Every Type of Poke Ball in Pokémon GO and What They Do

In Pokémon, one truth is universal: it all begins with the throw. 

But not all throws are the same in Pokémon GO, and neither are the tools you use. 

From the iconic red-and-white sphere to the infallible Master Ball, each type of Poké Ball in Pokémon GO has a different purpose, and understanding their differences can take your game to the very next level.

This is the ultimate guide to every ball available, including how to use them to your advantage and how to ensure you’re always prepared for that once-in-a-lifetime encounter. 

The Standard Poké Ball

This one is the OG, and the sphere that started it all. 

The regular Poké Ball is the first device you’ll receive for capturing wild Pokémon, and it will act as your constant companion in-game.

The standard Poké Ball is your go-to for daily duty, and with a baseline 1x catch rate, it's perfect for capturing Pidgeys, Rattatas, and other common wild Pokémon that pop up on your stroll.

While it might not have the power for more stubborn creatures, it’s the backbone of your inventory, ideal for practicing your curveball and stocking up on Stardust. 

You’ll also receive a healthy supply of them from spinning PokéStops, opening gifts, and completing Field Research, so you should never be empty-handed.

The Great Ball

Once you reach Trainer Level 12, the game changes, as you’re introduced to the Great Ball, a stylish blue-and-red ball featuring a 1.5x catch rate modifier. 

And, while that might seem like a minor boost, the 50% difference is massive, as it places the odds in your favor for many uncertain captures.

The Great Ball is perfect for mid-tier Pokémon, and second-stage evolutions, slightly rarer spawns, or anything with a yellow or light-orange catch circle. 

You’ll start earning them from PokéStops after you hit level 12, becoming the go-to for most catches. 

The Ultra Ball

Unlocked at Trainer Level 20, the Ultra Ball boasts a 2x catch rate, doubling your chances compared to a regular Poké Ball.

You’ll want to use this for those heart-pounding movements, such as finding a Dragonite on the map or a high-CP Snorlax.

This Ulta Ball seriously improves your odds against Pokémon with deep red catch circles, giving you the confidence to secure powerful and rare creatures for your collection. 

While you can’t buy them directly, you’ll collect them from PokéStops after level 20 and as rewards, so be sure to use them wisely. 

The Master Ball

The myth, the legend, the one-shot wonder. The Master Ball is the rarest and most powerful Poké Ball in the entire Pokémon universe, and in Pokémon GO, it’s no different.

This ball guarantees a whopping 100% successful catch, meaning you’ll want to use it on those 100% IV shiny legendaries and other rare finds. As you might expect, due to this feature, the Master Ball is pretty hard to obtain. 

You’ll earn them only from high-level, time-limited Special Research quests, making it an incredibly precious resource, and a ball you’ll want to think twice about when using.

The Premier Ball

Sleek, white, and rare, the Premier Ball operates under a different set of rules. You can’t find it at PokéStops or buy it in the shop. Instead, this special type of Poké Ball is your reward for winning a Raid Battle or a Team GO Rocket battle.

After defeating a Raid Boss or a Team GO Rocket Leader, you are given a limited number of Premier Balls to attempt to catch the Pokémon. Functionally, they have the same 1x catch rate as a standard Poké Ball. However, they are the only balls you can use in these extra encounters. 

The number of Premier Balls you receive depends on your performance, including the damage you dealt, your team’s contribution, and the gym's control. 

Unlike the other balls, any unused Premier Balls also vanish after the encounter, so there’s no stocking up. 

Pokémon GO Poké Ball Comparison

Poké Balls Not in Pokémon GO

If you’ve played the main Pokémon series, you might be wondering about the collection of other specialty balls. 

For example, where are the Quick Balls for first-throw captures? The Timer Balls for long, drawn-out battles? Or the Lure Ball, Heavy Ball, and Love Ball for other situations? 

As of 2025, these and other special Poké Balls, such as the Dusk Ball, Net Ball, and Heal Ball, remain exclusive to the core Pokémon games. 

While fans have long wished for their inclusion, Pokémon GO has maintained a streamlined set of five to keep the focus on its unique, fast-paced gameplay. 

Even the mysterious Strange Ball, which has appeared in datamines, has yet to make an official debut!

Mastering the Catch in Pokémon GO 

Having the correct ball is only half the catch; here’s how you can maximize your chances with every single throw.

• Master the Curveball: Throwing a curveball grants a significant bonus to your catch rate!

• Aim for the Circle: Hitting a “Nice,” “Great,” or “Excellent” throw inside the colored circle provides a massive boost. 

• Use Your Berries: A Razz Berry increases your catch rate, while a Golden Razz Berry does so too. 

• Manage Your Inventory: Keep an eye on your stock, and don’t be afraid to expand your Item Bag to hold more.

Becoming a Pokémon Master starts with the team you build, and the better you understand your tools, the easier it is to grow that team into something special.

Of course, if you want a real head start and the thrill of playing like a champion from day one, buying a premium Pokémon GO account might be just what you need.

Now it’s your turn: what’s the one Pokémon that slipped away from you? And what’s the most memorable catch you’ve ever made? Let us know!