Pokemon GO Pokeballs
Pokeballs are the core item trainers use to catch Pokemon in Pokemon GO. Throwing one at a wild Pokemon gives a chance to capture it, with the outcome depending on both the type of ball used and the accuracy of the throw. Without Pokeballs, catching and building a collection is not possible, making them one of the most used items in the game.
New trainers start with 50 Poke Balls and receive more as level-up rewards through the early game. Additional Pokeballs come from spinning PokeStops, opening Gifts, and completing research tasks, though running out during an active catching session is a common problem for players who explore frequently.
What Are Pokeballs Used For?
Pokeballs are thrown at wild Pokemon during an encounter to attempt a capture. Landing the throw inside the target ring improves the catch rate, and curveball throws add an extra bonus on top of that. Each Pokemon has its own base catch rate, and tougher or higher-level Pokemon require better throws or stronger ball types to catch reliably.
Beyond catching wild Pokemon, Pokeballs are also required for Raid Battles, Team GO Rocket encounters, and Special Research Pokemon. Certain encounters only allow Premier Balls, which are awarded after defeating Raid Bosses or Team GO Rocket Leaders based on performance and gym control.
Types of Pokeballs
Pokemon GO has seven Pokeball varieties, though only a few show up in regular gameplay. The standard Poke Ball, Great Ball, and Ultra Ball are the three trainers use daily, unlocking at the start, level 12, and level 20 respectively, with catch rate improving at each tier.
The Master Ball guarantees a catch on any Pokemon with no chance of it breaking free. It's not purchasable, but it can be earned through normal play by reaching account level 70, as well as through Special Research, Timed Research, or select paid seasonal research lines. Most trainers receive just one or two per year.
The Premier Ball behaves exactly like a standard Poke Ball in terms of catch rate but only appears after Raid Battles, Max Battles, or while rescuing Shadow Pokemon. Trainers can't buy or stockpile these outside of those encounters.
The Beast Ball and GO Safari Ball are both event-exclusive. Beast Balls show up only during select encounters, most notably tied to Ultra Beasts. GO Safari Balls appear during Wild Area events, offering a boosted catch rate limited to the event's timeframe and location, and expiring at the end of each event day if unused.
Why Buy Pokemon GO Pokeballs
Running low on Pokeballs limits how much a trainer can catch during an active session, especially during events with increased wild spawns or limited-time Pokemon. Buying Pokeballs through the in-game shop or third-party platforms keeps trainers stocked without relying on PokeStop spins or waiting for Gifts to refresh.
This becomes especially useful during Community Days, raid hours, or shiny hunting sessions where missing a catch due to an empty inventory means losing the Pokemon entirely. Keeping a steady supply of Pokeballs ensures trainers can catch every Pokemon they encounter without interruptions.