The 30 Major Poke Ball Type In Pokemon And What They Do

The Pokemon series has way more Poke Balls than you would first think. Of course, not all of them are in every single game, with some only appearing in spin-offs. While regular, Great, and Ultra Balls are common, the others are more specialized and only appear in certain titles.

Poke Balls are not only tools but have interesting designs. Every fan has their favorite type of ball, and there is a lot to choose from that range from common to rare.

Updated December 18, 2024, by Andrew Scariati: Everything began with the Poke Ball, and now that there are several Poke Ball types in the series, it might be difficult to remember them all. We’ve compiled all the major Poke Ball types through the Scarlet and Violet era, including Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Other spin-offs are not included.

30

Strange Ball

The Strange Ball is one of the most unique types of Poke Balls in the series, as you can’t typically use it to catch Pokemon. Rather, this ball represents a catch-all ball assigned to Pokemon transferred into Legends: Arceus from Pokemon HOME.

This ball could also appear when Pokemon are transferred out of Legends: Arceus and into BDSP or Scarlet & Violet.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Legends: Arceus
• Specialized purpose: None in this form, as it was originally another type of ball.

29

Origin Ball

This ball is like a modified Master Ball, but it only works on certain Pokemon. You can receive this ball toward the end of the story in Pokemon Legends: Arceus before you’re sent to confront Dialga or Palkia.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Legends: Arceus
• Specialized purpose: Automatic (100 percent rate) catch if used on Palkia or Dialga in their Origin Formes.

28

Regular Poke Ball

The regular Poke Ball has been in every Pokemon title. It is practically the symbol of the franchise. They are classic and add a level of difficulty to catching Pokemon that some find more enjoyable.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green
• Specialized purpose: None. It is the general Poke Ball.

27

Great Ball

One of the first Poke Balls next to the classic, the Great Ball is simply a regular Poke Ball with a higher general catch modifier.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green
• Specialized purpose: Adds a catch rate modifier of 1.5x.

26

Ultra Ball

Ultra Balls are often the go-to Poke Balls for late-game Pokemon. They have a higher catch rate modifier than Great Balls.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green
• Specialized purpose: Adds a catch rate modifier of 2x.

25

Master Ball

Master Ball is yet another classic, in which you typically get a single one in each game. Only one is given, as it is very powerful. It is typically a go-to when catching legendary Pokemon.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green
• Specialized purpose: Catches a Pokemon without fail.

24

Love Ball

Love Balls are easily one of the best types of Poke Balls in terms of design. It is arguably the cutest of the Poke Balls with its pink color and heart shape. In its debut game, it was made from Pink Apricorns.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Specialized purpose: To have an 8x catch rate modifier against Pokemon that are the opposite gender of the Pokemon you have out. (In Gold and Silver though, this did not happen due to a glitch).

23

Lure Ball

Lure Balls are the go-to balls for fishing, so they often house Water-types. They were made from Blue Apricorns in their original game.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Specialized purpose: Has a triple catch rate modifier in fishing encounters. Is just like a regular Poke Ball if used elsewhere.

22

Net Ball

First developed in Mossdeep City, Net Balls are specialized for catching two types of Pokemon.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby
• Specialized purpose: Has a 3-3.5x catch modifier against Water and Bug-type Pokemon.

21

Heavy Ball

This ball was used in reserve for larger Pokemon that tended to be Rock, Steel, and/or Ground-type due to the heavier weight of the type. It was made from Black Apricorns in its original game.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Specialized purpose: The modifier ranges from -20 to 40x depending on the weight of the Pokemon its trying to catch. The heavier, the bigger the modifier is.

20

Fast Ball

Not to be confused with the similarly named Quick Ball, the Fast Ball has a very different specialization. It was made from White Apricorns in its original game.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Specialized purpose: Has an increased catch rate depending on the species of Pokemon. It is best against species that are quick to run away.

19

Sport Ball

This Poke Ball had a vastly more intricate design in the anime. In the games, it was a regular Poke Ball with an “S” on it.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Specialized purpose: Was used during Bug-Catching Contests in the National Park area of Johto.

18

Dive Ball

Like the Lure Ball, the Dive Ball is often used on Water-type Pokemon. Like the Net Ball, it was also developed in Mossdeep City as one of the most practical types of Poke Balls for residents to use on Pokemon in the area.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby
• Specialized purpose: Has an increased catch rate modifier during water encounters. In its original game, this was specific to encounters underwater during Dive.

17

Luxury Ball

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

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby
• Specialized purpose: Has a regular catch rate, but increases the rate at which friendship is gained with caught Pokemon.

16

Rocket Ball

The Rocket Balls are far less known but have been used at various points in the anime. Some fans like the design enough to make mods for them in Sword and Shield. Otherwise, they have not been seen in any games . . . for now.

• Game it first appeared in: None, only in anime.
• Specialized purpose: Unknown, but has only been used by members of Team Rocket.

15

Heal Ball

Next to the Love Ball, the Heal Ball is also among the cutest in Poke Ball designs. It is not popularly used though, as its specialization is not as well-loved as the design.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Specialized purpose: The Pokemon caught is fully healed. Catch rate is normal.

14

Dusk Ball

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

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Specialized purpose: If an encounter happens at night or in a cave, this ball has an increased catch rate modifier.

13

Cherish Ball

Cherish Balls are special because they cannot be bought or even used to catch Pokemon. They are what hold event Pokemon, meaning the Pokemon has already been put into the ball once the ball is received.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Specialized purpose: None. Only used as event Pokemon Poke Balls.

12

Park Ball

The Park Ball is very similar to the Sport Ball. You might even assume they are functionally the same but renamed. However, the Park Ball belongs to an entirely different generation from Johto and was not for bug catching.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
• Specialized purpose: Used to re-catch Pokemon that have migrated to the Pal Park.

11

Beast Ball

Beast Balls are one of the newer Poke Balls, and are popular for their unique design. However, they are most useful for only a very specific type of Pokemon.

• Game it first appeared in: Pokemon Sun and Moon
• Specialized purpose: To catch Ultra Beast Pokemon. It has a five times catch rate modifier against them.