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[[File:SugimoriMasterBall.png|thumb|250px|right|Sugimori art of the Master Ball]]
{{ItemInfobox/head
The '''Master Ball''' (Japanese: '''マスターボール''' ''Master Ball'') is a variety of [[Poké Ball]] introduced in [[Generation I]], and arguably the rarest of all Poké Ball variants. It is unique in the aspect that it is guaranteed to [[Caught Pokémon|catch]] any [[wild Pokémon]] ([[Marowak (ghost)|with one exception]]) that it is thrown at. It shares this attribute with the Park and {{ball|Dream}} used within [[Pal Park]] and the [[Entralink]], respectively. However, unlike these Poké Balls, the Master Ball can be obtained and used outside of these specific areas.
|name=Master Ball
|jname=マスターボール
|jtrans=Master Ball
|gen=I
|colorscheme=Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|I|Items|colorscheme=Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|II|Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|III|Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|IV|Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|V|Items|group=Poké Balls|colorscheme=Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|VI|Items|colorscheme=Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|VII|Items|colorscheme=Poké Balls|group=Catching Pocket{{sup/7|PE}}}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRow|VIII|Poké Balls}}
{{ItemInfobox/BagRowBottom|IX|Poké Balls}}
|}


The Master Ball, like all Poké Balls, is spherical in shape. The top and bottom halves are divided by a horizontal black band, on which is the button found on all Poké Balls. The top half of the Master Ball is purple, with a white letter "M" on the front, with a pink circle on either side.
The '''Master Ball''' (Japanese: '''マスターボール''' ''Master Ball'') is a type of [[Poké Ball]] introduced in [[Generation I]]. It can be used to catch a [[wild Pokémon]] without fail. It was invented by the [[Silph Co.]]


Master Balls are developed by [[Silph Co.]]
==In the core series games==
===Price===
{{ItemPrice/head|Poké Balls}}
{{ItemPrice|{{gameabbrev1|RGBY}}/{{gameabbrev1|RBY}}<br>{{gameabbrev2|GSC}}|N/A|{{PDollar}}0}}
{{ItemPrice|{{gameabbrev3|RSEFRLG}}<br>{{gameabbrev4|DPPtHGSS}}<br>{{gameabbrev5|BWB2W2}}<br>{{gameabbrev6|XYORAS}}<br>{{gameabbrev7|SMUSUMPE}}<br>{{gameabbrev8|SwShBDSP}}<br>{{gameabbrev9|SV}}|N/A|N/A}}
|}
|}


==In the games==
===Effect===
The Master Ball has been present in every main series Pokémon game. Usually, only one Master Ball is available to the {{player}} per saved game, although from [[Generation II]] onwards (except [[Generation V]]), additional Master Balls can be won in [[Lucky Channel]] and [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]] drawings, but only if the drawn number exactly matches the ID number of one of the player's Pokémon.
[[File:Master Ball cutscene PE.png|thumb|250px|A Master Ball being used in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]]]]
====Manual activation====
When used from the [[Bag]] in a {{pkmn2|wild}} encounter, it catches the wild Pokémon without fail (with the exception of the [[Marowak (ghost)|ghost Marowak]] in [[Pokémon Tower]]). Despite the common misconception that the Master Ball has a low chance to fail in certain generations, it functions by simply overriding the catch formula entirely, skipping any calculations based on chance.


The Master Ball is the only item that cannot be sold that is neither a [[key item]], an [[HM]], or a [[TM]]. In Generations {{gen|I}} and {{gen|II}} it can be "sold", but for {{pdollar}}0.
In [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], throwing a Master Ball will bypass the Poké Ball manual aiming mechanic, and will instead show a cutscene of the Master Ball catching the chosen Pokémon. If used on [[Legendary Pokémon]] in these games, they will attempt to smack the ball away during the cutscene, but will still be caught anyway.


===Master Ball locations===
The Master Ball cannot be used in situations in which Poké Balls cannot be used, such as in wild battles with two or more opponents currently present or against a [[Island challenge|trial]] Pokémon. If used in a Trainer battle, the opposing Trainer will bat the ball away, wasting the item ([[Generation III]] and earlier) or only the player's turn (from [[Generation IV]] onward).
{| class="sortable" style="margin:auto; border:5px solid #4E4987; background:#796FA7; {{roundy|15px}} padding:3px;" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="1"
 
|-
====As a Pokémon's Poké Ball====
! {{color|ffffff|Generation}}
From [[Generation VI]] onward, [[Pokémon breeding|bred]] Pokémon inherit their Poké Ball from their parents. However, the Master Ball, [[Cherish Ball]], and [[Strange Ball]] cannot be passed down via breeding; instead, they act as a regular Poké Ball for inheritance purposes.
! {{color|ffffff|Game(s)}}
 
