Choosing Your Starter Pokémon Determines Your Master Ball Strategy
Choosing your starter Pokémon significantly influences your strategy for utilizing the Master Ball in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. The game’s framework centers around selecting one of three iconic starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. This choice not only sets the tone for your adventure but also determines which legendary dog appears later in the game.
Starter Pokémon and Legendary Dogs
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are set in the Kanto region, mirroring the original titles. The selection of the starter Pokémon directly correlates with the legendary dog that players can encounter during the endgame. Each starter corresponds to a specific legendary dog as follows:
- Bulbasaur: Entei
- Charmander: Suicune
- Squirtle: Raikou
The choice of starter also introduces a strategic layer, as the legendary dog that spawns is typically effective against the chosen starter, making battles challenging.
Master Ball Acquisition and Usage
Players can acquire a Master Ball by progressing through the storyline. This invaluable item guarantees a successful capture of any Pokémon, although many might be tempted to reserve it for legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo. However, it is advisable to use the Master Ball on the legendary dogs instead, as they pose significant challenges when trying to capture them.
To encounter these legendary dogs, players must first obtain the National Dex. Once unlocked, legendary dogs can use the move Roar, which frequently disrupts capturing attempts. The frustration inherent in capturing these elusive creatures justifies the strategic use of a Master Ball.
The Roar Glitch and Its Fix
Notably, the Roar glitch found in earlier versions of the game has been resolved in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch. Previously, if Entei or Raikou used Roar, they would vanish permanently, complicating capture attempts. Players can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this issue has been fixed.
Completing Your Pokédex
While saving the Master Ball for a legendary dog is wise, players should also consider their desire to catch shiny Pokémon or other legendaries. It’s crucial to note that capturing all three legendary dogs in a single save file is impossible without trading. This limitation extends to various Pokémon requiring trades for evolution.
Although online multiplayer support is lacking in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, future Pokémon Home support may facilitate completing the Pokédex for enthusiastic players. Still, players can enjoy the classic gameplay experience without the need for a Link Cable or GBA Wireless Adapter.
