Pokémon GO Premier Balls are special catching items that can only be used during certain encounters, most commonly after winning Raid Battles. Unlike Poké Balls, Great Balls and Ultra Balls, Pokémon GO Premier Balls can’t be stored in your Item Bag or used whenever you like.
If you’ve ever wondered why you only get a limited number of Premier Balls after a raid, or whether they’re better than Ultra Balls, here’s everything you need to know.
What are Pokémon GO Premier Balls?
Pokémon GO Premier Balls are temporary catching items used during special encounters in Pokémon GO.
The most common place you’ll see Pokémon GO Premier Balls is after defeating a Raid Boss. Once the raid ends, you’ll receive a set number of Premier Balls to try and catch the Pokémon before it escapes.
Any unused Premier Balls disappear once the encounter ends, so they can’t be saved for later.
Pokémon GO Premier Balls information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Temporary Catching Item |
| Catch Multiplier | 1× |
| Stored in Item Bag | No |
| Available From | Raid encounters and certain special encounters |
| Can Be Purchased | No |
| Best Used For | Catching Raid Bosses |
How do Premier Balls work?
Although Premier Balls look different, they have the same base catch multiplier as a standard Poké Ball.
The difference comes from how you use them.
When catching a Raid Boss, every throw matters because you only receive a limited number of Premier Balls. Once you’ve thrown them all, the Pokémon escapes if it hasn’t been caught.
Your chances of catching a Raid Boss still depend on:
- Excellent Throws
- Great Throws
- Curveballs
- Golden Razz Berries
- Catch Medals
- The Pokémon’s base catch rate
This is why landing Excellent Curveballs with a Golden Razz Berry is considered the best strategy during raid catches.
How do you get Premier Balls?
You can’t collect Pokémon GO Premier Balls like other catching items.
Instead, they’re awarded automatically during specific encounters.
| Method | Available |
|---|---|
| Raid Battles | ✅ |
| Some Special Encounters | ✅ |
| PokéStops | ❌ |
| Gifts | ❌ |
| Research | ❌ |
| Shop | ❌ |
The number of Premier Balls you receive depends on the encounter and, in raids, may also be influenced by factors such as your team performance or bonuses available in the current version of the game.
Can you keep Premier Balls?
No.
One of the biggest differences between Pokémon GO Premier Balls and every other Poké Ball is that they disappear once the encounter finishes.
If you catch the Pokémon with your first throw, every remaining Premier Ball is removed automatically.
Likewise, if the Pokémon escapes after you’ve thrown them all, they disappear once the encounter ends.
Premier Balls vs Poké Balls
| Ball | Catch Multiplier | Can Be Stored? | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poké Ball | 1× | Yes | Everyday catches |
| Great Ball | 1.5× | Yes | Stronger Pokémon |
| Ultra Ball | 2× | Yes | Difficult catches |
| Premier Ball | 1× | No | Raid Bosses |
| Master Ball | Guaranteed | Yes | Rare encounters |
Although Pokémon GO Premier Balls don’t have a higher catch multiplier, they’re your only option during most raid encounters, making every throw incredibly important.
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Tips for using Premier Balls
Getting the most from Premier Balls often comes down to patience rather than speed.
- Wait for the Pokémon to attack before throwing.
- Always throw Curveballs.
- Aim for Excellent Throws whenever possible.
- Use a Golden Razz Berry on every throw against Legendary Raid Bosses.
- Don’t rush just because you have limited balls.
Many experienced players would rather land eight Excellent Throws than waste all eight Premier Balls by throwing too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pokémon GO Premier Balls better than Ultra Balls?
No. Pokémon GO Premier Balls have the same base catch multiplier as a standard Poké Ball. During raids, your catch chance comes from bonuses such as Excellent Throws, Curveballs and Golden Razz Berries.
Can you save Pokémon GO Premier Balls?
No. Pokémon GO Premier Balls disappear once the encounter ends, even if you don’t use them all.
Can you buy Pokémon GO Premier Balls?
No. They’re only available during eligible encounters such as Raid Battles.
Why do I only get a few Pokémon GO Premier Balls?
The number of Pokémon GO Premier Balls awarded depends on the encounter and any applicable bonuses. Because they’re limited, making each throw count is important.
Do Golden Razz Berries work with Pokémon GO Premier Balls?
Yes. Golden Razz Berries combine with Curveballs and Excellent Throws to significantly improve your chances of catching Raid Bosses.
Do Pokémon GO Premier Balls guarantee a catch?
No. Unlike the Master Ball, Pokémon GO Premier Balls do not guarantee that a Pokémon will stay inside the ball after you throw it.
