When people think of the Poke Balls available in Pokemon, the standard Poke Ball is what most people think of, alongside iconic colors such as the Great and Ultra Ball options. But, some casual players may not be aware that there are just an absolute ton of Poke Ball options out there. Each one has a different function, and they sometimes can be as rare as the rarest Pokemon.
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When it’s sometimes a mad dash to try to catch a Pokemon, some pro players even get pretty picky about what ball they put specific Pokemon in for cosmetic reasons. Let’s take a look at the 15 best types of Poke Balls in the Pokemon games, including some of the lesser-known catching devices out there.
Updated on December 16, 2023, by Ben Painter: Although the latest entries in the franchise, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet did not bring fans any new Poke Balls, all the old favorites still remain. They are certainly the most iconic items in video game history, the red and white colors of the original Poke Ball are littered with tons of merchandise. But, casual fans may not know that there are several other types of Poke Balls. Here’s how the best Poke Balls rank up.
25 Dream Ball
Introduced: Generation 5 – Pokemon Black & White
- Catch rate: 4x on a sleeping Pokemon (since Generation 8), 225x in Generation 5 only
Originally introduced in generation 5, the Dream Ball was used exclusively in Entree Forest to capture Pokemon found in the dreamy world. But from Pokemon Sword & Shield it was reintroduced as a Poke Ball to work better on Pokemon that have been put to sleep, already an effective method of catching Pokemon.
With a very nice design, the Dream Balls are an effective tool in the player’s arsenal as they have a 4x capture rate, much more effective than an Ultra Ball. Make sure to have a Pokemon with Hypnosis or Yawn and fire those balls away till the Pokemon is captured.
How To Acquire Dream Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
There are a few ways to unlock the sleepy balls in Scarlet & Violet, they are unlocked as a reward for registering 360 Pokemon in the Paldea Pokedex. They can also be earned as an award in the Academy Ace Tournament or purchased at the Porto Marinada Auction.
24 Lure Ball
Introduced: Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver
- Catch rate: 4x on a Pokemon encountered while fishing
In Pokemon Gold & Silver several new Poke Balls were introduced and manufactured by Kurt in Azalea City when given Apricorns, with Lure Balls it is the Blue Apricorn.
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With most special versions of Poke Ball they work better on Pokemon under a certain criterion and, as the Lure Ball’s name suggests, it works 4x more effectively when the Pokemon has been fished up. Fans of the anime may remember the Lure Ball as it held one of Ash Ketchum’s Pokemon, Totodile. There was a whole episode around Ash and Misty fighting over who caught the fun-loving crocodile in a Lure Ball.
How To Acquire Dream Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
To get some Lure Balls in the latest Nintendo Switch Pokemon entry gamers must register 300 Pokemon in their Pokedex and they will receive some as a gift. Failing that they can be earned as an award in the Academy Ace Tournament or purchased at the Porto Marinada Auction.
23 Gigaton Ball
Introduced: Generation 8 – Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Catch rate: 2.5x, 2.75x when the Pokemon does not notice the player
Set in the ancient land of Hisui, Pokemon: Legends Arceus uses older forms of Poke Balls which have a more wooden look, which is a call back to the in-game origins of being made from Apricons.
The Gigaton Ball is an upgraded version of the Leaden Ball which is unlocked later in the game’s story, the Leaden Ball is, in turn, an improved Heavy Ball. The Generation 2 ball is clearly inspired by this older version of the ball, signified by the two smaller balls on top of the item. When using this in the game it will not fly too far, so it is ground because they can easily be snuck up on.
How To Acquire Gigaton Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The Gigaton Ball can’t be purchased or acquired in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. When a Pokemon, from Legends: Arceus is traded up to S&V and caught in any ball from Legends: Arceus it is stored inside a ‘Strange Ball’ instead.
22 Jet Ball
Introduced: Generation 8 – Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Catch rate: 2.5x, 2.75x when the Pokemon does not notice the player
Just like the Gigaton Ball, the Jet Ball is a better version of the Feather Ball and the Wing Ball, with a superior catch rate. The Jet Ball has the ability to fly far through the air, so it is used on Pokemon that are flying or far away, as players must aim and throw Pokeballs themselves in Legends: Arceus.
