How to get a Master Ball in Pokemon GO
Master Balls are a relatively new addition to Pokemon GO, but as you'd expect, they aren't easy to come by.
It's every Trainer's dream to acquire a Master Ball, as this elusive Poke Ball variant offers a guaranteed way to catch any creature in Pokemon GO, meaning you don't have to worry about a rare Legendary running away.
This guide details all the ways to get Master Balls in the augmented reality mobile game from Niantic, plus what species of Pokemon are worthy of using a Master Ball!
How to get a Master Ball in Pokemon GO
The only way to get a Master Ball in Pokemon GO right now is to complete the Special Research: Master Ball quest that will be released as part of the limited-time Party Up! event on November 22, 2023.
You'll be able to purchase this quest from the in-game shop. However, it will only be available for Trainers who failed to complete the Timed Investigation: Master Ball during the Adventures Abound season.
Click to enlargePrevious ways to get a Master Ball
It was previously possible to obtain a Master Ball by finishing the Timed Investigation: Master Ball quest before November 21, 2023. This quest was given out for free during the Season 12: Adventures Abound.
Before that, the only way to get a Master Ball was to complete the Let’s GO! Special Research in Season 10: Rising Heroes. So far, there's only been a few chances to get a Master Ball in Pokemon GO. But Niantic promises that there'll be more opportunities in the future!
When to use a Master Ball in Pokemon GO
Like regular Poke Balls, once you use a Master Ball, it's gone forever. With that, it's important that you use it on a worthwhile Pokemon and don't waste it!
Typically, Trainers save their Master Balls for one of the Galarian Birds. These Legendary Pokemon can only appear when you're using your Daily Adventure Incense. Encountering Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres is a blessing in itself, but without a Master Ball, your chances of catching them are extremely low.
Click to enlargeIf the Galarian Birds are of no interest to you, or you just can't seem to find any, there's nothing wrong with using your Master Ball on another high IV Legendary Pokemon. Just be sure to try to catch it with all your other Poke Balls before tossing a Master Ball at it!
Collectors who aren't worried about capturing the most useful Pokemon might consider using their Master Balls on rare Pokemon. There's plenty of extraordinary Pokemon in Pokemon GO, and if you're lucky enough to encounter a truly uncommon specimen, don't let it get away!
Finally, no one will fault you for using a Master Ball on a must-have Shiny Pokemon. Finding and collecting Shiny Pokemon is one of the best parts of Pokemon GO, and everyone has their favourites. Don't use it on a Shiny Pokemon from Raid Battles or Team GO Rocket, though, because those are easy to capture with less precious Poke Balls.
GGRecon features all sorts of Pokemon GO guides, tips, and tricks to help you become the best Trainer you can be, including the Spotlight Hour schedule and the Raid Boss schedule.