Pokémon GO Ultra Balls are the strongest standard Poké Balls available, giving Trainers the highest catch chance before using the extremely rare Master Ball. Whether you’re chasing a shiny Pokémon, catching a powerful wild spawn or trying to secure a rare event encounter, Pokémon GO Ultra Balls are often your best option.
Knowing when to use Pokémon GO Ultra Balls instead of Great Balls or Poké Balls can save valuable resources while helping you catch more difficult Pokémon.
What are Pokémon GO Ultra Balls?
Pokémon GO Ultra Balls are premium catching items that provide a much higher catch rate than both Poké Balls and Great Balls.
Unlike the Master Ball, which guarantees a catch, Ultra Balls still allow Pokémon to break free. However, combining Pokémon GO Ultra Balls with Curveballs, Excellent Throws and Berries gives you the highest possible catch chance during normal gameplay.
Because they’re less common than Poké Balls and Great Balls, it’s usually worth saving them for Pokémon that genuinely need the extra catch bonus.
Pokémon GO Ultra Balls information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Catching Item |
| Catch Multiplier | 2× |
| Available From | PokéStops, Gyms, Gifts, Research and Events |
| Can Be Purchased | Occasionally in Shop bundles |
| Can Be Deleted | Yes |
| Best Used For | Rare, high CP and difficult Pokémon |
How do Pokémon GO Ultra Balls work?
Ultra Balls increase your catch chance by applying a 2× catch multiplier, making them twice as effective as a standard Poké Ball.
The catch multiplier isn’t the only thing that matters, though. Your overall chance of catching a Pokémon also depends on:
- Curveball throws
- Nice, Great and Excellent Throws
- Razz Berries and Golden Razz Berries
- Catch Medals
- Pokémon species
- Pokémon level
- Weather Boost
Stacking these bonuses together makes Ultra Balls incredibly effective, even against Pokémon with naturally low catch rates.
How to get Ultra Balls
Although they’re rarer than Poké Balls and Great Balls, there are still plenty of ways to collect Pokémon GO Ultra Balls.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Spin PokéStops | Higher-level Trainers receive them more often |
| Spin Gyms | Reliable source during normal play |
| Open Gifts | Friends regularly send Ultra Balls |
| Field Research | Some tasks reward Ultra Balls |
| Special Research | One-time rewards |
| Adventure Sync | Weekly rewards can include Ultra Balls |
| Events | Event research often rewards Ultra Balls |
| Shop Bundles | Occasionally included in premium bundles |
The easiest way to build your supply of Pokémon GO Ultra Balls is by playing consistently, opening Gifts every day and taking part in seasonal events.
When should you use Ultra Balls?
Because Ultra Balls aren’t unlimited, it’s worth using them strategically.
They’re ideal for:
- Rare wild Pokémon
- Fully evolved Pokémon
- High CP Pokémon
- Shiny Pokémon you don’t want to lose
- Pokémon with deep orange or red catch circles
- Pokémon needed to complete your Pokédex
Using Ultra Balls on common Pokémon usually isn’t necessary unless you’re trying to catch them quickly during an event.
Ultra Balls vs Great Balls vs Poké Balls
Choosing the right ball helps you manage your inventory while improving your catch success.
| Ball | Catch Multiplier | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Poké Ball | 1× | Common Pokémon |
| Great Ball | 1.5× | Stronger wild Pokémon |
| Ultra Ball | 2× | Rare and difficult Pokémon |
| Master Ball | Guaranteed catch | Extremely rare encounters |
Many experienced Trainers use Poké Balls for everyday catches, Great Balls for tougher Pokémon and reserve Pokémon GO Ultra Balls for encounters they really don’t want to lose.
Are Ultra Balls worth saving?
Absolutely.
Unlike Poké Balls, Pokémon GO Ultra Balls are much harder to replace, so it’s usually worth keeping a healthy supply.
That doesn’t mean you should never use them. If you’ve found a shiny Pokémon, a rare spawn or something with a very low catch rate, that’s exactly what Ultra Balls are for.
Saving them for those important moments means you’ll always have one ready when you need it.
Tips for using Ultra Balls
If you’re going to use Pokémon GO Ultra Balls, make them count.
- Always throw Curveballs.
- Wait for the Pokémon’s attack animation before throwing.
- Aim for Great or Excellent Throws.
- Use a Golden Razz Berry on particularly valuable Pokémon.
- Avoid wasting Ultra Balls on Pokémon with an easy green catch circle.
Using these techniques together gives you the best possible chance of securing difficult catches.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the catch multiplier for Ultra Balls?
Pokémon GO Ultra Balls have a 2× catch multiplier, making them the strongest standard catching item in Pokémon GO.
How do you get Pokémon GO Ultra Balls?
You can get Pokémon GO Ultra Balls by spinning PokéStops and Gyms, opening Gifts, completing research, earning Adventure Sync rewards and taking part in special events.
Should I use Ultra Balls on every Pokémon?
No. They’re best saved for rare Pokémon, high CP encounters and Pokémon with low catch rates.
Can Pokémon still escape from Pokémon GO Ultra Balls?
Yes. While Ultra Balls significantly improve your catch chance, Pokémon can still break free if the catch roll isn’t successful.
Do Curveballs work with Pokémon GO Ultra Balls?
Yes. Curveballs, Excellent Throws and Berry bonuses all combine with the Ultra Ball’s catch multiplier to maximise your chance of catching difficult Pokémon.
How many Pokémon GO Ultra Balls should I keep?
Many experienced players like to keep at least 100 Pokémon GO Ultra Balls in their Item Bag, especially before Community Days, GO Fest or other major catching events.
