Learn how to unlock the Master Ball in Pokémon Legends: Z-A through Mable’s Research Rewards. We’ll show you the best path to Research Level 49 and which Pokémon deserve this ultimate catch tool.
If you’ve played any Pokémon game before, you know the Master Ball is basically the holy grail of catching tools. It’s back in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and yes, it’s just as rare and powerful as you remember. The catch? (Pun intended.) You’ll need to put in some serious work to earn it.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting your hands on this legendary Poké Ball and—more importantly—deciding which Pokémon actually deserves it.
What Makes the Master Ball So Special?
Let’s cut to the chase: the Master Ball guarantees a 100% catch rate. No shaking, no escaping, no drama. You throw it, you catch the Pokémon. Every single time.
In a game where legendary Pokémon can break free from even your best Ultra Balls after dozens of attempts, having one guaranteed catch in your pocket is incredibly valuable. But here’s the thing that makes this decision so nerve-wracking—you might only get one Master Ball in the entire game.
That’s right. Unlike regular Poké Balls that you can buy by the dozen, this is potentially a one-time deal. So before you get excited and use it on the first shiny Bidoof you see (we’ve all been tempted), let’s talk about how to actually obtain it.
How to Unlock the Master Ball: Step-by-Step
The path to your Master Ball runs through Mable’s Research Rewards program. Here’s how it works:
Meeting Mable
During Mission 3, you’ll encounter Mable for the first time. She’ll give you a simple request: catch 5 Pokémon. Easy enough, right? Once you complete this introductory task, she introduces you to her Research Rewards system—basically a progression track that rewards you for being a diligent trainer.
Understanding Research Tasks
Research Tasks are specific objectives tied to individual Pokémon species. You can check these tasks anytime through your main party menu. They include things like:
- Catching multiple specimens of a species
- Defeating a certain number in battle
- Observing specific behaviors
- Using particular move types against them
Each completed task increases your Research Level, which unlocks rewards along Mable’s progression track.
The Long Road to Research Level 49
Here’s where things get real: you need to reach Research Level 49 to claim your Master Ball. That’s the second-highest rank in the entire reward system, which means you’ll be grinding through dozens upon dozens of Research Tasks.
There’s no shortcut here. You simply need to:
- Complete Research Tasks consistently as you explore Lumiose City
- Diversify your catches—don’t just focus on your main team
- Check your Research Task progress regularly to maximize efficiency
- Talk to Mable at Research Level 49 to finally claim your prize
The good news? If you naturally explore and catch Pokémon as you play, you’ll make steady progress. The bad news? It’s going to take a while.
Pro Tips for Reaching Research Level 49 Faster
Since we’re talking about potentially the only Master Ball you’ll ever get, here are some strategies to speed up the grind:
Catch everything you see – Even if you don’t plan to use a Pokémon, catching it contributes to Research Tasks. Plus, you might discover some surprisingly powerful early-game catches that make the journey easier.
Prioritize high-value tasks – Some Research Tasks give more progress than others. Focus on completing full sets of objectives for individual species.
Use fast travel strategically – Jump between areas to find specific Pokémon you need for tasks rather than wandering aimlessly.
Don’t ignore common Pokémon – That Bunnelby you keep seeing? It counts toward your progress just as much as rarer species.
Explore different Wild Zones – Places like Wild Zone 2 and Wild Zone 4 offer diverse species to fill out your Research Tasks.
Change the time of day – Some Pokémon only appear during specific times, so manipulating day/night cycles helps you complete tasks faster.
What Should You Use Your Master Ball On?
Okay, so you’ve finally earned your Master Ball after hours of grinding Research Tasks. Now comes the million-dollar question: which Pokémon deserves it?
Here are some genuinely worthy candidates:
Legendary Pokémon
This is the no-brainer choice. Legendaries typically have extremely low catch rates and may flee after a certain number of turns. Using your Master Ball here eliminates all that stress.
Shiny Legendary Pokémon
If you’re lucky enough to encounter a shiny version of a legendary? Master Ball. Immediately. Don’t even think twice. The combination of rarity makes this the ultimate prize.
Alpha Pokémon
These oversized, aggressive variants are tougher to catch than normal Pokémon. If you find an Alpha of a species you really want, especially with good stats, it might be worth the investment.
Shiny Pokémon That Can Flee
Some shiny Pokémon are notorious for running away or struggling free from regular Poké Balls. If you encounter one that’s particularly difficult or has a move like Teleport, the Master Ball saves potential heartbreak.
Personal Favorites
Look, at the end of the day, it’s your game. If there’s a specific Pokémon you absolutely love and want to guarantee the catch, go for it. Gaming is supposed to be fun, not stressful.
What NOT to Use It On
Just as important as knowing what deserves your Master Ball is knowing what doesn’t:
- Common Pokémon – Even if they’re shiny, most regular species can be caught with patience and regular balls
- Starters – You can get Kanto starters and other gift Pokémon through normal gameplay
- Eevee – While adorable and versatile, Eevee isn’t rare enough to justify a Master Ball
- Story-related encounters – Most Pokémon you’re meant to catch as part of the plot have reasonable catch rates
Can You Get More Master Balls?
As of now, the Research Level 49 reward appears to be the only confirmed way to obtain a Master Ball in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Unlike some previous games where you might find additional Master Balls through post-game content or special events, we haven’t discovered any alternate sources yet.
That said, the game is still being thoroughly explored by the community. If additional methods are discovered—whether through hidden quests, special rewards, or late-game areas outside Lumiose City—we’ll update this guide accordingly.
Other Useful Resources to Help Your Journey
As you work toward that Research Level 49 milestone, these guides might come in handy:
- Need crafting materials? Check out our guides for Tiny Mushrooms, Colorful Screws, and Clear Purple Sludge
- Looking for specific Pokémon? Our Pikachu guide and Pansage/Pansear/Panpour guide can help
- Planning your team? See our Mega Evolution tier list to know which Pokémon are worth the investment
- Want better friendship with your team? Learn how to increase happiness
Final Thoughts
The Master Ball in Pokémon Legends: Z-A represents both incredible power and significant responsibility. Getting to Research Level 49 takes dedication, but that’s kind of the point—it ensures that when you finally get your hands on this ultimate catching tool, you’ve earned it.
My advice? Don’t stress too much about using it “perfectly.” Yes, save it for something special, but don’t let the fear of making a wrong choice prevent you from enjoying the game. Whether you use it on a legendary encounter, a perfect shiny, or just your favorite Pokémon, the best choice is the one that makes you happy.
For more information about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, visit the official Pokémon Legends website or check out the game on the Nintendo Store.
Happy hunting, trainers! 🎯
Quick Summary:
Start working toward it early by completing Research Tasks naturally as you play
Master Ball = 100% catch rate, no exceptions
Unlock it by reaching Research Level 49 in Mable’s Research Rewards
Complete Research Tasks to increase your level
This appears to be the only Master Ball in the game
Save it for legendaries, shiny legendaries, or difficult Alpha Pokémon