! {{color|ffffff|Location}}
====Held item====
! {{color|ffffff|Requirements}}
{{m|Fling}} will fail if used while holding a Master Ball.
! {{color|ffffff|Notes}}
 
|- style="background:#fff;"
===Description===
| {{gen|I}}
{{movedesc|Poké Balls}}
| {{3v2|Red|Blue|Yellow}}
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrevss|Stad}}|A <sc>Ball</sc> that captures any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
| [[Silph Co.]]  
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrev2|GSC}}|The best <sc>Ball</sc>. It never misses.}}
| Talk to the president of Silph Co. after defeating [[Giovanni]].
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrev3|RSE}}{{gameabbrevss|Colo}}{{gameabbrevss|XD}}|The best <sc>Ball</sc> that catches a <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> without fail.}}
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}|The best <sc>Ball</sc> with the ultimate performance. It will catch any wild <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> without fail.}}
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrev4|DPPtHGSS}}<br>{{gameabbrev5|BWB2W2}}|The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrev6|XYORAS}}<br>{{gameabbrev7|SMUSUMPE}}<br>{{gameabbrev8|SwShBDSPLA}}|The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrev9|SV}}|The very best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
|}
|}
 
===Acquisition===
{{ItemAvailability/head|Poké Balls}}
|-
| {{gameabbrev1|RGBY}}<br>{{gameabbrev1|RBY}}
| [[Silph Co.]] (from the president after defeating [[Giovanni]])
|
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|II}}
| {{gameabbrev2|GSC}}
| {{3v2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}
| [[New Bark Town]] (from [[Professor Elm]] after earning all eight Johto [[Badge]]s)
| [[New Bark Town]]
| [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Lucky Channel]])
| Talk to Professor Elm after earning all eight Johto [[Badge]]s.
|-
| {{gameabbrev3|RS}}
| [[Team Magma Hideout|Magma Hideout]]{{sup/3|Ru}}/[[Team Aqua Hideout|Aqua Hideout]]{{sup/3|Sa}} (entrance [[Permanently missable items|sealed]] after defeating [[Tate and Liza]])
| [[Lilycove Department Store]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Loto-ID|Pokémon Lottery Corner]])
|-
| {{gameabbrev3|E}}
| [[Team Aqua Hideout|Aqua Hideout]]
| [[Lilycove Department Store]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Loto-ID|Pokémon Lottery Corner]])
|-
| {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| [[Silph Co.]] (from the president after defeating [[Giovanni]])
|
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|II}}
| {{gameabbrevss|Colo}}
| {{3v2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}
| [[Agate Village]] (from [[Eagun]] after reading his incomplete email inside [[Realgam Tower]])
| [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]]
| Match all 5 numbers in the [[Lucky Channel]].
|
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|III}}
| {{gameabbrevss|XD}}
| {{game3|Ruby and Sapphire|Ruby|s}}  
| [[Pokémon HQ Lab]] (from [[Professor Krane]] after clearing the [[Cipher Key Lair]])
| [[Magma Hideout]]
|
| None
|-
| Entrance is blocked off after battling {{p|Groudon}}.
| {{gameabbrev4|DPPt}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
| [[Team Galactic HQ]] (from [[Cyrus]] after defeating him)
| {{gen|III}}
| [[Jubilife TV]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Loto-ID|Pokémon Lottery Corner]])
| {{game3|Ruby and Sapphire|Sapphire|s}}, {{v2|Emerald}}
|-
| [[Aqua Hideout]]
| {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
| None
| [[New Bark Town]] (from [[Professor Elm]] after earning all eight Johto [[Badge]]s)
| Entrance is blocked off after battling {{p|Kyogre}}{{sup/3|S}}.
| [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Lucky Channel]])
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|III}}
| {{gameabbrev5|BW}}
| {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}
| [[Opelucid City]] (from [[Professor Juniper]] after earning all eight [[Badge]]s), [[Castelia City]] [[Pokémon Center]] (from a man in black for having Pokémon from 50 different [[original Trainer]]s)
| [[Lilycove Department Store]]  
|
| Match all 5 numbers in the [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]].
|-
|
| {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
