The Cracked Bat is the first and weakest bat introduced in EarthBound. It can only be used by Ness and is picked up in Ness's House in Tracy's room before he leaves and ventures into Onett. It can also be bought in Onett's drugstore for $18, selling for $9. This weapon adds an additional 4 Offense to Ness's base stats.
The Cracked Bat is generally used at the very start of the game and is easily found by most players. Ness will usually fight the first enemies such as the Runaway Dog and Coil Snake outside with it. Once the player eventually acquires the Tee Ball Bat for $48 in the Onett drugstore, it is recommended to sell the Cracked Bat to get $9 back for free.
Trivia[]
- Attempting to leave without it will put Ness at a disadvantage due to his very low level.
- EarthBound Beginnings's equivalent to the Cracked Bat is the Plastic Bat equipped by Ninten in My Home in the region of Podunk. It can also be bought in the department store in Podunk for $80. It can additionally be found in Twinkle Elementary School. It offers +3 Offense, slightly less than Ness's. Mother 3's equivalent is the Stick equipped by Flint and Lucas in the first chapter of the game by checking the doghouse in the Twins' House. It can also be found as a 15% drop by Squawking Sticks. It offers +2 Offense, also slightly less than Ness's.
- The Cracked Bat is the first thing that implies that Ness is a baseball player or a fan of it similarly to Ninten. Although because it's explicitly stated to be damaged, it is not meant to be used seriously in both combat and sports.