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Unlike the Gigaton Ball, there is no modern incarnation of the Jet Ball, as there are no Poke Balls that work better on flying Pokemon. Perhaps this could be a feature used for future installments in the franchise.
How To Acquire Jet Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The Jet Ball can’t be purchased or acquired in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. When a Pokemon, from Legends: Arceus is traded up to S&V and caught in any ball from Legends: Arceus it is stored inside a ‘Strange Ball’ instead.
21 Origin Ball
Introduced: Generation 8 – Pokemon Legends: Arceus
A unique ball in Pokemon, the Origin Ball has a 100% catch rate on Origin Forme Dialga or Palkia at the completion of the main story of the game. The ball cannot be built, or purchased, in the game, and it is not used in other installments of the game.
The ball’s design is reminiscent of a Cherish Ball, using its ruby red color scheme, but it can also be seen as the first version of a Master Ball, as that is essentially what it is used for. Unlike the Master Ball, the player has no choice which Pokemon the Origin Ball can be used on. This spectacular item is also the only Poke Ball in the franchise that is registered as a Key Item in the games.
How To Acquire Origin Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The Origin Ball can’t be purchased or acquired in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. When Origin Forme Dialga or Palkia are transferred from Legends: Arceus they will be stored inside a ‘Strange Ball’ instead.
20 Friend Ball
Introduced: Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver
Boosting a Pokemon’s friendship can be a bit of a chore. It doesn’t matter how many vitamins a Trainer feeds it or how many levels it gains, the process is still incredibly slow. The Luxury Ball helps to double the rate at which friendship is gained, but even that is not fast enough. If only there was a way to max out friendship from the start!
That’s the purpose of the Friend Ball, added in Pokemon Gold & Silver. It has the same catch rate as the basic Poke Ball but instantly sets the caught Pokemon’s friendship to 150 (in Scarlet & Violet). For evolving Pokemon like Chansey or Golbat, this is a must-have Poke Ball. It also helps make Return a super-powerful move instantly, at least in the games that have the move. The Friend Ball’s design isn’t exactly aesthetically pleasing, but it does the job effectively.
How To Acquire Friend Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Players can snag a Friend Ball by capturing and registering approximately 260 Pokemon in the Pokedex. Friend Balls can also be obtained as a possible reward prize from the Academy Ace Tournament. Players should note this tournament can only be accessed at the academy front desk once players have beaten the main game and conquered all eight gyms. Sometimes, Friend Balls will show up at the Porto Marinada Auction.
19 Dive Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
- Catch rate: 3.5x when used on a Pokemon underwater
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire had a lot of water Pokemon and water routes. It also added a whole section of underwater areas using the Dive HM. So, these underwater areas needed their own special Poke Ball, one separate from the Nest Ball or the Lure Ball. When a Trainer goes diving, it only makes sense for them to bring a Dive Ball.
The Dive Ball is incredibly situational. It has a lot of overlap with the Net Ball and the Lure Ball, with the Net Ball being just more versatile across the board. The Dive Ball is boosted while surfing, fishing, or underwater, giving a 3.5x catch rate modifier. For Pokemon like Dratini, who can be found through fishing and surfing, it’s actually pretty useful. Its design is also blue and serene, like the ocean waves. Water-type Pokemon specialists may fancy this Poke Ball purely for its pleasant design.
How To Acquire Dive Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Once players beat five gyms, they’ll be able to purchase Dive Balls directly from the shop at any Pokemon Center. Sometimes, patrons at the Porto Marinada auctions will offer up Dive Balls, and players can also find them at some Delibird Presents shops. They will also receive them as a reward for capturing and registering 170 Pokemon in the Pokedex.
18 Repeat Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
- Catch rate: 3.5x when used on a Pokemon already registered in the Pokedex
There are a few Poke Balls that require the Trainer to have already caught the Pokemon. This seems like it would be entirely pointless, but there are reasons to have a whole collection of one species of Pokemon. For example, when Christmas is approaching it only makes sense to punish the children on Wonder Trade with an armada of Delibird. In those situations, the Repeat Ball is ideal to have around.