| [[Mistralton City]] (from [[Professor Juniper]]), [[Plasma Frigate]] (from [[Colress]] after defeating him during the post-game)
| {{gen|III}}
| [[Join Avenue]] (grand prize from {{DL|Join Avenue|Raffle Shop}}s)
| {{g|Colosseum}}
|-
| [[Agate Village]]  
| {{gameabbrev6|XY}}
| Receive and read incomplete email from [[Eagun]] in [[Realgam Tower]]
| [[Poké Ball Factory]] (from president after defeating [[Celosia]] and [[Bryony]])
| Eagun's email is cut off before it can mention the Master Ball; Eagun will not give the Master Ball if the player has received the email but not read it.
| {{DL|Estival Avenue|Loto-ID Center}} (match all 5 digits)
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|III}}
| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
| {{Pokémon XD}}  
| [[Team Magma Hideout]]{{sup/6|OR}}/[[Team Aqua Hideout]]{{sup/6|AS}}
| [[Pokémon HQ Lab]]  
| [[Loto-ID|Pokémon Lottery Corner]] (match all 5 digits)
| Talk to [[Professor Krane]] before heading to [[Citadark Isle]]
|-
|
| {{gameabbrevss|PMC}}{{tt|*|No longer in service}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
| {{gen|III}}
| {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}
| [[Silph Co.]]  
| Talk to the president of Silph Co. after defeating [[Giovanni]]
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
| {{gen|IV}}
| {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}
| [[Galactic Veilstone Building]]  
| Defeat [[Cyrus]]
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
| {{gen|IV}}
| {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}
| [[Jubilife TV]]
| Match all 5 numbers in the [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]].
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
| {{gen|IV}}
| {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}
| [[New Bark Town]]
| Talk to Professor Elm after earning all eight Johto [[Badge]]s.
|
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
| {{DL|PokéMileage Club|Mine Cart Adventure}} (all levels)
| {{gen|IV}}
|-
| {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}
| {{gameabbrev7|SMUSUM}}
| [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]]
| [[Aether Paradise]] (from [[Gladion]] after defeating [[Lusamine]])
| Match all 5 numbers in the [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]].
| [[Hau'oli City#Alola Tourist Bureau|Loto-ID Center]] (match 5 digits), [[Festival Plaza]] ([[Festival Plaza#Lottery shops|Lottery shop]]: Big Dreams first prize)
|-
| {{gameabbrev7|PE}}
| [[Silph Co.]] (from the president after defeating [[Giovanni]])
| [[Cerulean Cave]]
|-
| {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
| [[Postwick]] (from [[Professor Magnolia]] after becoming {{pkmn|Champion}})
| Any [[Pokémon Center]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Loto-ID#Generation VIII|Loto-ID]])
|-
| {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}{{gameabbrev8|CT}}
| [[Freezington]] (from [[Peony]] after the first [[Dynamax Adventure]] and becoming {{pkmn|Champion}})
|
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|V}}
| {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
| {{2v2|Black|White}}
| [[Team Galactic HQ]] (from [[Cyrus]] after defeating him)
| [[Opelucid City]]
| [[Jubilife TV]] (match all 5 digits in the [[Loto-ID|Pokémon Lottery Corner]])
| Meet [[Professor Juniper]] in town after earning all eight Unova [[Badge]]s.
|-
|
| {{gameabbrev9|SV}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
| [[Naranja Academy]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Uva Academy]]{{sup/9|V}} (from [[Clavell]] after completing The Way Home)
| {{gen|V}}
| {{2v2|Black|White}}
| [[Castelia City]] [[Pokémon Center]]
| Talk to a man after the player has [[outsider Pokémon]] with at least 50 different [[original Trainer]]s.
| The man will no longer give out gifts after the Master Ball.
|- style="background:#fff;"
| {{gen|V}}
| {{2v2|Black 2|White 2}}
| [[Mistralton City]]
| Meet [[Professor Juniper]] for the first time in town.
|
|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|-
| {{gen|V}}
| {{gameabbrev9|SV}}{{gameabbrev9|ID}}
| {{2v2|Black 2|White 2}}
| [[Blueberry Academy]] (from [[Drayton]] after defeating {{pkmn|Champion}} [[Kieran]])<br>Reward for registering 240 Pokémon in the [[List of Pokémon by Blueberry Pokédex number|Blueberry Pokédex]]
| [[Plasma Frigate]]
| [[Item Printer]] (Poké Ball Lotto)
| Defeat [[Colress]] after entering the [[Hall of Fame]].
|}
|}
 
