The Master Ball is the ultimate Poke Ball — it has a 100% catch rate on any Pokemon, including fleeing legendaries and raid bosses. In the main series games, you typically only receive one per game, making the choice of when to use it critical.
When NOT to Use It
Don\'t waste it on legendaries that stay in place (Ho-Oh, Lugia, Rayquaza). Those can be softened up with status and thrown with Ultra Balls or Timer Balls. Save the Master Ball for roamers — legendaries that flee after one turn, like Latios, Latias, Cresselia, and Mesprit.
When to Definitely Use It
- Roaming legendaries — they flee after one attack and have 3 HP.
- Mythicals with self-destruct moves — Metagross\'s Explosion, for example.
- Shiny encounters of roamers — you won\'t get another chance.
- One-chance story bosses in games where the legendary is permanently missable.
Master Ball Farming
In most main series games, a second Master Ball can be won from the Game Corner lottery or through specific post-game events. In Pokeworld, Master Balls are available as premium shop items and as rare drops from Elite Zone raids — stock up if you are serious about legendary hunting.
Alternatives to Master Ball
Quick Ball (1x turn), Timer Ball (30+ turns), Dusk Ball (night or cave), and Ultra Ball can catch most legendaries with patience and False Swipe + status. Master Ball is the shortcut, not the only option.