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, Ability Capsules and other powerful 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. You can get the card on your first visit!
- 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 specfic word, such as a Pokémon or item. Buena says the password during her radio show:
- Tune your radio to Buena's Password (automatic when talking to her)
- Listen for the password
- Speak to Buena and repeat the password
Tip: The password changes daily and is randomized, so there's no pattern to memorize.
Guessing Strategy
Honestly, there isn't much strategy to be had here. It's a guessing game and Buena will tell you what the password is via the radio station. You can write it down, but otherwise this is super simple.
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) - Useful 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)
- Ability Capsule (7 pts) - Change abilities without breeding
Late Game/Post-Game:
- PP Up (6 pts) - Permanent PP increases for competitive movesets.
Tip! You can reset time using down + b on the title screen to quickly farm points by changing the day! This makes it super easy to get Ability Patches basically as soon as you can get to the daycare.
Optimal Usage Strategy
Daily Routine
- Visit between 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM every day
- Guess the password (takes ~30 seconds)
- 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.
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.