====Distribution====
{| class="roundy" style="background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; border: 5px solid #{{Poké Balls color}}"
|-
|
|
{| border=1 style="background:#FFF; border:1px solid #{{Poké Balls color light}}; border-collapse:collapse"
|-
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Games
! style="background:#FFF" | Event
! style="background:#FFF" | Language/Region
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Distribution period
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev5|BW}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation V|Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| November 19 to December 3, 2011<br>{{tt|February 28 to March 16, 2012|Tohoku Pokémon Center}}
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev6|XY}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|Dragon King Cup Prizes|Dragon King Cup Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| January 19 to March 9, 2014
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| July 19 to October 15, 2014
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| rowspan=4 | {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|Pokémon Scrap items|Pokémon Scrap Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| December 1, 2014 to May 15, 2015
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire National Pokédex guide Master Balls}}
| Japanese
| December 5, 2014 to November 30, 2015
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|Japan Cup 2015 Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| May 12 to August 1, 2015
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|CoroCoro Challenge Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| October 6, 2015 to January 11, 2016
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev6|XYORAS}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VI|Pokémon Scrap 2016 items|Pokémon Scrap 2016 Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| {{tt|March 1 to August 31, 2016|Course A}}<br>{{tt|April 28 to August 31, 2016|Course B}}
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VII|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Guide Book Master Balls}}
| Japanese
| December 6, 2017 to January 31, 2019
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VII|Pokémon Global Link gift Master Ball}}
| All
| February 13 to March 29, 2018
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev7|SMUSUM}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VII|7-Eleven Clear file Poké Balls and Master Ball|7-Eleven Clear file Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| July 10 to October 1, 2018
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VIII|Japanese Pokemon Scraps 2020|Japanese Pokemon Scraps Master Ball}}
| Japanese
| November 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation VIII|Pokémon Adventure 25 items|Pokémon Adventure 25 Master Ball}}
| South Korea
| April 26 to September 30, 2021
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev9|SV}}
| {{DL|List of other event distributions in Generation IX|The Indigo Disk Launch Master Ball}}
| All
| December 14, 2023 to January 3, 2024
|}
|}
|}


===Distribution===
=====As a [[held item]]=====
{{bulbanews|Worldwide store distributions announced}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; border: 5px solid #{{Poké Balls color}}"
The Master Ball was distributed at [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Center stores]] throughout Japan. It was [http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2012/02/120210_p03.html also distributed] at the Tohoku Pokémon Center individually due to it not being built at the time of the initial distribution.
|-
|
{| border=1 style="background:#FFF; border:1px solid #{{Poké Balls color light}}; border-collapse:collapse"
|-
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Games
! style="background:#FFF" | Event
! style="background:#FFF" | Language/Region
! style="background:#FFF; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Distribution period
|- style="background:#FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev6|XYORAS}}
| {{DL|List of local event Pokémon distributions in Generation VI|Pokémon General Election 720 Greninja}}
| Japan
| July 3, 2016<br>July 16 to September 30, 2016
|}
|}


{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background: #0047a8; border: 3px solid #2260b6"
===NPC usage===
|- style="color:#003642"
[[File:SV Broken Master Ball.png|thumb|250px|Kieran's broken Master Ball]]
! rowspan="2" style="background:#5a91dc; {{roundytl|5px}};" | Game Version
====Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon====
! colspan="2" style="background:#5a91dc; {{roundytr|5px}};" | Duration
The {{cat|villainous team leaders}} in [[Team Rainbow Rocket]] keep their Pokémon in Master Balls.
|- style="color:#003642"
! style="background:#5a91dc; padding:2px;" | Sapporo, Tokyo, Yokohama,<br>Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka
! style="background:#5a91dc; padding:2px;" | Tohoku
|- style="background:#a1edfe; padding:2px;"
! style="background:#a5bcdc; padding:2px;" | Japanese
| style="padding:2px;" | November 19 to December 3, 2011
| style="padding:2px;" align=center | February 28 to March 16, 2012
|}{{-}}


====Wonder Card====
====Pokémon Scarlet and Violet====
{{wondercard/5|lang=jap|type=item|Master Ball|
[[Professor Sada|AI Sada]]{{sup/9|S}} and [[Professor Turo|AI Turo]]{{sup/9|V}} keep their Pokémon in Master Balls. During [[The Indigo Disk]], [[Kieran]] briefly keeps {{ga|Terapagos}} in a Master Ball, which is broken by Terapagos after it assumes its {{form|Terapagos|Stellar Form}}.
title={{tt|マスターボール　プレゼント|Master Ball Present}}|
msg=ポケモンを　あそんでくれて<br>ありがとう！<br>おくりものは　ポケモンセンタ－にいる<br>はいたついんから　うけとってね！|
date=２０１１．１１．１９|
desc=いよいよ ６４６しゅるいの　ポケモンの<br>じょうほうが　あきらかに！<br>マスターボールを　うけとって<br>まだつかまえていない　ポケモンを<br>てにいれるための　ぼうけんに　でよう！}}


