HeartGold and SoulSilver (HGSS) are often considered the pinnacle of Pokémon games due to their deep, engaging mechanics and nostalgic ties to the original Johto region. One aspect that sets these games apart is the diverse selection of Poké Balls, including the less common Inf Balls. While many players are familiar with Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls, mastering the use of Inf Balls can offer an edge in capturing Pokémon, especially during critical in-game moments like legendary encounters.
What Are Inf Balls?
Inf Balls, short for Infinity Balls, are a special type of Poké Ball exclusive to HGSS. They do not exist in the standard item list; rather, they are part of an event distribution in Pokémon games. Here are some key details:
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Availability: Inf Balls can only be obtained through specific events or glitches, making them rare and highly sought after.
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Catch Rate: They have a catch rate akin to a Master Ball, guaranteeing the capture of almost any wild Pokémon.
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Design: The Inf Ball visually resembles a Poké Ball with the infinity symbol in place of the traditional button.
Why Use Inf Balls?
The primary appeal of Inf Balls lies in their utility:
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Unfailing Capture: Unlike other balls where catch rates can be calculated, Inf Balls provide an automatic capture.
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Event Exclusivity: They add a unique aspect to your collection, making your gameplay experience distinct.
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Rare Pokémon: Perfect for capturing rare or legendary Pokémon where even the Master Ball might feel too precious to use.
Mastering Inf Balls: Pro Tips
Securing Inf Balls
Securing Inf Balls can be a challenge due to their event-specific nature. Here's how you can get them:
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Event Participation: Keep an eye on official Pokémon events or fan-made events that distribute Inf Balls.
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Glitch Hunting: There are known glitches in HGSS that can produce Inf Balls, but these require precise timing and game conditions.
<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Check forums and communities like GameFAQs or Reddit for the latest event news or glitches related to Inf Balls.</p>
Knowing When to Use Them
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Legendary Pokémon: Since Inf Balls are rare, save them for legendary encounters like Ho-Oh, Lugia, or even roaming Pokémon like Raikou or Entei.
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Shiny Pokémon: If you encounter a shiny Pokémon in the wild, using an Inf Ball ensures no escape.
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Rare encounters: Use them on Pokémon that have a low encounter rate or are hard to catch, like the rare starters in the wild.
Combining Inf Balls with Strategy
Inf Balls can also be part of a broader strategy:
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Weakness Exploitation: Lower the wild Pokémon's HP and possibly inflict a status ailment to increase the catch rate with traditional balls, saving Inf Balls for when they truly shine.
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Time Management: Remember, roaming Pokémon disappear after a certain number of encounters. Use an Inf Ball to secure them before they vanish.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
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Do Not Overuse: Inf Balls are limited; using them for common Pokémon wastes their potential.
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Timing: Be mindful of when you use an Inf Ball; remember you can't save the game mid-battle in HGSS.
Practical Examples
Let's look at some scenarios where an Inf Ball would be the ideal choice:
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Scenario 1: Encountering Mewtwo at Cerulean Cave. Mewtwo has a low catch rate, and if you're unprepared, you might fail several attempts. Here, an Inf Ball ensures a guaranteed capture.
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Scenario 2: A wild Celebi appears during a special event. With its legendary status and rarity, an Inf Ball would be the safest bet to capture it.
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Scenario 3: You encounter a shiny Dratini in the wild, one of the rarest encounters. An Inf Ball secures it without fail.
Shortcuts and Advanced Techniques
Glitch Hunting for Inf Balls
If you're adept at using glitches:
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The Item Dupe Glitch: This allows you to duplicate any item, including Master Balls, which can then be converted to Inf Balls via another glitch.
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Text Speed Glitch: Changing text speed quickly during trade or trade evolutions can produce various items, including Inf Balls.
<p class="pro-note">🔎 Pro Tip: Always save your game before attempting any glitch to avoid losing your progress.</p>
Using Inf Balls for Speedruns
For players looking to speedrun or optimize gameplay:
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Minimize Random Encounter: Use Inf Balls on Pokémon that would normally take time to catch, speeding up your journey.
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Legendary Battles: Quickly secure legendary Pokémon, avoiding prolonged battles that can delay progression.
Troubleshooting
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Game Crash: If a glitch fails, the game might crash. Regular saves are crucial.
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Not Working: Ensure you follow glitch steps accurately. Missteps can lead to unexpected results or no results at all.
Final Notes
The art of using Inf Balls in HGSS involves understanding their rarity, knowing when to deploy them, and being strategic about your game choices. While they provide an incredible advantage, they should be used wisely to maintain the game's challenge and excitement.
Looking to learn more? Explore related tutorials on Pokémon breeding, legendary hunting, and more advanced gameplay mechanics.
<p class="pro-note">🌟 Pro Tip: Inf Balls are a game-changer but remember, sometimes the challenge of catching a Pokémon is part of the fun. Use them as a last resort or for moments you want to ensure are memorable and successful.</p>
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can Inf Balls be traded?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Inf Balls can be traded with other players, but only through direct trade, not via Wonder Trade or other automated methods.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I accidentally use an Inf Ball on a common Pokémon?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It’s irreversible, but it’s a lesson in game strategy. Next time, save your Inf Balls for truly rare or important encounters.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any side effects to using glitches for Inf Balls?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Glitches can introduce bugs or corruption into your game save. Always backup before attempting any glitches.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>