The Repeat Ball is boosted when used on a Pokemon that is registered in the player’s Pokedex already. It is, in fact, designed for repeats. For most Trainers, this isn’t that useful. However, its design is pretty distinct, with a bright red color being dotted by circles across the top. If the player is looking for a snazzy Poke Ball to catch a personal favorite, this is a good option.
How To Acquire Repeat Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Repeat Balls can be found in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet randomly at the Porto Marinada auctions and also at Delibird Presents stores. They’re also available at the Pokemon Center shops scattered around the map once players have collected three gym badges.
17 Dusk Ball
Introduced: Generation 4 – Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
- Catch rate: 3x when used on a Pokemon in a cave or at night
The Dusk Ball is possibly one of the most cost-effective and useful Poke Balls in the whole series. Introduced in Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, the Dusk Ball boosts catch rates when used in a cave or, more importantly, at night. The catch rate goes past the Ultra Ball and can be used in nearly every situation, meaning that night owls get a boost while catching Pokemon.
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Players of Diamond & Pearl likely purchased these more than any other Poke Ball (aside from the Quick Ball) since they were incredibly versatile. On top of that, they also have a really cool design, looking somewhat ghoulish and spooky. Fans of Ghost Pokemon or ghost-hunting in general probably like the vibe of the Dusk Ball.
How To Acquire Dusk Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Similar to many of the other Pokeballs ranked here, Dusk Balls can be obtained by visiting Delibird Presents stores, and are sometimes available at the Porto Marinada auctions. They’re also available as a reward for registering 140 Pokemon in the Pokedex and become available to purchase at the Pokemon Center shop once players amass seven badges.
16 Beast Ball
Introduced: Generation 7 – Pokemon Sun & Moon
- Catch rate: 5x when used on an Ultra Beast
When talking about situational Poke Balls, the Beast Ball is potentially the best example. The ball is specifically designed to capture the Ultra Beasts, which it does with relative ease. For other Pokemon, it actually makes catching them harder. Aside from the Heavy Ball, it is the only other Poke Ball that actually hinders catch rate.
Against a regular Pokemon, the Beast Ball reduces the catch rate to 0.1 of its base value. This makes it completely useless for catching pretty much anything. However, its design is one of the coolest, being a futuristic ball with cool gold accents. For Trainers looking to really flex on their opponents, catching a regular Pokemon in a Beast Ball is a great way to show that they mean business.
How To Acquire Beast Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
There are only two ways to obtain Beast Balls in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, making them a relatively rare item. To get a Beast Ball, players will need to progress to the late game, as they’re sometimes given as a prize for completing the Academy Ace Tournament that becomes available after beating the game itself and all eight gyms. Players will also get a Beast Ball if they manage to find and capture all 400 Pokemon and successfully register them in the Pokedex.
15 Premier Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
Some people like to consider the classic Poke Ball as one of the best just for the iconic look that’s burned into the minds of players and parents the world over. But, a rarer version is available, known as the Premier Ball. Starting in the third-generation games, the Premier Ball could be obtained for free for every 10 Poke Balls purchased.
This ball is effectively identical to the standard red and white Poke Ball, but the coloring is entirely white with a red band across the center where the Poke Ball is black. Cosmetically, it is entirely more appealing and stands out in a sea of the common balls.
How To Acquire Premier Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Trainers only need to buy 10 Poke Balls from a Poke Mart at any Pokemon Center to receive a Premier Ball. They will receive one Premier Ball for every ten Pokeballs purchased. It’s important to note that this works with all types of Pokeballs, not just the base type.
14 Master Ball
Introduced: Generation 1 – Pokemon Red & Blue
- Catch rate: 255x (guaranteed capture)
It would just be wrong to have a list of “best Poke Ball types” in Pokemon without mentioning the Master of them all. The Master Ball is meant to be a unique item in the Pokemon games in that it has a 100% catch rate. It doesn’t matter if players throw it at a Magikarp (please don’t) or a Mewtwo, it will catch it.
