The 30 main Pokeball types in Pokemon and their functions

There are a lot more Pokéballs in the Pokémon series than you might first think. Of course, not all of them appear in all games, and some only appear in spinoffs. Normal, Great, and Ultra Balls are common, but others are more specialized and only appear in certain titles.

Pokeballs are not only tools but also have interesting designs. Every fan has their own favorite type of ball and there are many balls to choose from, from common to rare.

Updated December 18, 2024 by Andrew Scariati: It all started with Poké Balls, and now that there are so many Poké Ball types in the series, it might be hard to remember them all. We've compiled all the major Pokeball types through the Scarlet and Violet era, including Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Other spin-offs are not included.

30

strange ball

Strange Balls are one of the most unique types of Pokéballs in the series, as they cannot normally be used to catch Pokémon. Rather, this ball is an all-purpose ball. Balls assigned to Pokemon transferred from Pokemon HOME to Legends: Arceus.

This ball can also appear when a Pokémon is present. Moved from Legends: Arceus. And with BDSP or Scarlet & Violet.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Legends: Arceus
• Professional purpose: Originally it was a different type of ball, so it doesn't have this form.

29

origin ball

This ball is similar to a modified Master Ball, but only works on certain Pokémon. You can receive this ball near the end of the story in Pokemon Legends: Arceus before facing off against Dialga or Palkia.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Legends: Arceus
• Professional purpose: If used on Palkia or Dialga in Origin Formes, it is an automatic (100% rate) catch.

28

regular pocket ball

Regular Pokéballs are included in all Pokémon titles. In fact, it is the symbol of the franchise. They're classic and add a level of difficulty to catching Pokemon that some people find more enjoyable.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, Green
• Professional purpose: doesn't exist. This is a regular monster ball.

27

great ball

One of the first Poké Balls after the Classic Poké Ball, the Great Ball is a regular Poké Ball with a higher generic catch modifier.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, Green
• Professional purpose: Adds a catch rate modifier of 1.5x.

26

ultra ball

Ultra Balls are often used as Poké Balls for late-game Pokémon. They have a higher catch rate modifier than Great Balls.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, Green
• Professional purpose: Adds a 2x catch rate modifier.

25

master ball

Master Ball is another classic game, where you usually win one in each game. Because it is so powerful, only one is provided. This method is mainly used to catch legendary Pokémon.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, Green
• Professional purpose: I catch Pokemon without fail.

24

love ball

Love Balls are one of the best types of Pokéballs in terms of design. I think it's the cutest of all the Pokéballs, with its pink color and heart shape. In the debut game, it was made of pink apricot.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Professional purpose: It has a catch rate modifier of 8x for Pokémon of the opposite sex to the Pokémon you have. (However, a glitch prevented this from happening in Gold and Silver.)

23

lure ball

Lure balls are balls used for fishing, so they often accommodate water types. They were created as Blue Apricorns in the original game.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Professional purpose: Fishing encounters have a triple catch rate modifier. When used elsewhere, it is the same as a regular Poké Ball.

22

netball

First developed in Mossdeep City, Netball specializes in catching two types of Pokémon.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby
• Professional purpose: The catch correction amount for Water-type Pokémon and Bug-type Pokémon is 3 to 3.5 times higher.

21

heavy ball

These balls are used as a reserve for larger Pokémon, which tend to be Rock, Steel, and/or Ground types due to the heavier weight of their type. In the original game, it was made from black apricot.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Professional purpose: The modifier ranges from -20 to 40x, depending on the weight of the Pokémon you are trying to catch. The heavier it is, the larger the modifier.

20

fast ball

Not to be confused with the similarly named Quick Ball. Fast Ball has a very different specialty. In the original game, they were created as White Apricorns.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Professional purpose: The catch rate increases depending on the type of Pokémon. Best for species that are quick to run away.

19

sports balls

This Poké Ball had a much more complex design in the anime. In the game, it was a regular Poké Ball with the letter “S” on it.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Professional purpose: It was used in a bug catching competition in the Seongto National Park area.

18

dive ball

Like the Lure Ball, the Dive Ball is often used against Water-type Pokémon. Like the Net Ball, it was developed in Mossdeep City as one of the most practical types of Poke Ball that residents of the region can use on their Pokémon.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby
• Professional purpose: Your catch rate modifier increases while encountering water. In the original game, this was limited to underwater encounters while diving.

17

luxury ball

The Luxury Ball is another fan favorite in terms of design. Fans love black and gold.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby
• Professional purpose: The catch rate remains constant, but the rate of gaining friendship with captured Pokémon increases.

16

rocket ball

Rocketball is much less well-known, but has been used at various points in the anime. Some fans like the design enough to create a mod for Sword and Shield. Otherwise you've never seen it in any game. . . now.

• Games first appeared in: None, only available in animation.
• Professional purpose: Unknown, but only Team Rocket members used it.

15

heel ball

Next to the Love Ball, the Heal Ball is also one of the cutest Pokéball designs. However, it is not widely used due to lack of professionalism as design.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Professional purpose: Caught Pokémon are fully healed. Catch rate is average.

14

twilight ball

Another beloved design, the Dusk Ball stands out from the rest due to its green color and unique pattern.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Professional purpose: If an encounter occurs at night or in a cave, this ball's catch rate modifier increases.

13

Cherish Ball

Cherish Balls are special because they cannot be bought or used to catch Pokémon. They have event Pokemon. This means that when you receive the ball, your Pokémon has already committed to it.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Professional purpose: doesn't exist. It is only used as an event Pokémon Pokeball.

12

park ball

Park balls are very similar to sports balls. You might assume that they are functionally the same, but the names have changed. However, park balls belong to a completely different generation from seongto and are not intended for catching bugs.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Professional purpose: It is used to recapture Pokémon that have moved to Pal Park.

11

Beast Ball

The Beast Ball is one of the newest Poké Balls and is popular for its unique design. However, it is only most useful for very specific types of Pokémon.

• Games first appeared in: Pokemon Sun and Moon
• Professional purpose: To catch Ultra Beast Pokemon. The catch rate modifier for them is 5x.