How To Get a Master Ball in Pokemon GO

Since the game was released in 2016, Pokemon GO players have only had a few chances to get a Master Ball. It’s always exciting when another opportunity comes around, so here’s everything you need to know about how to get a Master Ball in Pokemon GO.

How To Get the Masterwork Research: Master Ball in Pokemon GO

Players are about to get another chance to unlock the Masterwork Research: Master Ball path in Pokemon GO. During the Galarian Expedition event on October 4 from 10 AM local time to October 11 at 8 PM, players can buy a ticket to try and complete this coveted research path.

This time around, though, players will need to pay to take part. Tickets will cost $7.99 USD or local equivalent, and, while the final reward is still a Master Ball, it’s different from the previous Master Ball Masterwork Research. This time, you’ll get reward encounters with Galarian Pokemon alongside other rewards.

The path does not expire, so as long as you buy it while it’s available, you can work through the tasks at your own pace. This research release aligns with the debut of the Shiny Galarian birds, which means plenty of us will need another Master Ball on hand.

All Other Options To Get a Master Ball in Pokemon Go

Prior to this latest event, Pokemon GO players could first get a Master Ball from the Season of Rising Heroes in the Let’s GO Special Research Story. This research was available up until June 1, 2023.

If you logged into Pokemon GO and claimed this special research at any point during the season, you can still complete the tasks and get a Master Ball. Check your Special tab in the Research section if you’re not sure—you just might have a Master Ball waiting for you!

The next chance to get a Master Ball was a timed research path in November 2023, called Timed Investigation: Master Ball. After this event ended, players could opt to pay for the Special Research Path if they didn’t complete the timed version. This path is no longer available to purchase, but players who bought and have access to Special Research: Master Ball can still complete it and get the Master Ball reward.

In May 2024, players could participate in the Catching Wonders Masterwork Research by logging in to Pokemon GO during the Catching Wonders event. Like previous Master Ball research, this is no longer available but also doesn’t expire. If you have the research path, you can keep ticking off tasks until you get the reward.

How Many Master Balls Can You Have at Once in Pokemon GO?

Because the Master Ball lets you catch any Pokemon without fail, many Pokemon games limit how many trainers can have at any given time. In fact, many games only let you get one Master Ball.

In Pokemon GO, though, players have been able to hoard up to three Master Balls with no consequence. This means you should be able to add another Master Ball to your bag even if you have one or two from the previous offerings. So, hold onto them until you find a Pokemon worth using them on!

Pokemon GO is available now.