The Master Ball is one of the most coveted items in the Pokémon universe. Known for its ability to catch any Pokémon without fail, it has become a legendary tool for trainers. In Pokémon Go, acquiring a Master Ball can significantly enhance your gameplay by ensuring that you catch rare and powerful Pokémon. This article will guide you through various ways to obtain a Master Ball in Pokémon Go, including completing special research tasks, participating in events, and leveraging other in-game opportunities.
What is a Master Ball in Pokémon Go?
- Description: The Master Ball is the ultimate Poké Ball that provides a 100% catch rate, meaning it can catch any Pokémon, regardless of its type, level, or the use of items like Razz Berries.
- Significance: Due to its guaranteed catch rate, the Master Ball is typically reserved for capturing rare and legendary Pokémon that are otherwise difficult to catch with standard Poké Balls.
- Rarity: The Master Ball is extremely rare in Pokémon Go, making it a highly sought-after item for serious trainers.
Completing Special Research to Get a Master Ball
- Special Research Tasks: One of the primary ways to obtain a Master Ball in Pokémon Go is through special research tasks. Niantic occasionally releases limited-time research events that reward players with a Master Ball upon completion.
- Professor Willow’s Research: Keep an eye out for announcements from Professor Willow, the game’s guide, who often introduces new special research tasks. Completing these tasks usually involves catching specific Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, and winning battles.
- Timely Participation: These special research tasks are often time-sensitive. Players need to complete them within the event period to receive the rewards, including the Master Ball.
Participating in In-Game Events
- Seasonal Events: Pokémon Go hosts seasonal events like Halloween, Christmas, and the anniversary event, which sometimes feature Master Balls as rewards for completing event-specific tasks.
- Community Day Events: While rare, there have been instances where participating in Community Day events and completing the event-specific research could reward players with a Master Ball.
- Special Announcements: Niantic regularly makes announcements regarding events through the Pokémon Go app and social media channels. Staying updated on these announcements can help players not miss out on limited-time opportunities to get a Master Ball.
Earning a Master Ball Through Achievements and Milestones
- Level Milestones: Some trainers have reported receiving Master Balls as rewards for reaching significant level milestones in the game. While this is not guaranteed, leveling up quickly can potentially increase your chances.
- Pokémon Go Battle League: Participating in the Pokémon Go Battle League and achieving high ranks may occasionally yield a Master Ball as a reward. Success in the Battle League requires strong Pokémon teams and strategic gameplay.
- Special Research Breakthroughs: Completing seven-day research breakthrough tasks may sometimes offer a chance to obtain a Master Ball. Consistently spinning PokéStops and completing daily tasks can lead to these valuable breakthrough opportunities.
Purchasing Master Balls in the In-Game Shop
- In-Game Shop Availability: While Master Balls are not regularly available for purchase in the Pokémon Go in-game shop, special promotions and bundles during significant events might include them. These bundles may be costly but could be worth the investment for players looking to secure a Master Ball.
- Coins Requirement: Players might need to accumulate enough in-game coins to purchase these special bundles. Coins can be earned by defending gyms or purchased directly through microtransactions.
Trading and Gifts from Friends
- Trading Opportunities: Although Master Balls cannot be directly traded between players, participating in trading activities and building strong friendships can yield rewards that indirectly lead to acquiring a Master Ball.
- Gifts and Friendship Levels: Reaching high friendship levels with fellow trainers and exchanging gifts regularly can sometimes result in receiving rare items, including components that might lead to Master Ball-related research tasks.
- Collaborative Events: Participating in collaborative events with friends, such as raid battles and special research, can increase the likelihood of Master Ball rewards.
Utilizing AR Mapping Tasks
- What are AR Mapping Tasks?: These are special tasks that require players to scan real-world locations using the Pokémon Go app. Completing AR Mapping tasks can unlock unique rewards.
- Master Ball as a Reward: Although uncommon, completing AR Mapping tasks during special events has occasionally rewarded players with Master Balls. These tasks require players to visit specific PokéStops and use their phone’s camera to scan the area.
- Tips for AR Mapping: To maximize the chances of getting a Master Ball, always check the task requirements before scanning, ensure good lighting conditions, and be mindful of your surroundings for a successful scan.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Master Ball
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the Pokémon Go app, official website, and social media channels for announcements about special events and research tasks that might offer Master Balls as rewards.
- Participate in Events: Actively participate in Community Days, seasonal events, and special research events. These often provide opportunities to earn rare items, including Master Balls.
- Engage in Battle Leagues: Competing in the Pokémon Go Battle League and achieving high ranks can sometimes result in rare item rewards. Building strong teams and practicing battle strategies can improve your success rate.
- Maintain High Friendship Levels: Building and maintaining friendships with other trainers can lead to valuable gifts and bonuses. The higher your friendship level, the better the rewards you can receive.
- Complete Daily Tasks and Research Breakthroughs: Consistently completing daily tasks and achieving research breakthroughs can increase the chances of encountering special research that includes Master Ball rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master Balls
- Can I use a Master Ball on any Pokémon?
Yes, the Master Ball can catch any Pokémon without fail, making it ideal for rare and legendary Pokémon. - Are Master Balls available in every event?
No, Master Balls are not available in every event. They are typically offered during specific special events or through special research tasks. - How often are Master Balls released in Pokémon Go?
Master Balls are released infrequently. Players should stay informed about special research and events to maximize their chances of obtaining one. - Can I buy a Master Ball directly from the in-game shop?
Master Balls are not usually available for direct purchase. They may be included in special event bundles or promotions. - Can Master Balls be traded between players?
No, Master Balls cannot be traded between players. Each trainer must earn them through gameplay.
Conclusion
Master Balls in Pokémon Go are incredibly valuable due to their guaranteed catch rate. Although rare, there are multiple ways to obtain them, such as completing special research tasks, participating in events, achieving milestones, and potentially purchasing them during special promotions.
Staying informed, engaging in community activities, and maximizing gameplay through strategic participation in events and research tasks are key to increasing your chances of acquiring a Master Ball. Armed with this knowledge, trainers can enhance their Pokémon Go experience and ensure they never miss out on catching their favorite Pokémon.
