The Master Ball is one of the most coveted items in Pokémon Go, offering a guaranteed catch for any Pokémon without fail. Whether you’re trying to catch elusive Legendary Pokémon or a particularly tricky wild Pokémon, the Master Ball ensures success. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining this rare item in Pokémon Go and tips for making the most of it.
What Is a Master Ball?
The Master Ball is a special type of Poké Ball with a 100% catch rate. No matter the circumstances, it will always secure the Pokémon you’re targeting. In Pokémon Go, this makes it an incredibly valuable item, especially for catching Pokémon that are difficult to find or have high flee rates, such as Legendary Pokémon or certain regional variants.
How to Obtain the Master Ball
Unlike regular Poké Balls, Master Balls are not available in PokéStops, Gyms, or shops. You must earn them through specific events or research tasks. As of recent updates, there are two primary ways to acquire a Master Ball in Pokémon Go:
- Timed Research Tasks
Niantic periodically introduces timed research challenges during special events. For example, the Timed Investigation: Master Ball was part of the Adventures Abound event. Completing these tasks requires players to fulfill several objectives, such as:- Catching 1,000 Pokémon.
- Winning 60 Raid Battles.
- Hatching 30 Eggs.
- Exploring 50 kilometers.
- Earning 100,000 Stardust and XP.
- Completing all the objectives rewards players with a Master Ball, along with additional bonuses like Stardust and XP. These tasks can be time-consuming, but they ensure that diligent trainers have a clear path to earning the Master Ball.
- Masterwork Research
Masterwork Research is another method for obtaining the Master Ball. Unlike Timed Research, Masterwork tasks can be completed at your own pace. These are usually introduced during special events and may include objectives like catching rare Pokémon or completing difficult challenges. Logging into Pokémon Go during certain events will automatically unlock these tasks for eligible players. - Special Research Tickets
For trainers who miss out on limited-time events, Niantic sometimes offers Special Research tickets for purchase. These tickets include challenges that ultimately reward a Master Ball. While this method is not free, it provides an alternative for players who cannot commit to extensive gameplay during events.
When to Use the Master Ball
Given its rarity, you’ll want to save your Master Ball for a Pokémon that is exceptionally hard to catch. Here are some ideal scenarios:
- Galarian Legendary Birds
Pokémon like Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are some of the most elusive in the game. They have high flee rates and are challenging to catch even with Ultra Balls and berries. If you encounter one, the Master Ball ensures a successful capture. - Raid Bosses
Legendary and Mythical Pokémon encountered during Raid Battles often have low catch rates. If you’ve battled hard for a specific Pokémon and don’t want to risk losing it, the Master Ball is a reliable choice. - Shiny Pokémon
While shiny Pokémon caught in Raid Battles have a guaranteed catch rate, those found in the wild do not. If you stumble upon a rare shiny Pokémon, a Master Ball can save you from the heartbreak of seeing it flee.
Tips for Maximizing Your Master Ball Use
- Strategize
Avoid using your Master Ball impulsively. Consider whether the Pokémon you’re targeting is worth it, especially if it’s available through other means like Raids or Special Research. - Combine with Lures and Incense
Use Daily Adventure Incense or Lure Modules to increase your chances of encountering rare Pokémon. If you spot something exceptional, your Master Ball can seal the deal. - Save for Events
Many players save their Master Ball for limited-time events when rare or exclusive Pokémon are more likely to appear.
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