===Cameo appearances===
===Cameo appearances===
====Pokémon Stadium 2====
====Pokémon X and Y====
[[File:Furret Frolic Master Ball.png|thumb|right|Master Ball as seen during the Stadium 2's mini-game]]
A Master Ball appears in the {{DL|Autumnal Avenue|Poké Ball Boutique}} in [[Lumiose City]].
[[File:Furret Frolic Master Ball instructions.png|thumb|left|The sprite from Stadium 2 mini-game's instructions]]
{{-}}
In [[Pokémon Stadium 2]], Master Ball appears in the mini-game {{p|Furret}}'s Frolic. It's the biggest ball in that mini-game, appearing later than rest and being worth 5 points.
 
====Pokémon XD====
==In the side series games==
===Pokémon Stadium 2===
In [[Pokémon Stadium 2]], Master Ball appears in the mini-game {{p|Furret}}'s Frolic. It is the largest ball in that mini-game, appearing later than the rest and being worth 5 points.
 
===Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness===
In {{Pokémon XD}}, Master Balls are used in the [[Battle Bingo]] game. The player starts with two and can gain an extra one from one of the ? spaces.
In {{Pokémon XD}}, Master Balls are used in the [[Battle Bingo]] game. The player starts with two and can gain an extra one from one of the ? spaces.


====[[Pokémon Dream World]]====
===Pokémon Dream World===
[[File:DW Master Ball Rug.png|thumb|A Master Ball-themed rug from [[Pokémon Dream World|the Dream World]]]]
[[File:DW Master Ball Rug.png|thumb|A Master Ball-themed rug from the {{pkmn|Dream World}}]]
A [[Décor#Unreleased Décor|decorative rug]] themed after the Master Ball can be found within the Game Data for the Dream World, however, it has not yet been released to the public.
A [[Décor#Unreleased Décor|decorative rug]] themed after the Master Ball could be found in the Hero's Catalogue in [[Pokémon Dream World]].
{{-}}
{{-}}
===Appearance===
 
{| style="margin:auto; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{xd color dark}}; background: #{{xd color}};"
==In the spin-off games==
|- style="text-align: center;"
===Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!===
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| [[File:Master Ball battle II.png]]
The {{OBP|Master Ball|Gym Challenge 116}} card is available in [[Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!]].
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| [[File:Master Ball III.png]]
 
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| {{bag|Master Ball}}
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}"
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| [[File:Master Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:TCG2 F55 Master Ball.png]]
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| [[File:Master Ball battle IV.png]]
|- style="font-size:80%"
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| [[File:Master Ball battle front V.png|Front]][[File:Master Ball battle top V.png|Top]][[File:Master Ball battle back V.png|Back (upside-down)]]
| {{color2|000|Master Ball (Gym Challenge 116)|Master Ball}} ({{color2|000|Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!|GB2}})
|style="{{roundy|95px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:95px"| [[File:Dream Master Ball Sprite.png]]
|}
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
 
| {{color|FFF|Appearance in-battle in}} {{color2|FFF|Generation II}}
===Pokémon GO===
| {{color|FFF|Appearance in-battle and on the Status screen in}}<br>{{color2|FFF|Generation III}}
[[File:GO Master Ball.png|thumb|150px|A Master Ball in Pokémon GO]]
| {{color|FFF|Bag sprite from}} {{color2|FFF|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed and LeafGreen}} {{color|FFF|onwards}}
In [[Pokémon GO]], the Master Ball was first made available on May 22, 2023. It can be used to catch any encountered Pokémon without fail. It cannot miss, as a cutscene of the Pokémon being caught is triggered when one is thrown, bypassing the usual throwing mechanic. The Master Ball is the only Poké Ball that can be selected from the player's [[Bag]] during the bonus challenge of a {{GO|Raid Battle}} or [[Team GO Rocket]] battle. It also cannot be discarded from the Bag.
| {{color|FFF|Pokémon's summary from sprite}} {{color2|FFF|Generation IV}} {{color|FFF|onwards}}
 
| {{color|FFF|Appearance in-battle in}} {{color2|FFF|Generation IV}}
Using a Master Ball does not reward bonus XP for Curveball Throws or hitting the target circle. Instead, a 1,000 XP "Master Ball Throw" bonus is rewarded.
| {{color|FFF|Front, top and upside-down back (respectively) in-battle in}} {{color2|FFF|Generation V}}
 
| {{color|FFF|Appearance in}} {{color2|FFF|Pokémon Dream World|the Dream World}}
====Description====
{{movedesc|Poké Balls}}
{{movedescentry|{{gameabbrevss|GO}}|The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
|}
|}
|}


