Rarest Poke Balls In Pokemon

Key Takeaways

The regular Poke Ball is the most accessible and common ball in the Pokemon series, with a standard catch rate of 1x.
Various Poke Balls introduced across all generations have unique designs, functions, and catch rates.
The rarity of Poke Balls in recent installments has been skewed due to auctions, vending machines, the Cram-o-matic, and the Item Printer.

As someone who has spent countless hours catching ’em all since the good old days of Pokemon Gold, I can attest to the fact that these rare balls have been the bane and boon of every trainer’s journey. From the Lure Ball that helped me reel in my first Magikarp to the Heavy Ball that finally caught that elusive Tyranitar, each one has a story to tell.

In the popular game called Pokemon, players utilize special items known as Poke Balls to capture and keep Pokemon for battles, trading, or collection purposes. The effectiveness of a Poke Ball in capturing wild Pokemon is influenced by its strength; a more powerful Poke Ball increases the chance of success. However, with newer versions of the game, the rarity of Poke Balls has been altered because they can now be obtained from vending machines and Item Printers.

I’ll organize Poke Balls from the main series games, from Generation 1 to 9, based on their scarcity. I’ll exclude those specific to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, except for one unique one, as they can all be crafted with ease and share similarities in design and function with the standard Poke Balls.

29 Poke Ball

The Classic

First Appearance: Generation 1

In the very first generation, the fundamental Poke Ball made its debut – it’s the most common Ball across the whole Pokemon series. Being the least expensive option, you can grab one from any Poke Mart right after completing the tutorial.

The Poke Ball has a standard catch rate of 1x, whereas in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the Hisuian version has a slightly lower catch rate at 0.75x.

28 Great Ball

The Slightly Better Classic

First Appearance: Generation 1

Originating from the first generation, The Great Ball is the second most frequently used Ball type. It’s an enhanced variation of the Poké Ball, boasting a catch rate that is 1.5 times greater than its standard counterpart. Interestingly, even the Hisuian variant retains the same catch rate.

In the primary versions of the game, you can purchase a Great Ball at any PokéMart following your victory over the initial gym.

27 Ultra Ball

Double The Poke Ball Catch Rate

First Appearance: Generation 1

In its original series, the Ultra Ball boasts a twice-as-high capture rate compared to regular Poke Balls. Despite being on the pricier side among standard Poke Balls, you can effortlessly obtain one once you’ve conquered a handful of gyms at any Poke Mart.

The Hisuian version has a slightly better catch rate at 2.25x.

26 Premier Ball

A Promotional Gift

First Appearance: Generation 3

In Generation 3, the Premier Ball was introduced, sharing the same capture rate with a regular Poke Ball. Although it can be obtained instantly, due to the system that gives one Premier Ball for every ten or more Poke Balls bought together, it is considered less common compared to other balls available for purchase.

But Poke Balls are cheap, so getting multiple Premier Balls is fairly easy.

25 Nest Ball

A Less Rare Version Of The Level Ball

First Appearance: Generation 3

In Generation 3, the Nest Ball made its debut, serving efficiently to capture less experienced Pokémon. Typically, it emerges following victories over several gyms, showing up frequently within specific city PokeMart stores across every subsequent generation.

In older versions of the main series games prior to Sword/Shield, it’s simpler to locate Pokemon with lower levels in the initial regions.

24 Net Ball

For Water Or Bug Lovers

First Appearance: Generation 3

In the third generation of games, specifically Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, the Net Ball made its debut. This unique tool is particularly useful for capturing Water or Bug-type Pokémon with ease. Initially, you could find it effortlessly at Mossdeep City. As the series progressed, the Net Ball became a common item in various forms across multiple games.

It’s slightly rarer than the Nest Ball due to it being accessible later.

23 Dive Ball

Not To Be Confused With Lure Ball

First Appearance: Generation 3

In its introduction during Generation 3, the Dive Ball was primarily designed for capturing underwater Pokémon. However, since Generation 4, this useful tool has expanded its function to aid in Pokémon capture not only when submerged but also while surfing and fishing underwater.

It was developed in Mossdeep City and is about as accessible as the Net Ball.

22 Heal Ball

For Those Allergic To The Clinic

First Appearance: Generation 4

In the fourth generation of games, a unique ball called the Heal Ball debuted, sharing the same capture rate as a regular Poke Ball. The special feature of the Heal Ball lies in its ability to completely restore the health of any Pokemon caught within it. However, this aspect is less significant in the more recent generations.

The Heal Ball is fairly easy to get and inexpensive to purchase.

21 Quick Ball

(Hopefully) First Try

First Appearance: Generation 4

In its debut during Generation 4, the Quick Ball was introduced as a tool for capturing Pokémon instantly at the start of a battle, offering a fourfold increase in the catch rate. Since then, from Generation 5 onward, it boasts an even higher success rate with a 5x catch rate.

In the games Scarlet/Violet, you can often discover a Quick Ball scattered throughout the wild areas. This item costs roughly the same as the Dusk Ball and Dive Ball and is typically available at approximately halfway point of each game.

20 Dusk Ball

Creeping In The Dark

First Appearance: Generation 4

In Generation 4, the Dusk Ball made its debut as an aid for capturing wild Pokémon either at night or within caves. Typically, this item becomes accessible to players shortly after they leave their starting town.

