, they can still be caught in Beast Balls, albeit with the standard catch rate.
What makes Beast Balls different from other Poké Balls? Their specialized catch rate bonus against Ultra Beasts sets them apart. Unlike other balls that offer bonuses based on type or environment, Beast Balls are specifically tailored to these extradimensional creatures.
Are there any Pokémon that should never be caught in a Beast Ball? Since the Beast Ball has such a low catch rate outside of the Ultra Beasts, trainers should avoid using this ball on Pokémon other than the intended targets. Any other Pokémon that you are trying to catch should not be in a Beast Ball to save the trainer time and resources.
Does the success rate of Beast Balls change in different games? Generally, the 5x catch rate against Ultra Beasts has remained consistent across games where they are featured.
Are Beast Balls influenced by status conditions like paralysis or sleep? Yes, like other Poké Balls, the catch rate of a Beast Ball is increased by status conditions such as Paralysis, Sleep, Freeze, Burn or Poison.
What are the best strategies for catching Ultra Beasts with Beast Balls? Lowering the Ultra Beast’s HP, inflicting a status condition (Sleep or Paralysis are ideal), and stocking up on multiple Beast Balls are key strategies. Patience and persistence are also essential!

The Enduring Appeal of the Beast Ball

The Beast Ball’s significance extends beyond its mechanical function as a catching tool. It has woven itself into the fabric of the Pokémon community, representing a blend of utility, aesthetics, and social value. Whether you’re a dedicated breeder striving for the perfect BB-mon or a seasoned trainer preparing to face off against the formidable Guzzlord, the Beast Ball remains a captivating and coveted item in the vast world of Pokémon. It represents a deeper engagement with the game, echoing sentiments often discussed at the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores the social and educational aspects of gaming.

What’s the point of a Beast Ball?