In Pokémon GO players can finally use the Master Ball after a long wait. However, MeinMMO author Max Handwerk finds that there is somehow a lack of a target where it really pays off.
The Master Ball has landed in Pokémon GO! Finally, one of the most iconic items in the game series has made its way to Niantic’s AR game – it has taken long enough.
For several days now, discussions around the Master Ball have been significant. Overall, the feature is well received: Cool animations give the Master Ball the necessary look it deserves, and the ability to catch any wild Pokémon in one go is exciting.
Moreover, Niantic has, at least at the current state, also adhered to the notion that the Master Ball is something special that is only available very rarely – like in the main series. Currently, one can only obtain one. There will be more opportunities, but not constantly. This is beneficial for the Master Ball itself.
However, there is also a problem with this rarity that one notices when considering what to catch with the Master Ball: There is no Pokémon in the game that truly justifies this rarity.
Strong and legendary in Pokémon GO is not the same as rare
What should one use the Master Ball for? If you look around in the community, you will find all sorts of answers to this. Notably: A lot of people write things like “I will never use the ball”. Why? Simply because one does not know if they are using the rare, powerful ball for the right thing – or if something better comes later.
It’s the classic “rare item problem” – Should I use the elixir now, or do I need it for a later boss fight?
In terms of the Master Ball, there is also a noticeable difference compared to, for example, Pokémon Red and Blue. In the end, there was only one Mewtwo, that was super-powerful and super-rare. The Master Ball was simply ideal for it.
However, in Pokémon GO there is currently nothing comparable. Although the Master Ball can certainly be used well for certain things, the question remains: Was that the right choice? Or will I miss out on something in the future if I waste my Master Ball now?
Let’s look at a few examples of fitting targets for the ball: Some immediately choose the legendary Galar birds, and they are certainly a good choice – because they are very hard to catch without the Master Ball.
At the same time, the bird trio is not really powerful. They earn more “collector” points through the catch, but do not provide a real boost for one’s own team. Is that really appropriate for the Master Ball?
Then there is the possibility of catching hard-to-catch legendaries with the Master Ball. It can be the last resort if there are no balls left after the raid. One catches a powerful monster – but that’s not particularly rare. After all, most monsters in Pokémon GO return at some point, or are available in large numbers.
This makes the Master Ball a powerful, but also difficult item. It is basically so valuable that there is nothing one really needs it for.
Will that change? This remains to be seen. There would certainly be possibilities, such as a very powerful Pokémon that spawns randomly in the wild – or also a strong Pokémon in raids that are available only very rarely.
Even Crypto-Mewtwo now in the event could be something like that, provided that it is very hard to catch with regular balls. However, this will only be evident after the first raids have taken place. Or, solutions like top raids that would only need a particularly attractive boss.
It also remains to be seen how frequently more Master Balls will be added. That is still completely open. If, for example, one spoke of one ball per month, the decision to actually throw the ball would be significantly easier.
How do you handle the ball? Have you used it already, and for what? Or do you plan to let the ball collect dust in your pocket? Tell us in the comments.
By the way, a trainer was unlucky when he handed the game to his child: He threw the Master Ball at a Paras. At least that decision is made!
