Every Poke Ball In The Pokemon Games, Ranked

Highlights

• There are 38 types of Poke Balls in Pokemon games, each with unique functions and rarity, some exclusive to certain generations.
• Pro players use specific Poke Balls for cosmetic reasons, such as matching a Pokemon’s theme or rarity.
• Some Poke Balls, like the Gigaton Ball and Jet Ball, introduced in Legends: Arceus, have improved catch rates for specific scenarios.

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.

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 April 8, 2024, by Ben Painter: The red and white Pokeball is one of the most iconic items in video game history. But casual fans may not know that there isn’t just one Pokeball; there are 38 different Pokeballs throughout the games. Some are more useful than others, and some are not even usable in the latest games, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. This updated list adds the remainder of the five different types of Pokemon, some entries in this list are brought together as one, and ranking them based on their usefulness, appearance and how iconic they are.

30 Strange Ball

Introduced: Generation 8 – Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl

• Catch rate: 0.75x (unobtainable to actually use)

The Strange Ball, as its name suggests, is strange. It is not able to be found or bought in games and is only acquired by trading a Pokemon from Pokemon: Legends Arceus into Brilliant Diamond, Shinning Pearl, Scarlet or Violet.

Instead of being in one of the ancient Hisui Poke Balls, it will instead be placed inside a strange ball. This is useful for getting one of the Pokemon exclusive to Hisui into one of the newer games. Perfect for Pokedex completionists. This teal-colored ball has no additional effects or anything else special around it other than its appearance.

How To Acquire Strange Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Trade a Pokemon from Legends: Arceus and the Pokemon will be placed inside of the Strange Ball, they cannot be acquired any other way in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

29 Hisui Poke Balls

Introduced: Generation 8 – Pokemon Legends: Arceus

• Catch rate: 0.75x (Poke Ball), 1.5x (Great Ball), 2.25x (Ultra Ball)

For the purpose of this list, all Hisui base Pokeballs have been grouped as one, as they have no difference from their regular counterparts. Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in the past; thus, in Hisui they did not have the technology to match the modern Pokeballs.

Functionally, they work exactly the same as regular balls, with the Poke Ball being the weakest, Great Ball having a better catch rate and Ultra Balls working even better. The Hisuian Poke Ball is actually weaker than the regular one, with a 0.75x catch rate as opposed to the 1x of the Poke Ball. They look perfect as an ancient Poke Ball and can actually be crafted in-game using materials found across the map.

How To Acquire Hisui Poke Balls In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

They 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 the game, it is stored inside a ‘Strange Ball’ instead.

28 Sport Ball (Park Ball)

Introduced: Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver

• Catch rate: 1x (prior to Generation 8, this was only used as part of the Johto bug catching contest)

The Sport Ball, or as it was formerly known as the Park Ball, is a unique item in that it was originally only accessed as part of the Bug-Catching Contest in the Johto region. The Park Ball was renamed as the Sport Ball due to the Park Ball being used as the ball in Pal Park, a method of transferring Pokemon from previous games in Pokemon Diamond & Pearl.

In the anime, it has a very different appearance, but in modern entries, it is essentially just a Poke Ball with a design on the red part of it. Starting in Generation 8, Pokemon Sword & Shield, the Sport Ball was reintroduced in the franchise but with no additional effects. It functions the same as a regular Poke Ball.

How To Acquire The Sport Ball In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

The Sport Ball can be found in the Savanna Biome as part of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, it can also be crafted from the Item Printer as part of the Poke Ball Lotto, a rare item in the game for sure.

27 Moon Ball

Introduced: Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver

• Catch rate: 4x when used on a Pokemon that evolves by using a Moon Stone

Pokemon Gold & Silver introduced a lot of different Pokemon Balls as part of the Apricorn crafting mechanic. Although a lot of these balls have tons of uses, the Moon Ball doesn’t fit into this category.

The Moon Ball gives a 4x boost to the catch rate if a Moon Stone can evolve the Pokemon. There are only six Pokemon that fit into this, and two of these did not even exist when Pokemon Gold & Silver first came out. Given that G&S introduced a day-and-night cycle into the franchise, the Moon Ball should have been the ball that boosted the catch rate at night. This was, however, given to the Dusk Ball in Generation 4. It is also worth noting that the Moon Ball only had a 1x catch rate modifier in Generation 2 due to a programming error. The ball was actually useless.

How To Acquire The Moon Ball In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

The Moon Ball can be found, with its correct programming, in the Nintendo Switch games and its DLCs as a reward for registering 340 Pokemon in the Paldea Pokedex, 200 Pokemon in the Kitakami Pokedex, 180 Pokemon in the Blueberry Pokedex and also from the Porto Marinda Auction, Acadamey Ace Tournament and from the Item Printer as part of the Poke Ball Lotto.

26 Level Ball

Introduced: Generation 2 – Pokemon Gold & Silver

• Catch rate: 1× if the player’s Pokémon is the same level as or a lower level than the wild Pokémon
• 2× if the player’s Pokémon is at a higher level than the wild Pokémon but less than double it
• 4× if the player’s Pokémon is more than double but less than four times the level of the wild Pokémon
• 8× if the player’s Pokémon is of a level four times or more than that of the wild Pokémon

The Level Ball may be tricky to work out, but essentially, it is a ball that works better the higher the trainer’s Pokemon’s level is than the Pokemon said trainer is trying to catch. If the wild Pokemon is level 2 then the trainer’s Pokemon will need to be level 8 or higher to get an 8x catch rate.

Although the idea may be good in theory, there is no real use for this ball as Pokemon which require a ball with a higher catch rate are usually a higher level than the trainers, so it does kind of render the Level Ball useless.

How To Acquire The Level Ball In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

To use a Level Ball in the latest entry, gamers must register 280 Pokemon in the Paldea Pokedex or get lucky at the Porto Marinda Auction, Acadamey Ace Tournament, or from the Item Printer as part of the Poke Ball Lotto at the Blueberry Academy in the Indigo Disk DLC.

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 and 200 Pokemon in the Blueberry Pokedex. They can also be earned as an award in the Academy Ace Tournament or purchased at the Porto Marinada Auction or the Item Printer Poke Ball Lotto.

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.

Most special versions of Poke Ball 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, purchased at the Porto Marinada Auction or the Item Printer Poke Ball Lotto.

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.

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 Paldea Pokedex and for 160 Pokemon in the Kitakami 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 or the Item Printer as part of the Poke Ball Lotto.

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.

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 four 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 Paldea Pokedex or for 220 Pokemon in the Blueberry Pokedex. They can also sometimes be rewarded with the the Item Printer Poke Ball as part of the Pokeball Lotto.

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.

How To Acquire Master Balls In Pokemon Sword & Shield

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. Upon completing the DLC gamers are given a second Master Ball from Drayton after beating Champion Kiernan, they are also a rare reward from the Item Printer Poke Ball Lotto.

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.

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. They can also be found as a reward in the Poke Ball Lotto at the Item Printers in the Blueberry Academy.

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.