In the original games, Trainers earn a prototype model of the Master Ball as thanks for helping Silph Co. But, in later games, it’s possible to obtain more than one. In fact, in Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go, Eevee, a second one can be found in Cerulean Cave, not far from Mewtwo himself!
Although the item’s rarity hurts it, the Master Ball is the overall best Poke Ball in terms of catch rate. It just needs to be used wisely.
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Once players have successfully beaten the main game and watched the credits, they’ll be able to head to Director Clavell’s office at the Academy and obtain a single Master Ball from the director himself.
13 Quick Ball / Fast Ball (Tie)
Introduced: Generation 4 – Pokemon Diamond & Pearl (Quick Ball), Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver (Fast Ball)
- Catch rate: 5x if used on the first turn of battle (Quick Ball), 4× if used on a Pokémon with a base speed of at least 100 (Fast Ball)
Alright, so the Quick Ball and Fast Ball come in as a tie, but they are two separate balls. They come in together on this list because they’re generally used at the same time, the start of the encounter, albeit for different reasons. The Quick Ball is way more likely to succeed if it is thrown at the very beginning of an encounter, as it has a much higher catch rate at that point.
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As for the Fast Ball, it’s best used at the start of an encounter anyway, since it’s for Pokemon that are likely to flee or run away quickly, such as the teleporting Abra or the quick-fleeing legendary beasts from Johto. They’re always good to have on hand as a “just in case.”
How To Acquire Quick & Fast Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Quick Balls are pretty abundant in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Players will receive one as a reward for capturing and registering 120 Pokemon in the Pokedex. They will also get one from Professor Jacq personally after obtaining 200 different Pokemon. Players can also grab Quick Balls sometimes at the Porto Marinada auctions, as well as in Delibird Presents shops. Quick Balls will also become available to purchase at Pokemon Center shops once players have six gym badges.
Fast Balls aren’t as abundant but there are still a few ways to obtain them. Like Quick Balls, they can be found randomly at the Porto Marinada auctions. Players can also receive them as a reward for completing the Academy Ace Tournament and are guaranteed to receive them for capturing and registering 240 Pokemon.
12 Love Ball
Introduced: Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver
- Catch rate: 8x if used on a Pokemon of the same species but the opposite gender of the Pokemon in battle
Love Balls look adorable, sporting a heart on the front and a pink shell, but they can be utilized for people who are hunting for Pokemon they already own. The ball will have a higher catch rate if the Trainer’s Pokemon is the same species but the opposite gender.
This knocks the catch rate up to 8x a normal Poke Ball, which could be useful when shiny hunting or just trying to find a mate for a Pokemon. These are also popular due to them being introduced in Gen 2 via needing to turn pink apricots into Poke Balls.
How To Acquire Love Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Love Balls can be found in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet by visiting the Porto Marinada auction. They will sometimes show up as an offering and players can bid against NPCs to obtain them. Past that, the only way to snag a Love Ball is by entering (and winning) the Academy Ace Tournament, which is available after players beat the game and all eight gyms. Even then, players will only have a chance to obtain the ball and will need to keep checking both areas to farm them effectively.
11 Luxury Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
Look, the Luxury Ball helps Pokemon gain friendship quickly. That can work out for special NPCs that need to see a friendly Pokemon or for Pokemon that evolve with high friendship. This works out for Pokemon like Eevee which can evolve into Espeon or Umbreon with friendship.
But, all of that aside, this is a desirable cosmetic choice for Pokemon Trainers to utilize. Seriously, the black ball with red and yellow stripes is a pinnacle of Pokemon-capturing technology. It’s sleek and looks great on your opponent’s screen. It’s definitely a ball that lives up to its name.
How To Acquire Luxury Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Luxury Balls are expensive but pretty easy to come by. Players can sometimes snag them from the Porto Marinada auctions, they can be found in Delibird Presents stores, and are available as a reward for capturing and registering 190 Pokemon. Players will have the option to easily purchase them from the Poke Mart at Pokemon Centers once they collect four gym badges.
