Pokémon GO Introduces Master Ball Special Research Event With Guaranteed Catch Rate

Pokémon GO is set to make waves among Trainers worldwide as The Pokémon Company and Niantic officially announce the arrival of the iconic Master Ball to the mobile game.

This powerful Poké Ball, famed for its 100% catch rate in the core Pokémon series, will debut in Pokémon GO through a special, time-limited event starting May 22, 2023, at 10:00 am local time. The Master Ball has long held legendary status within the Pokémon franchise, often reserved for capturing elusive or highly sought-after Pokémon due to its unmatched certainty of success.

Traditionally, players receive only a single Master Ball in mainline games on Nintendo platforms, leading to careful deliberation on when and how it should be used.

Its introduction in Pokémon GO signals a significant milestone for the game and its global community. According to the announcement revealed via the official @PokemonGoApp Twitter account, Trainers keen to obtain this extraordinary item will need to participate in a new Special Research quest, which launches in-game on May 22.

The official Pokémon GO blog details the requirements, specifying that the event will run until June 1, 2023, at 10:00 am local time.

Completing this Special Research before the deadline will reward Trainers with a Master Ball, making it a must-participate event for dedicated players. The Pokémon Company provided further context in its official blog post, stating: "Receiving a rare and powerful Master Ball is a special occasion—think wisely about how you’ll use it, and keep a lookout for future opportunities in Pokémon GO to acquire more!" This message both highlights the item's scarcity and hints at future avenues for players to earn additional Master Balls in Pokémon GO, though details remain limited for now. Pokémon GO, developed by Niantic in close collaboration with The Pokémon Company, continues to host special events, in-game research, and feature updates that engage millions around the world.

The introduction of the Master Ball underscores the developers' commitment to integrating classic mechanics from Nintendo’s main Pokémon series into the mobile adaptation, further enhancing the experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Those interested in securing a Master Ball should ensure they log in and participate in the Special Research sequence before the event period ends on June 1.

This update rewards attentive Trainers and reinforces Pokémon GO’s reputation for celebrating major milestones with engaging gameplay opportunities on both iOS and Android platforms. Stay tuned for future announcements from The Pokémon Company and Niantic regarding Pokémon GO features through official Nintendo Direct presentations, the eShop, and the Pokémon GO website.

The addition of the Master Ball is yet another example of how Pokémon GO continues to evolve while staying true to the spirit of the original Nintendo Switch and handheld Pokémon adventures.

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