Seven years following its global release on mobile devices, developer Niantic has long last answered Trainers’ request to bring the powerful Master Ball in-game. Many have heard tales of the legendary Master Ball, but no Trainer has seen or known of its existence until now.
With plenty of Poké Ball types available for you to collect from Raids, Research tasks, and spinning Photo Discs, you can start earning your first Poké Ball for a limited time. This guide details what to know about the mysterious Master Ball, including how to get one in Pokémon GO.
11th August 2023 Update: We've updated this guide to reflect that Niantic has confirmed "future opportunities," for which we'll update this guide as such. The original article continues below.
What Is The Master Ball In Pokémon GO?
The Master Ball is one of a few Poké Balls types available to collect or earn from various activities in Pokémon GO. However, the Master Ball hasn’t been available for Trainers to earn as of 2016 when the game was released right before Niantic teased a new Poké Ball on social media just a day before the announcement.
The Master Ball is considered the best performing Poké Ball when equipped, as it guarantees a 100% catch rate making it as valuable as a Golden Lure Module or a rare Vivillon pattern. As for acquiring the Master Ball, it currently doesn’t have any unlock requirements yet, but there’s only one method for you to earn a Master Ball in-game.
How To Get The Master Ball In Pokémon GO?
According to the official announcement from Niantic, the Master Ball can be obtained for a limited time during the Season of Rising Heroes. The final chapter of the Seasonal Special Research story, Let’s GO, is available from 22nd May 2023 at 10 am local time for you to claim the research story for which you’ll be assisting Professor Willow in uncovering information on Team GO Rocket’s plans.
This also includes a gift you can receive from him in which completing the Special Research will award you with the elusive yet powerful Master Ball. You can claim other rewards from completing various research tasks; however, no details were provided as of writing, but we’ll update this article with the latest news and developments.
Trainers had until 1st June 2023 at 10 am local time, the end of the season, to claim the Special Research story or lose the first opportunity to earn a Master Ball in-game. Likewise, Niantic will be releasing more updates on the Master Ball and creating more opportunities for you to earn this Poké Ball from the next season onwards.
How To Get The Master Ball In Pokémon GO FAQ
What Is The Master Ball In Pokémon?
The Silph Co. developed the Master Ball, but the project had to be halted due to Team Rocket's invasion of their labs. Consequently, there are only a limited number of Master Balls available in the world of Pokémon. It is a Poké Ball type that has the ability to catch any Pokémon without fail.
How to get the Master Ball in Pokemon GO?
The only way to get a Master Ball in Pokemon Go will be to complete the Let’s Go! Special Research quest once the final tasks are released on May 22, 2023. The Master Ball will be one of the featured rewards available.
Is the Master Ball free in Pokemon Go?
Yes! Obtaining the Master Ball in Pokemon GO is completely free of charge, as it is a reward for completing a Special Research task during the event mentioned previously.
Can you get more than one Master Ball in Pokemon GO?
To the best of our knowledge players will not be able to claim a second Master Ball in Pokemon GO. However, there is a possibility of them being released during future events, with Niantic teasing that fans should "keep a lookout for future opportunities in Pokémon GO to acquire more!"
