How to Obtain Master Balls in Pokémon Go
Players can earn a Master Ball by reaching Trainer Level 70, or by completing specific seasonal research tasks, according to game guides. For instance, players who did not attend the Times Square event can earn one via the 10th Anniversary Timed Research quest before Sunday, Sept. 6, at 11:59 p.m. local time. Previous acquisition methods outlined by Polygon include the “Let’s Go” Special Research from Season 10, the “Timed Investigation: Master Ball” during Season 12, and the “Masterwork Research: Catching Wonders” quest in Season 14. Additionally, Season 16 introduced the “Masterwork Research: Master Ball” via a premium research ticket priced at $8.
Inventory Stacking and Future Release Trends
Master Balls in Pokémon Go do stack, meaning trainers can hold more than one in their inventory at any given time, as noted by Polygon and game updates.
Best Targets for Your Master Ball
With a guaranteed catch mechanic, players often reserve their Master Balls for high-stakes encounters where standard throws usually fail. According to Polygon and wikiHow, prime targets include the Galarian legendary bird variants (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) encountered via Daily Adventure Incense, which feature a 0.3% catch rate and a 90% flee rate. Other recommended targets are regional spawns that rarely appear in raids, such as Mesprit, or high-IV legendary raid bosses like Mewtwo.
Did you know? Unlike standard Poké Balls that use catch rate multipliers—such as Great Balls at 1.5x and Ultra Balls at 2x—the Master Ball bypasses traditional catch formulas entirely to secure a guaranteed success, as detailed by wikiHow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you miss a throw with a Master Ball in Pokémon Go?
No. According to wikiHow, throwing a Master Ball triggers a special animation instead of standard collision mechanics, making it a guaranteed catch that cannot be missed.
Can you store multiple Master Balls at once?
Yes. Master Balls stack in your item bag, allowing you to hold several simultaneously if you choose to save them across multiple seasons, as reported by Polygon.
Are Master Balls free for all players?
While many previous Master Ball research tasks were free, some releases—such as the Season 16 “Masterwork Research: Master Ball”—required purchasing a premium ticket, according to Polygon.
Want to stay updated on the latest Pokémon Go research tasks and event schedules? Leave a comment below or explore our other guides for more tips.