Can a Master Ball fail in Emerald?

Can a Master Ball fail in Emerald?

In the beloved Pokémon games, the Master Ball is considered the holy grail of Poké Balls. Its 100% catch rate makes it a game-changer, especially when it comes to catching those elusive and prized Pokémon. But, did you know that a Master Ball can indeed fail? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricate details of Master Ball success and failure, specifically focusing on the game Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (which the Master Ball is also usable in Emerald).

Spoiler Alert: The Catch Rate is Always 100%

To start with a bold statement: the Catch Rate of a Master Ball is always 100%, regardless of the Pokémon you’re trying to catch, its health, or status. There is no scenario where a Master Ball fails to catch a wild Pokémon. This guaranteed catch rate makes the Master Ball a precious and hard-to-obtain item.

Now, let’s get more specific. The Master Ball’s catch rate is governed by a set of in-game conditions. Whether the Master Ball succeeds in catching a wild Pokémon has nothing to do with your in-game abilities or status. Factors such as the Pokémon’s health, its speed, or other external influences don’t alter the outcome of the catching process. In short, a Master Ball cannot fail to catch a Pokémon due to its internal "luck" or random event.

What Matters Most: Your Pokédex

However, keep in mind that there is something that affects the success (or failure) of capturing a Pokémon using a Master Ball. That something is your Pokédex. Your Pokédex, also known as the "Pokémon logbook," tracks your collections of wild Pokémon. To be more specific, every Pokémon has a unique hex code in its Pokédex entry, which cannot be repeated.

Conclusion: Can a Master Ball fail in Emerald?

And here’s the answer straight from the Pokémon Emerald development team: no. The Master Ball cannot fail to capture a wild Pokémon in either Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. Don’t waste your Master Balls, and use them at the right time!