Buena's Password
Complete guide to Buena's Password mini-game in Polished Crystal. Learn how to earn Blue Card points, daily password mechanics, and redeem points for rare items like Ultra Balls, Rare Candies, and Nuggets.
Introduction
Buena's Password is a daily mini-game at the Goldenrod Radio Tower where you can earn Blue Card Points by correctly guessing a password. These points can be redeemed for valuable items including Rare Candies, Ultra Balls, and evolution items.
This low-effort daily activity provides a steady stream of resources throughout your playthrough, making it worth visiting every evening.
Getting Started
Prerequisites
- Access Required: Obtain the Radio Card from the Radio Tower receptionist after clearing the Team Rocket takeover
- Location: Goldenrod Radio Tower, 2nd Floor
- Time: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Midnight)
- Frequency: Once per day
How to Start
- Visit the Goldenrod Radio Tower 2nd Floor between 6:00 PM and midnight
- Talk to Buena at her desk
- She'll give you a Blue Card on your first visit
- Listen to her radio show for the daily password hint
- Return and guess the password for points
Password Mechanics
Finding the Password
The password is a number between 0 and 99. Buena provides hints during her radio show:
- Tune your radio to Buena's Password (automatic when talking to her)
- Listen for clues about the password number
- Make your guess
Tip: The password changes daily and is randomized, so there's no pattern to memorize.
Guessing Strategy
- You have unlimited attempts to guess the correct password
- There's no penalty for wrong guesses
- Buena will tell you if your guess is too high or too low
- Use binary search: Start at 50, then narrow down based on hints
Example Strategy:
- Guess 50 → "Too high" → Try 25
- Guess 25 → "Too low" → Try 37
- Guess 37 → "Correct!" → Earn points
Blue Card Points & Rewards
Earning Points
- Correct Password: 1 point per day
- Points Accumulate: Save up for expensive items
Prize List
Points can be redeemed for items at Buena's desk:
| Item | Point Cost | Value/Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Ball | 2 points | High catch rate ball |
| Full Restore | 2 points | Fully restores HP and status |
| Elixir | 2 points | Restores 10 PP to all moves |
| Max Elixir | 3 points | Fully restores PP to all moves |
| Nugget | 3 points | Sells high |
| Rare Candy | 4 points | Instant level up |
| Eviolite | 5 points | Boosts Defense/Sp. Def of unevolved Pokémon |
| PP Up | 6 points | Permanently increase move PP |
| Ability Capsule | 7 points | Changes Pokémon's ability |
Recommended Redemptions
Early Game (Before Elite Four):
- Ultra Balls (2 pts) - Essential for catching Legendaries and rare Pokémon
- Full Restore (2 pts) - Cost-effective healing for tough battles
- Elixir (2 pts) - PP restoration during long dungeons
Mid-Game:
- Max Elixir (3 pts) - Full PP restoration before Gym Leaders/Elite Four
- Rare Candies (4 pts) - Level underleveled team members quickly
- Nuggets (3 pts) - Convert points to money (¥1,667 per point)
Late Game/Post-Game:
- Eviolite (5 pts) - Game-changing held item for NFE Pokémon (Chansey, Porygon2, etc.)
- Ability Capsule (7 pts) - Change abilities without breeding
- PP Up (6 pts) - Permanent PP increases for competitive movesets
Optimal Usage Strategy
Daily Routine
- Visit between 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM every day
- Guess the password (takes ~30 seconds with binary search)
- Save points for high-value items rather than spending immediately
- Redeem before major challenges (Gym battles, Elite Four, Legendaries)
Time Efficiency
- Total Time: ~1 minute per day
- Annual Value: 182+ Ultra Balls, 91+ Rare Candies, or 52+ Ability Capsules per year
- One of the best daily events for resource generation
Integration with Other Dailies
Combine with other daily events in Goldenrod:
- Berry Girl (Department Store 5F) - Free berries
- Loto-ID (Radio Tower 1F) - Lottery prizes
- Haircut Brothers (Underground Tunnel) - Friendship boosts
Visit all three in one trip to maximize efficiency.
Common Questions
Can I do this before getting the Radio Card?
No, you must obtain the Radio Card from the Radio Tower receptionist after clearing the Team Rocket takeover storyline.
What happens if I don't visit daily?
You simply miss that day's point. There's no penalty, but you lose potential accumulation.
Is there a maximum point limit?
No, you can accumulate points indefinitely.
Can I visit after midnight?
No, Buena is only available from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The event resets at midnight.
What's the best item to save for?
Ability Capsule (7 points) is the most valuable long-term since it's otherwise very difficult to obtain. Eviolite (5 points) is excellent if you use unevolved Pokémon. For casual players, Ultra Balls (2 points) and Full Restore (2 points) provide immediate utility.
Related Guides
- Helpful NPCs Guide - All daily events and services
- Quality of Life Improvements - Complete list of enhancements
- Beginner's Guide - Essential tips for new players