Are you an Android gamer eager to level up your Pokémon GO experience? If you’ve ever found yourself running out of Ultra Balls or wondering how to snag a Master Ball, you’re not alone. In 2025, knowing how to get Ultra Balls, Great Balls, and Master Balls in Pokémon GO is essential for catching rare Pokémon and dominating raids. This guide covers everything you need—step-by-step methods, pro tips, and answers to all your burning questions about Poké Balls in Pokémon GO.
Quick Answer: In Pokémon GO, players can get Ultra Balls and Great Balls by leveling up, spinning PokéStops, completing research tasks, and participating in special events. Master Balls are extremely rare and are typically obtained through limited-time events or major research breakthroughs. Read on for a complete breakdown and expert strategies for maximizing your Poké Ball inventory in 2025.
Poké Balls in Pokémon GO: Overview & Importance
Poké Balls are the foundation of every Pokémon trainer’s arsenal in Pokémon GO. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore collector, the type of Poké Ball you use can make all the difference—especially when encountering powerful or rare Pokémon. With the game’s ongoing updates and new features in 2025, understanding how to get Ultra Balls, Great Balls, and Master Balls is more important than ever for Android users.
Why Do Poké Balls Matter?
- Catch Rate: Higher-tier balls increase your chances of catching rare or high-CP Pokémon.
- Event Pokémon: Special balls are often needed during Community Days or limited-time events.
- Resource Management: Knowing how to restock efficiently saves time and maximizes gameplay.
Types of Poké Balls in Pokémon GO (2025)
| Poké Ball Type | Catch Rate Modifier | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Poké Ball | 1x (Standard) | Common (PokéStops, leveling up) |
| Great Ball | 1.5x | Level 12+, PokéStops, rewards |
| Ultra Ball | 2x | Level 20+, PokéStops, research |
| Master Ball | Guaranteed catch | Special events, research, limited |
How to Get Great Balls in Pokémon GO
Requirements Before You Start
- Be at least Level 12 in Pokémon GO to unlock Great Balls.
- Ensure your app is updated to the latest version on Android.
- Enable location and notifications for event alerts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Great Balls
- Level Up: Reach Trainer Level 12 to unlock Great Balls as a reward.
- Spin PokéStops & Gyms: After Level 12, Great Balls can drop from PokéStops and Gyms.
- Complete Field Research Tasks: Some daily and special research tasks reward Great Balls.
- Participate in Events: Community Days and themed events often boost Great Ball rewards.
- Open Gifts: Friends can send you gifts containing Great Balls.
Tips & Tricks
- Visit clusters of PokéStops for higher item yields.
- Save research tasks with Great Ball rewards for when you’re low.
- Coordinate with friends to send and receive more gifts daily.
How to Get Ultra Balls in Pokémon GO
Requirements Before You Start
- Reach at least Level 20 to unlock Ultra Balls.
- Have a stable internet connection for event participation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Ultra Balls
- Level Up: Trainer Level 20 unlocks Ultra Balls as a reward.
- Spin PokéStops & Gyms: Ultra Balls start appearing as drops after Level 20.
- Research Breakthroughs: Weekly research breakthroughs frequently include Ultra Balls.
- Timed Research & Special Events: Participate in seasonal events for Ultra Ball bundles.
- Open Gifts: Friends’ gifts may contain Ultra Balls, especially during special promotions.
Tips & Tricks
- Use Ultra Balls strategically for high-CP or rare Pokémon.
- Plan gameplay around major events for extra rewards.
- Combine Ultra Balls with Razz Berries for better catch rates.
How to Get Master Balls in Pokémon GO (2025)
Master Balls are the rarest and most coveted Poké Balls in Pokémon GO. They guarantee a catch, making them invaluable for Legendary Pokémon or shiny encounters. In 2025, Niantic has released new ways to obtain Master Balls, but they remain extremely limited.
Ways to Get Master Balls
- Special Research: Completing time-limited or major storyline research can reward a Master Ball.
- Global Events: Participate in worldwide events (e.g., Pokémon GO Fest) for a chance to earn a Master Ball.
- Seasonal Rewards: Some seasonal passes or milestone achievements may offer a Master Ball.
- Exclusive Promotions: Occasionally, Niantic runs promotions where Master Balls are distributed.
Tips & Tricks for Master Ball Usage
- Save your Master Ball for rare, Legendary, or shiny Pokémon you can’t risk losing.
- Stay updated with in-game news to never miss a Master Ball event.
- Plan ahead—once used, getting another Master Ball may take months.
Poké Ball Features Comparison Table (2025)
| Poké Ball | Unlock Level | Catch Rate | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poké Ball | 1 | Standard | PokéStops, Gyms, gifts |
| Great Ball | 12 | 1.5x | PokéStops, Gyms, research, events |
| Ultra Ball | 20 | 2x | PokéStops, Gyms, research, events |
| Master Ball | N/A | 100% (Guaranteed) | Special research, events |
Pros & Cons Table: Poké Ball Types
| Poké Ball Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Poké Ball | Abundant, easy to get | Low catch rate for strong Pokémon |
| Great Ball | Better catch rate, easy to farm | Still may fail on rare Pokémon |
| Ultra Ball | High catch rate, great for rare Pokémon | Less common, limited supply |
| Master Ball | Guaranteed catch, best for Legendaries | Extremely rare, limited to events |
Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Fixes
- Not Receiving Ultra Balls or Great Balls from PokéStops? Try restarting the app or clearing cache. Ensure you’re above the required level.
- Inventory Full? Expand your bag using PokéCoins or delete excess items.
- Didn’t Get Master Ball from Event? Check if you completed all required tasks and update your app.
- Event Rewards Not Claiming? Wait a few minutes, then try again; server lag can delay rewards.
- Poké Ball Count Not Updating? Log out and back in to refresh your inventory.
FAQs: Ultra Balls, Great Balls, and Master Balls in Pokémon GO
- What level do you get Great Balls in Pokémon GO?
Great Balls unlock at Trainer Level 12. - How can I get more Ultra Balls quickly?
Spin PokéStops, complete research, participate in events, and open gifts from friends. - Why can’t I find Master Balls in my inventory?
Master Balls are only available through special research or events and are not a regular drop item. - Can you buy Ultra Balls or Master Balls in Pokémon GO?
Ultra Balls may occasionally be included in shop bundles during events, but Master Balls cannot be purchased. - Is there a limit to how many Poké Balls I can carry?
Yes, your item bag has a limit that can be increased with PokéCoins. - How should I use my Master Ball?
Save it for rare, Legendary, or shiny Pokémon you absolutely don’t want to lose. - Do Poké Ball types affect shiny Pokémon catch rates?
Higher-tier balls increase catch rates, but shiny encounters always have the same base catch rate as their non-shiny counterparts.
Related Resources
Conclusion
Getting Ultra Balls, Great Balls, and Master Balls in Pokémon GO is crucial for every Android trainer aiming to catch ‘em all in 2025. By understanding unlock levels, maximizing event participation, and managing your resources, you’ll always be ready for your next big catch. Don’t forget to check for special events and research tasks for those elusive Master Balls. Which Poké Ball do you rely on most? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below!