How to Get a Master Ball in Pokémon GO – The Master Ball is one of the most iconic and sought-after items in Pokémon games, and its introduction to Pokémon GO has sparked excitement among players. Known for its ability to catch any Pokémon without fail, the Master Ball is a game-changer, particularly for capturing elusive Legendaries or Shiny Pokémon. But how do you get a Master Ball in Pokémon GO? This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know, from acquiring a Master Ball to making the most of this rare item.
What Is a Master Ball in Pokémon GO?
The Master Ball is a unique Poké Ball that guarantees a 100% capture rate. Unlike other Poké Balls—such as Great Balls or Ultra Balls—there’s no risk of the Pokémon escaping. This makes it the ultimate tool for catching rare or high-value Pokémon that are otherwise difficult to capture.
How to Get a Master Ball in Pokémon GO
1. Through Special Research Tasks
Currently, the primary way to obtain a Master Ball in Pokémon GO is by completing Special Research tasks. These are storyline-driven tasks provided by Professor Willow, which often coincide with major events or new game features.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check for Active Special Research: Open your game and tap on the binoculars icon to view your active research tasks. Look for Special Research missions that mention rewards like a Master Ball.
- Complete the Tasks: Special Research usually consists of multiple steps, such as catching Pokémon, battling in raids, spinning PokéStops, or walking a certain distance.
- Claim Your Reward: Once all tasks in the Special Research are completed, you’ll receive the Master Ball as one of the rewards.
Example:
In the Season of Hidden Gems (May 2023), the Master Ball was introduced as a reward for completing the “Let’s GO!” Special Research. Players had to complete a series of tasks during this season to earn the coveted item.
2. Timed Events and Seasonal Bonuses
Occasionally, Pokémon GO releases timed events where players can earn rare items, including the Master Ball. These events are often tied to specific seasons, community events, or collaborations.
Tips for Timed Events:
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official announcements from Niantic or the in-game news section for details about upcoming events.
- Participate Actively: Timed events often have strict deadlines, so log in daily to ensure you don’t miss any tasks.
3. Special Promotions
Niantic sometimes partners with brands or hosts promotions that provide exclusive rewards. While these promotions are rare, they occasionally include high-value items like the Master Ball.
How to Stay Informed:
- Follow Pokémon GO on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Subscribe to newsletters or check for updates on the Pokémon GO blog.
Maximizing the Use of Your Master Ball
Since the Master Ball is an exceptionally rare item, deciding when and how to use it is crucial. Here are some scenarios where using the Master Ball makes the most sense:
1. Catching Legendary Pokémon
Legendary Pokémon, like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, or Giratina, often appear in five-star raids. These Pokémon are notoriously difficult to catch, even with a Golden Razz Berry and Ultra Ball. A Master Ball ensures you secure the capture without wasting resources or missing your chance.
When to Use:
- The Legendary Pokémon is Shiny.
- It has near-perfect IVs (Individual Values).
- It’s a rare species that may not return to raids for a long time.
2. Capturing Galarian Birds in Daily Adventure Incense
Introduced as part of the Daily Adventure Incense feature, Pokémon like Galarian Zapdos, Galarian Articuno, and Galarian Moltres have extremely low catch rates. These rare spawns are notorious for fleeing after one or two failed throws.
Using a Master Ball for Galarian Birds:
- Activate your Daily Adventure Incense.
- Encounter a Galarian Bird while walking.
- Use the Master Ball immediately to guarantee the capture before it flees.
3. Shiny Hunting
If you’re a collector of Shiny Pokémon, you know how rare and valuable they are. While most Shiny Pokémon can be caught with regular Poké Balls, certain scenarios—such as Shiny Legendaries—may warrant the use of a Master Ball.
Alternatives to the Master Ball
While the Master Ball is an incredible tool, it’s not the only way to improve your catch rates. Here are some alternative strategies:
1. Use Golden Razz Berries
Golden Razz Berries drastically increase your chances of catching a Pokémon. Use them on tough Pokémon like Legendaries or event-specific spawns.
2. Practice Your Curveball Throws
Landing a curveball throw, especially an “Excellent” throw, significantly boosts your chances of capturing a Pokémon.
3. Stock Up on Ultra Balls
Ultra Balls are the most powerful standard Poké Balls available and should be used for high-level Pokémon.
4. Take Advantage of Weather Boosts
When Pokémon are boosted by the weather, they often have higher CP, but they’re also more likely to appear. Use weather boosts to your advantage when searching for specific species.
What to Avoid When Using a Master Ball
1. Don’t Waste It on Common Pokémon
Save your Master Ball for Pokémon that are truly rare or hard to catch. Using it on common spawns like Pidgey or Rattata is a waste of this precious resource.
2. Avoid Using It Out of Panic
Take your time to assess the situation before using your Master Ball. If you’re unsure, consult guides or community forums to determine if the Pokémon is worth it.
3. Don’t Hoard It Indefinitely
While it’s tempting to save your Master Ball forever, holding onto it too long may mean missing out on a perfect opportunity. Use it strategically when the right moment arises.
Future Opportunities to Obtain a Master Ball
As Pokémon GO continues to evolve, it’s likely that Niantic will introduce additional opportunities to obtain a Master Ball. These could include:
- New Special Research tasks.
- Limited-time events during anniversaries or seasonal updates.
- Higher-level rewards in Pokémon GO Battle League.
Stay engaged with the game and its community to ensure you don’t miss out on future chances to snag another Master Ball.
Conclusion
The Master Ball is a rare and invaluable item in Pokémon GO, offering a guaranteed way to catch even the most elusive Pokémon. Whether you’re using it to secure a Legendary, capture a Shiny, or snag a Galarian Bird, its importance cannot be overstated. By following this guide, you’ll not only learn how to obtain a Master Ball but also understand the best ways to use it strategically.
Stay active in the game, complete Special Research tasks, and participate in events to increase your chances of earning this legendary item. With the right planning and a bit of patience, you’ll be ready to make the most of your Master Ball when the perfect opportunity arises!