10 Cherish Ball
Introduced: Generation 4 – Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
This nearly entirely red ball looks unassuming at first. With the black bands on the sides, it looks more like a grip than anything. But, the ball itself is special. As the official description in modern games explains, the Cherish Ball is “a quite rare Poke Ball that has been crafted in order to commemorate a special occasion of some sort.”
That’s because it can only be obtained via special events. It’s never given as an item that can be used but is what Event Pokemon (such as those from Mystery Gift) come in. For the rare Mythical Pokemon that come in the Cherish Ball, it only makes sense they’d get special treatment. It’s quite special indeed.
How To Acquire Cherish Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The Cherish Ball can’t be purchased or acquired in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
9 Park Ball / Safari Ball (Tie)
Introduced: Generation 4 – Pokemon Diamond & Pearl (Park Ball) Generation 1 – Pokemon Red & Blue (Safari Ball)
- Catch rate: 255x (guaranteed capture if used in Pal Park) (Park Ball), 1x (Safari Ball)
The Safari Ball is a special ball used when traversing the Safari Zone. Considering players cannot battle in this Pokemon preserve, these balls are the only way to capture the rarities inside the park.
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As for the Park Ball, it was available via the migration capabilities of Gen 4 known as Pal Park. By transferring Pokemon from Gen 3, the Park Balls that were used to catch them would also be transferred. Considering that the Safari Zone was turned into a Pal Park, it deserves to be a tie here in memoriam of Safari Balls.
How To Acquire Park & Safari Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Park & Safari balls can’t be purchased or acquired in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
8 Timer Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
- Catch rate: 1 + number of turns passed in battle * 1229/4096)×, maximum 4× at 10 turns
Where the Quick Ball is designed to work best at the very beginning of an encounter, the catch rate of a Timer Ball goes up the longer the battle goes on. This is a great way to stack catch rate for players stuck in a pretty lengthy battle, maybe against a Pokemon that is a much higher level.
Plus, that look is pretty rad. The ball looks like it has a red mohawk and is very uniquely designed. If someone wants a flashy ball to throw a Pokemon out of, the Timer Ball is a great option.
How To Acquire Timer Balls In Pokemon Sword & Shield
Timer Balls are common enough in Sword & Shield, particularly towards the end of the campaign. Watt Traders exchange the item for 50 W, while Timer Balls can be also purchased from Hammerlocke’s Poke Mart for 1,000 Poke Dollars. For the Cram-o-matic, White Apricorns should be used to increase the chances of drawing this Poke Ball.
7 Net Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
- Catch rate: 3.5x if used on a Bug or Water-type Pokemon
The Net Ball deserves to be on this list partially because of its awesome mesh look, but also due to its unique nature of catching. So, the Net Ball is used for Pokemon that people would normally catch with a net. This includes both Bug-type and Water-type Pokemon.
If a player has ever seen the bug catcher Trainer type, they knew that the only way to tame a Caterpie is with a net. Needless to say, a net is cast to catch fish in real life as well.
How To Acquire Net Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
After players have obtained two badges, they can freely purchase Net Balls from any Poke Mart found at the many Pokemon Centers placed around the map. Net Balls are also found in Delibird Presents stores and sometimes at the Porto Marinada auctions. They are obtainable as a reward for registering 70 Pokemon into the Pokedex.
6 Nest Ball
Introduced: Generation 3 – Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
- Catch Rate: 41 – Pokémon’s level ÷ 10 × if Pokemon’s level is between 1 and 29 1× otherwise
Alright, so a Trainer is in the endgame, their Pokemon are all super high levels and they are out across the region trying to complete that Pokedex. They are low on Ultra Balls and need that Weedle. No biggie. It’s a level 6 and doesn’t stand a chance against the player’s Ultra Necrozma.
As attacking Weedle is impossible, the best option is to throw a Nest Ball as the chances of catching the Pokemon go dramatically up without the need to accidentally overkill that poor little bug.
How To Acquire Nest Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Nest Balls are available pretty early on in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Players can grab them from any Pokemon Center Poke Mart as soon as they collect three badges. They’ll also be able to grab them from Delibird Presents stores, and sometimes find them at the Porto Marinada auctions. They’re also offered as a reward for registering 90 Pokemon to the Pokedex.
