Every Type of Poke Ball in Pokemon GO, Ranked

Poke Balls are the core of every trainer’s journey in Pokemon GO. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to catch anything. These handy tools are used to capture and store Pokemon, and while there are only a few different types in the game, each one has its own purpose. There are currently five types of Poke Balls in total, but only three are commonly used during regular gameplay.

When you encounter a wild Pokemon, you’ll throw one of these Poke Balls to try and catch it. Your throw—whether it’s a curveball, a great throw, or just a well-timed toss—does help, but each Poke Ball also comes with its own built-in catch rate. In this guide, we’ll break down every Poke Ball available in Pokemon GO and explain what each one does so you know exactly which ball to use in every situation. Let’s get into it.

#5: Great Ball

The Great Ball is a solid upgrade from the standard Poke Ball, easily recognized by its blue and red design. It offers a 50% higher catch rate, making it a great choice when dealing with tougher or higher-level wild Pokemon. Once you hit level 12 in Pokemon GO, you’ll get your first batch of 20 Great Balls as a reward. From that point on, you’ll be able to collect them regularly by spinning PokeStops, opening gifts, or leveling up—up until level 19. They’re reliable, easy to stockpile, and perfect for when regular Poke Balls just aren’t cutting it.

#4: Poke Ball

The classic red-and-white Poke Ball is the first and most common ball you’ll use in Pokemon GO. It’s the standard tool for catching wild Pokemon, especially in the early game. New players start with 50 Poke Balls when creating a new account, and more are given out as level-up rewards until you reach level 11. They’re also the easiest to find—available from PokeStops, gifts, and various events—making them your go-to option for everyday catching.

#3: Master Ball

The Master Ball is the rarest and most powerful Poke Ball in Pokemon GO, offering a guaranteed 100% catch rate—no matter what you throw it at. It was first introduced as a reward for finishing the Let’s GO Special Research quest, and since then, it’s only been available through limited-time Special, Seasonal, or Timed Research. Because it’s so rare, trainers should save it for the most valuable catches—like high IV Legendary Pokemon after raids, shiny Legendaries, or extremely rare wild encounters. When you finally get your hands on one, make sure it counts.

#2: Ultra Ball

Ultra Balls are the best standard Poke Balls available for everyday use in Pokemon GO. With a significantly higher catch rate than regular or Great Balls, they’re perfect for catching strong, high-level, or more difficult wild Pokemon. You unlock Ultra Balls once you hit level 20, and from there, they become more common as you level up. You can also find them by spinning PokeStops, opening gifts, or completing certain tasks. When a tough catch shows up and you don’t want to take chances, the Ultra Ball is the one to go with.

#1: Premier Ball

Premier Balls are a special kind of Poke Ball that you can’t collect or store—they only appear after certain battles. You’ll earn a set of Premier Balls after defeating Raid Bosses, Team GO Rocket Leaders, or Giovanni. The number you get depends on things like your performance, how many friends helped, and which team controls the gym. These balls are only used during that one catch attempt, and once they’re gone, that chance is over. You can’t use berries or switch balls either. Because of this, landing curveballs, hitting excellent throws, and maximizing your rewards during battle are the keys to making every Premier Ball count.

Conclusion

Knowing the differences between each type of Poke Ball in Pokemon GO can make a huge difference when it comes to catching the Pokemon you really want. Whether you’re using standard Poke Balls for casual catches, saving Ultra Balls for high-level encounters, or holding onto a rare Master Ball for that perfect moment, each one plays a role in building your dream team. Understanding when and how to use each ball helps you waste less and catch more—so keep your inventory stocked, and choose wisely when it’s time to throw.