===Flavor text===
====Acquisition====
{{movedesc|XD}}
{{ItemAvailability/head|Poké Balls}}
{{movedescentry|Stad|A Ball that captures any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
|-
<!-- Stadium 2 used description from either Stadium or GSC depending on Generation of the game; it doesn't have unique flavor text!-->
| '''[[Pokémon GO|{{color|{{night color}}|GO}}]]'''
{{movedescentry|GSC|The best Ball. It never misses.}}
| Complete ''{{DL|Special Research|Let's GO!}}''
{{movedescentry|RSE|The best ball that catches a Pokémon without fail.}}
|  
{{movedescentry|FRLG|The best Ball with the ultimate performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
|}
<!--{{movedescentry|ColoXD|}}-->
{{movedescentry|DPPtHGSS|The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
{{movedescentry|BW|The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.}}
|}
|}
|}{{left clear}}


==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Pinball series===
===In [[Pokémon Pinball]] and [[Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire]]===
In [[Pokémon Pinball]] and [[Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire]], the Master Ball multiplies bonus points by ×4. Its effect of always guaranteeing capture is given to each Poké Ball.
In the two Pokémon Pinball titles, the Poké Ball that serves as the pinball is capable of being upgraded to a Great Ball, an Ultra Ball and a Master Ball. However, this serves solely as a score multiplier, as catching a Pokémon is always guaranteed, even with a regular Poké Ball.
 
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}"
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball Master Ball.png]]
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball RS Master Ball.png]]
|- style="font-size:80%"
| Sprite from<br/>{{color2|000|Pokémon Pinball|Pinball}}
| Sprite from<br/>{{color2|000|Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire|Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire}}
|}
 
===Super Smash Bros. series===
[[File:Master Ball SSB4.png|thumb|240px|The Master Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS]]
====Super Smash Bros. Brawl====
In [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]], the [[Poké Ball]] trophy mentions the Master Ball, identifying it as the strongest variety of Poké Ball.
 
====Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U====
{{SmashWiki|Master Ball}}
In [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U]], the Master Ball appears as a throwing item. It functions much like the Poké Ball item, but the Master Ball summons rare and [[Legendary Pokémon]], {{p|Zoroark}}, or a {{p|Goldeen}}.
 
[[File:Master Ball 3DS trophy SSB4.png|thumb|150px|Master Ball trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS]]
The Master Ball also appears as a trophy in both versions of the game.
 
=====Trophy information=====
'''NA:''' ''These valuable, powerful balls can capture any wild Pokémon. In Smash Bros., hard-to-find Pokémon often pop out of them. You can easily identify a Master Ball by the distinct purple appearance and large M on the top. A Pokémon within a Master Ball may turn the tide of battle.''
 
'''PAL:''' ''A rare type of Poké Ball that never fails to catch a Pokémon. Throw one in this game, and the Mythical or Legendary Pokémon inside will come to your aid. Master Balls are easy to identify due to their purple colour and the large M on them. Use one to quickly turn the tide of any battle!''
 
====Super Smash Bros. Ultimate====
In [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]], the Master Ball functions the same way as it did in the previous games; summoning a Legendary or [[Mythical Pokémon]], Zoroark, or Goldeen.
{{-}}
 
==Gallery==
===Artwork===
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}; font-size: 80%"
|-
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:RG master ball.png|100px]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:SugimoriMasterBall.png|100px]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Bag Master Ball SV Sprite.png|100px]]
|-
| Artwork from<br>{{color2|000|Generation I}}
| Artwork by<br>{{color2|000|Ken Sugimori}}
| Artwork from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|Scarlet and Violet}}
|}
 
===Sprites===
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}; font-size: 80%"
|-
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball battle II.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Furret Frolic Master Ball instructions.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball III.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball summary Colo.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball summary XD.png]]
|-
| In-battle sprite in<br>{{color2|000|Generation II}}
| Sprite from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium series mini-games|Furret Frolic}}'s<br>instruction screen in<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium 2|Stadium 2}}
| In-battle and<br>Summary sprite from<br>{{color2|000|Generation III}}
| Summary sprite from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Colosseum|Colosseum}}
| Summary sprite from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness|XD: Gale of Darkness}}
|-
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball summary IV.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball battle IV.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball summary PBR.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball battle V.png]]
|-
| Summary sprite from<br>{{color2|000|Generation IV|Generations IV}} and {{color2|000|Generation V|V}}
| In-battle sprite in<br>{{color2|000|Generation IV}}
| Summary sprite from<BR>{{color2|000|Pokémon Battle Revolution|Battle Revolution}}
| In-battle sprite in<br>{{color2|000|Generation V}}
|}