In the game Scarlet/Violet, you can acquire a Dusk Ball either by purchasing it at approximately the same price as a Dive Ball, or you might come across some Dusk Balls in wild locations such as fields and caves.

19 Repeat Ball

Gotta Catch ‘Em All, Again

First Appearance: Generation 3

In Generation 3, the Repeat Ball was introduced, a useful tool for catching Pokemon that are already recorded as captured in your Pokedex. You can get it about halfway through games like Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald, and it will cost you 1,000 Pokemon Dollars.

In the games Scarlet/Violet, you can obtain it with relative ease after collecting six gym badges. Occasionally, it can also be discovered wandering in the wild areas.

18 Timer Ball

Drawing The Battle Out

First Appearance: Generation 3

In Generation 3, the Timer Ball became available, and while it’s not as common as the Repeat Ball, both are obtained and priced comparably. What sets the Timer Ball apart is its catching success rate; it improves as the battle duration lengthens.

In some wild locations, particularly those in Scarlet/Violet, you might stumble upon it, but it’s much simpler to acquire once you’ve earned eight gym badges at the Poke Marts.

17 Luxury Ball

A Cozier, Cooler Friend Ball

First Appearance: Generation 3

In the third generation, the Luxury Ball made its debut, featuring the same capture probability as a regular Poke Ball. What sets this ball apart is its ability to boost the growth of a captured Pokemon’s friendship at a faster pace compared to standard balls.

Prior to the release of Sword and Shield, the Luxury Ball was priced at just 1,000 Pokémon Dollars. However, this item has significantly increased in price to 3,000, which definitely gives it a more luxurious label when it comes to cost.

16 Moon Ball

Occasionally Useful, Mostly Aesthetic

First Appearance: Generation 2

In Generation 2, the Moon Ball was designed to be particularly potent against Pokémon that undergo evolution using a Moon Stone; however, it failed to function as intended in the initial game version.

In every new adventure, the Moon Ball seems to boost its catch rate fourfold. I remember fondly how it was introduced by Kurt in Gold, Silver, and Crystal, crafted meticulously with Yellow Apricorns. It took a break from our games in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, but has made quite the comeback in Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet!

15 Love Ball

Finding Love In Opposites

First Appearance: Generation 2

Back in Generation 2, I got my hands on the Love Ball, a unique item that’s only crafted using Pink Apricorns and the expertise of good ol’ Kurt. This ball has quite a special trick up its sleeve – it increases the odds of catching Pokémon from the opposite gender compared to my own!

It can be gifted through events or bought from a finite amount in Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon. Like the other Apricorn balls, the Love Ball was fairly rare until Sword/Shield and Scarlet/Violet.

14 Friend Ball

Promoting A Healthy Friendship

First Appearance: Generation 2

In the second generation, a unique item called the Friend Ball was presented. Similar to a Pokeball in terms of catch rate, it offers a bonus in friendship for captured Pokemon. This special item is crafted by Kurt using Green Apricorns, as seen in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, and also in The Isle of Armor expansion of Sword and Shield games, again with the help of Green Apricorns.

In the games Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Friend Balls were unavailable, but in Scarlet and Violet, they became more accessible through the Porto Marinada auctions and the addition of an Item Printer.

13 Heavy Ball

Countering Weights

First Appearance: Generation 2

In the world of Pokémon, back during my adventures in Gold, Silver, and Crystal, I stumbled upon a unique item called the Heavy Ball. This ball was first introduced in Generation 2 and it’s quite special because the heavier the wild Pokémon is, the higher its catch rate with this ball! Now, if you want to get your hands on one of these Heavy Balls, just head over to Kurt’s house in Azalea Town. He whips them up using Black Apricorns!

In the games Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, as well as earlier generations up until Sword and Shield, Heavy Balls are not found and appear to be quite scarce. However, in more recent versions like Sword and Shield, you can acquire Heavy Balls using the Cram-o-matic. Additionally, the Item Printer is another means of obtaining Heavy Balls in Scarlet and Violet.

12 Level Ball

Dealing In Levels

First Appearance: Generation 2

In Generation 2, the Great Ball made its debut, specifically for catching Pokémon that are noticeably lower level than the ones the player currently has.

Level Balls, which can be produced using Red Apricorns, are occasionally given as gifts at special occasions. These balls aren’t available in Generation 3 and remain scarce until the releases of Pokémon Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet.

11 Fast Ball

Catching Them Off-Guard

First Appearance: Generation 2

In my gaming world, way back in Generation 2, I learned about the Fast Ball – a special kind of Poké Ball designed to snag those speedy critters or the ones that are too quick for their own good and tend to dodge capture attempts. Crafted by Kurt using White Apricorns, these unique balls were a game-changer… until they mysteriously vanished from the scene in the third generation. Quite a shame, really.

Fast Balls are fairly rare up until the newest games due to crafting and printing mechanics.

10 Lure Ball

For Catching In And On Water

First Appearance: Generation 2

As a devoted Pokémon fan, I remember the exciting introduction of Lure Balls in Generation 2. These magical items significantly boost the chances of success when engaging in fishing encounters. Interestingly, our dear friend Kurt crafts these treasures using Blue Apricorns, making them quite rare and valuable. In Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon games, you can find these precious Lure Balls in limited quantities, adding an extra layer of excitement to the fishing experience!

Because fishing has been eliminated from the Scarlet/Violet region, the Lure Ball now operates similarly to a Dive Ball, offering a slightly improved catch rate of 1.5 times.

2024-11-15 17:36