How to get a Master Ball in Pokémon Go, and when to use it

Finally, after waiting for years you will be able to get your hands on a Master BallYou can also find out more about the following: Pokémon Go.

The Master Ball is perhaps the most iconic Pokémon-catching device of all time. First appearing way back in the first generation of the main series, the Master Ball has a very special trait — a 100% catch rate on any Pokémon you use it on.

The long-term players Pokémon Go will be very familiar with that sinking feeling of finishing a raid and failing to catch the subsequent encounter, and with the Master Ball, this is one way to ensure the Pokémon will definitely be yours.

Know that Master Balls can be very expensive and are only to be used occasionally. With that in mind — how do you get a Master Ball, and when should you use one?

How to get a Master Ball in Pokémon Go

In May 2023 it will debut. Only way to receive a Master Ball Pokémon GoBy progressing through Let’s Go Special ResearchSeason 10: Rising Heroes is part of the Season.

Once you have completed the fifth step, you’ll receive the Master Ball as a reward. Note this research can only be started for a limited time — you must log into the game and begin before the season ends at 10am local time on June 1, 2023 — but once you begin the Let’s Go research, it’ll be accessible until you complete it.

If you don’t mind spoilers, here’s how the Master Ball is introduced as part of the Let’s Go research, courtesy of PokeMiners on Twitter:

Can you get another Master Ball in Pokémon Go?

If you miss the window to start the Let’s Go research, or want another Master Ball, Niantic has confirmed there will be “future opportunities in Pokémon Go to acquire more”.

It is not known how this new feature will function, but we can speculate that it could be another special seasonal research reward, similar to the one introduced in Season 10: Rising Heroes. Or, it might appear in annual events like Go Fest.

You will have to wait a while before you are able to claim another. As for the one you have — what is it best used for?

When should I use my Master Ball in Pokémon Go?

The Master Ball is a very rare item, with an 80% catch rate. It should only be used under very specific conditions.

What you decide to use it on is entirely up to you — however, some suggestions we would recommend include:

• Galarian Articuno, Zapdos or Moltres found when using Daily Adventure Incense, which currently have a 0.3% catch rate and a 90% flee rate, and are arguably the most difficult Pokémon to catch in the game.
• The high IV legend encounter You can use a Master Ball to increase your level after completing a raid. Use your normal Premier Balls to begin with, and then a Master Ball only as a final resort.
• Incredibly rare wild encounters such as the ‘Lake Trio’ Uxie, Mesprit or Azelf, or Unown — the exceptions for Unown being a letter/form you already have, or if it spawns during an event, when they are far more common.
• A shiny Pokémon in the wild. There are exceptions, such as the experience following a raid, where the catch of your first Premier Ball is guaranteed, as long you can land it, and events like Community Day when shiny encounters are more frequent.

Ultimately, it’s your call what you decide to use a Master Ball on. If you decide to use it on a Pidgey, go ahead — we’ve all been there — but we recommend saving it for an encounter with a Pokémon you would not want to live without.

Can you miss with a Master Ball in Pokémon Go?

Finally, one question that might come to mind is — can you miss with a Master Ball? As mentioned above, though a shiny encounter is a guaranteed catch with a raid, that’s only if you manage to land your Premier Ball.

You will be able to see a beautiful animation play when using a Master Ball. The Master Ball will ensure that the ball is caught.

This can be viewed in action by clicking on the link. PokeMiners on Twitter:

Additionally, as shown in the above video, you will get a prompt before you use the Master Ball — meaning it will be difficult to throw one by accident.