===In [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]===
===Models===
The Master Ball has not appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series; however, in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the [[Poké Ball]] trophy mentions the Master Ball, identifying it as the strongest variety of Poké Ball.
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}; font-size: 80%"
|-
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Furret Frolic Master Ball.png|100px]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball battle 3DS.png|100px]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball model SSB4.png|100px]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball PE.png|100px]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}"| [[File:Master Ball VIII.png|100px]]
|-
| Model from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium series mini-games|Furret's Frolic}} in<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium 2|Stadium 2}}
| In-battle model<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon X and Y|X, Y}}, {{color2|000|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby,<br>Alpha Sapphire}}, {{color2|000|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon}},<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon}}
| Model from<br>{{color2|000|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros.<br>for Wii U}}
| Model from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|Let's Go, Pikachu! and<br>Let's Go, Eevee!}}
| Model from<br>{{color2|000|Generation VIII}}
|}


==In the anime==
==In the anime==
[[File:Master Ball anime.png|thumb|200px|right|[[Sullivan]]'s Master Ball]]
[[File:Master Ball anime.png|thumb|250px|A Master Ball in the {{pkmn|anime}}]]
The Master Ball first appeared in ''[[EP018|Beauty and the Beach]]'', and again in ''[[EP167|A Hot Water Battle]]''. However, the Master Ball in these episodes was not an actual Master Ball; rather, it was a beach ball owned by {{an|Misty}}, which had been decorated to look like a Master Ball. Another Master Ball appeared in ''[[EP045|The Song of Jigglypuff]]''; again, this was not an actual Master Ball, but on a billboard on a building.
===Main series===
In ''[[EP018|Beauty and the Beach]]'' and ''[[EP167|A Hot Water Battle]]'', {{an|Misty}} had a beach ball that was decorated to look like a Master Ball. This Master Ball beach ball reappeared in ''[[PK19|Pikachu's Ice Adventure]]''. In ''[[EP045|The Song of Jigglypuff]]'', a picture of a Master Ball appeared on a billboard on a building in [[Neon Town]].


An actual Master Ball made its only true appearance in ''[[AG075|Whiscash and Ash]]''. It was used by a fisherman named [[Sullivan]] in a last-ditch attempt to catch [[Nero]], an [[Giant Pokémon|oversized]] wild {{p|Whiscash}} that had long eluded him. As the Master Ball is reputed to successfully catch any wild Pokémon without fail, Sullivan was sure that using the Master Ball would work. This, however, was not the case, as Nero unexpectedly swallowed the Master Ball and disappeared back into the water. At the end of the episode, Nero was seen playing with the Master Ball on its tongue.
In ''[[AG075|Whiscash and Ash]]'', [[Sullivan]] attempted to use a Master Ball in a last-ditch attempt to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}} [[Nero]], an [[Giant Pokémon|oversized]] {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Whiscash}} that had long eluded him. However, Nero swallowed the Master Ball and disappeared back into the water, not being caught. At the end of the episode, Nero was seen playing with the Master Ball on its tongue.
 
A Master Ball appeared in [[Which One ~ Is It?]], a Japanese ending theme from ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''.
 
In ''[[HZ005|Found You, Fuecoco!]]'', the Master Ball was mentioned in one of [[Dot|Nidothing]]'s videos.
 
[[File:Master Ball PO.png|250px|thumb|left|A Master Ball in [[Pokémon Origins]]]]
 
===Pokémon Origins===
The Master Ball never made an actual appearance in [[Pokémon Origins]], only appearing in [[Silph Co.]] president's secretary's demonstration in ''[[PO03|File 3: Giovanni]]''. She mentioned that the Master Ball was still in development, and only existed as a prototype. She also told that it was why [[Team Rocket]] had taken over their office building; they intended to accelerate the development of the Master Ball and then steal it when it would be completed, making sure they would be the only ones possessing it. After Team Rocket was driven out of the building by {{OBP|Red|Origins}}, it was mentioned that the development of the Master Ball was being put on hold for a while.
{{-}}


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
[[File:Master Ball Adventures.png|thumb|200px|right|Master Ball in Pokémon Adventures]]
===Movie adaptations===
In ''{{ma|Mewtwo Strikes Back!}}'', {{an|Dr. Fuji}} attempted to use a Master Ball to catch {{OBP|Mew|M01}}, but failed.
 
