Pokémon GO Master Ball is the rarest catching item in the entire game. Unlike every other type of Poké Ball, Pokémon GO Master Ball guarantees that the Pokémon will be caught as long as you successfully hit it.
Because Master Balls are incredibly limited, deciding when to use one is one of the biggest choices every Trainer will face. While it can be tempting to use it on the first rare Pokémon you see, most players prefer to save it for an encounter they simply can’t afford to lose.
What is the Pokémon GO Master Ball?
The Pokémon GO Master Ball is a special catching item that guarantees a successful catch. If your throw lands, the Pokémon cannot break free, making it the most powerful Poké Ball available in Pokémon GO.
Unlike Poké Balls, Great Balls and Ultra Balls, which improve your catch chance, the Master Ball removes the catch calculation completely.
Because of this, Pokémon GO Master Ball should only be used when you genuinely don’t want to risk losing a Pokémon.
Pokémon GO Master Ball information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Special Catching Item |
| Catch Multiplier | Guaranteed Catch |
| Available From | Special Research |
| Can Be Purchased | No |
| Can Be Deleted | Yes |
| Best Used For | Extremely rare Pokémon |
How does the Master Ball work?
Using a Pokémon GO Master Ball is simple.
Select the Master Ball before throwing it at a wild Pokémon. As long as the ball makes contact, the Pokémon will always be caught.
Unlike other Poké Balls, there’s no need to worry about:
- Catch rate
- CP
- Weather Boost
- Catch Medals
- Excellent Throws
- Curveballs
- Berry bonuses
The catch is guaranteed.
The only thing that matters is making sure the ball actually hits the Pokémon.
How to get the Master Ball
At the time of writing, Master Ball has only been available through selected Special Research quests.
Niantic has released Master Balls very sparingly, making them one of the rarest items in the game.
| Method | Available |
|---|---|
| Special Research | ✅ |
| Shop | ❌ |
| PokéStops | ❌ |
| Gifts | ❌ |
| Research Breakthrough | ❌ |
| Raids | ❌ |
Because they’re so limited, many Trainers only have one or two Master Balls in their inventory.
When should you use the Pokémon GO Master Ball?
There’s no single correct answer, but most experienced players agree that Pokémon GO Master Ball should only be used for Pokémon that are extremely difficult to replace.
Some of the best situations include:
- A Galarian Articuno
- A Galarian Zapdos
- A Galarian Moltres
- A rare shiny if there’s a genuine risk of losing it
- A once-in-a-lifetime encounter that means a lot to you
Many players specifically keep their Master Ball for the Galarian Legendary Birds, as these Pokémon have an incredibly high flee rate after each throw.
When should you NOT use the Pokémon GO Master Ball?
Because Master Balls are so rare, there are plenty of Pokémon that simply aren’t worth using one on.
You should usually avoid using a Master Ball on:
- Community Day Pokémon
- Raid bosses
- Common wild Pokémon
- Pokémon that regularly appear during events
- Pokémon you can easily encounter again
Even if these Pokémon escape, you’ll almost certainly have another opportunity to catch them.
Pokémon GO Master Ball vs Ultra Ball
| Ball | Catch Chance | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Ball | 2× Catch Multiplier | Rare Pokémon |
| Master Ball | Guaranteed Catch | Extremely valuable encounters |
Ultra Balls are designed for everyday difficult catches.
The Pokémon GO Master Ball is designed for the encounters you never want to lose.
Have You Collected Them All?
Keep track of all Costume Pikachu with our free collection tracker. Your progress is saved automatically, just bookmark the page so you can come back whenever a new event arrives.
Is the Pokémon GO Master Ball worth saving?
For most players, yes.
There’s no benefit to using your Master Ball simply because you have one.
In fact, many Trainers keep theirs for months while waiting for the perfect opportunity.
If you’re unsure whether a Pokémon deserves your Master Ball, the answer is usually no. When the right Pokémon appears, you’ll probably know immediately.
Tips for using the Pokémon GO Master Ball
Although the catch is guaranteed, there are still a few things worth remembering.
- Make sure you’ve selected the Master Ball before throwing.
- Stay calm and avoid rushing your throw.
- Don’t waste it on Pokémon you can easily catch again.
- Consider keeping one specifically for a Galarian Legendary Bird.
- Remember that once it’s used, it’s gone until Niantic releases another one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pokémon GO Master Ball guaranteed?
Yes. If the Pokémon GO Master Ball hits the Pokémon, the catch is guaranteed.
Can Pokémon escape from the Pokémon GO Master Ball?
No. Unlike every other standard Poké Ball, Pokémon cannot break free from a Master Ball.
Can you buy the Pokémon GO Master Ball?
No. The Pokémon GO Master Ball has only been available through selected Special Research quests.
Should I use the Pokémon GO Master Ball on a Galarian Bird?
Many players believe this is the best use for a Master Ball because Galarian Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres have an extremely low catch rate and a very high chance of fleeing.
Can I have more than one Pokémon GO Master Ball?
Yes. If Niantic releases additional Master Ball Special Research, it’s possible to own more than one.
Can you accidentally waste a Pokémon GO Master Ball?
Yes. Once you’ve confirmed your throw and caught the Pokémon, the Master Ball is consumed permanently, so it’s worth double-checking that you’ve selected the right ball before throwing.
