How to Unlock the Master Ball in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The Master Ball has long been the most coveted Poké Ball in the Pokémon series — a guaranteed catch for any wild Pokémon. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players have been asking: Yes, you can get the Master Ball — but it's tied to advanced tasks and not an early-game reward. According to a recent article from the Times of India, the key requirement is reaching Research Level 49 in the side quest "Mable's Research." 

Here's a breakdown of what to know:

Unlocking "Mable's Research" & Research Level 49

Before you can even qualify for the Master Ball reward, you must complete the side quest titled "Mable's Research." Once the quest becomes available, you need to raise your Research Level to 49, which means completing multiple research tasks, catching many Pokémon, exploring Lumiose City thoroughly, and fulfilling associated objectives.

Reaching Research Level 49 typically means you are well into the post-story or end-game content. It's not something you'll achieve in the first few hours — expect that you'll need to engage with many of the game's deeper systems (side missions, Mega Evolutions, Battle Club seasons, exploration, etc.).

Claiming the Master Ball & Knowing How to Use It

Once you've hit Research Level 49 and completed "Mable's Research," you'll receive the Master Ball as a reward. At that point, you can access it in your item bag like any other Poké Ball. It behaves as usual: one use, catches a wild Pokémon with 100 % success (barring scripted catches or special conditions). The value: perfect for those ultra-rare or event Pokémon you really can't afford to miss.

For best usage:

Save the Master Ball for the biggest catch (legendaries, ultra-rares, shiny you care about).

Don't waste it on something easy to catch with Ultra Balls.

Make sure you're prepared (have backup Poké Balls, healing items) — the catch may trigger extra story or battle sequences.

If the game introduces any future events or DLC that add new legendary or Mythical Pokémon, keep your Master Ball in reserve.

Why This System Matters & What to Expect

This system makes the Master Ball a reward for dedication rather than something you get early. It aligns with Legends: Z-A's broader design of layered progression: exploration, ranked battles, research tasks, and post-story content.

For players:

It gives you a clear long-term goal to chase (Research Level 49).

It ensures the item is meaningful rather than trivial.

It may feel inaccessible to casual players who don't engage with all systems — so if you're more casual, plan ahead and pace your research tasks.

Tips to Hit Level 49 Faster & Unlock the Master Ball

Prioritize Research Tasks: Many tasks increase your level faster when you catch new species, complete zone map coverage, and participate in events or Battle Club activities.

Explore thoroughly: Use Lumiose City zones, side areas, optional encounters. New zones often unlock more tasks.

Participate in Z-A Battle Club / Ranked Mode if available: Even if the Master Ball isn't directly tied to it, these battles often unlock new tasks or items that feed into research.

Don't skip side-quests: "Mable's Research" might hinge on prior quests. Keep an eye on your quest log for triggers.

Stay patient: Reaching level 49 means absorbing large parts of the game — enjoy the journey and treat the Master Ball as a capstone reward.