===Pokémon Adventures===
===Pokémon Adventures===
{{adv|Red}} used his [[Pika]] to capture {{adv|Mewtwo}} for [[Blaine]] with a Master Ball.
===={{MangaArc|Red, Green & Blue}}====
In ''[[PS035|And Mewtwo... Three!]]'', [[Blaine]] was revealed to be in possession of a Master Ball. Soon afterwards, {{adv|Red}} used it to catch {{adv|Mewtwo}} for Blaine.
 
===={{MangaArc|X & Y}}====
In ''[[PS587|Malamar Traps]]'', Blaine was revealed to have re-caught Mewtwo with the Master Ball after reuniting with it at the [[Pokémon Village]].
 
===Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!===
In ''[[DPA19|(Violent) Earthquake! Cyrus's Consuming Ambition]]'', [[Cyrus]] gave [[Hareta]] a Master Ball as recognition for him having moved his emotions, telling him to bring it with him to [[Mount Coronet]]. In  ''[[DPA22|Bonds Connect Across Space-Time...]]'', the Master Ball fell out of Hareta's pocket at the [[Spear Pillar]], and [[Professor Rowan]] told him about its capability to catch any Pokémon without fail. In an attempt to stop the battle between {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}}, Hareta tried to use the Master Ball to catch Palkia, but Palkia, having total control over space, was able to make itself disappear out of Master Ball's way and then smack it aside.
 
===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
{{PPM|Red}} used a Master Ball in ''[[PM013|The Legendary Pokémon Appears!!]]'' to catch {{p|Articuno}}.
 
===Pokémon Zensho===
{{zensho|Satoshi}} obtained a Master Ball from the [[Silph Co.]]'s president in ''[[PZ07|Saffron City]]'' as thanks for rescuing his company from the hands of Team Rocket.
 
===Gallery===
<gallery>
File:Master Ball Adventures.png|A Master Ball in [[Pokémon Adventures]]
File:Master Ball DPA.png|A Master Ball in [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!]]
File:Master Ball PM.png|A Master Ball in [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]
File:Master Ball Zensho.png|A Master Ball in [[Pokémon Zensho]]
</gallery>
 
==In the magazines==
[[File:Master Ball - Pokémon Power.png|thumb|250px|Article about the Master Ball<br>(''{{OBP|Pokémon Power|magazine}}'' magazine)]]
===''Pokémon Power''===
In ''{{OBP|Pokémon Power|magazine}}'' (issue 2, page 3), it is said that the Master Ball was the latest invention of [[Professor Oak]]. He publicly revealed the existence of the Master Ball in a press conference. Professor Oak licensed the Master Ball design to [[Silph Co.]], and this company's early field tests were said to be promising.
{{-}}


==In the TCG==
==In the TCG==
The following is a list of cards named '''Master Ball'''.
[[File:MasterBallGymChallenge116.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Original print of Master Ball]]
[[File:MasterBallTemporalForces153.jpg|thumb|200px|Master Ball as an ACE SPEC Item card]]
{{main|Master Ball (Gym Challenge 116)}}
The '''Master Ball''' was first introduced as a {{TCG|Trainer card}} in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] in English during the Original Series in the {{TCG|Gym Challenge}}, and in Japanese during the Original Era in the {{TCG|Expansion Sheet 2}}. It has been reprinted as a Trainer card in the Japanese-exclusive {{TCG|Intro Pack Neo}} (in the Neo Era), the Japanese-exclusive {{TCG|Pokémon VS}} expansion (in the VS Era), the English e-Card Series (the Japanese e-Card Era), and the English EX Series (the Japanese ADV Era and PCG Era). As a Trainer card, this card allowed the player to look at the top 7 cards of their deck and add one Pokémon card from those cards to their hand, then shuffle their deck. Notably, as this card only lets the players look at 7 cards from their deck, this card has a chance to fail to get any Pokémon, which is unlike how the in-game item works.
 
During the English Black & White Series (the Japanese BW Era), Master Ball was reprinted as an {{TCG|ACE SPEC card|ACE SPEC}} {{TCG|Item card}} in the {{TCG|Plasma Blast}} expansion in English and the {{TCG|Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck}} in Japanese. This print has a new effect which more closely resembles the item's in-game mechanic, allowing the player to add any 1 Pokémon card from their deck to their hand without any drawback. As this print is an ACE SPEC card, a player may only have 1 copy of Master Ball in their deck. This print of Master Ball was later reprinted during the English Scarlet & Violet Series (the Japanese Scarlet & Violet Era) in the Japanese {{TCG|Starter Deck & Build Sets}} and the English {{TCG|Temporal Forces}} expansion with the same effect, but a new ACE SPEC layout. The old pre-Black & White effect of Master Ball would be inherited by {{TCG ID|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|Great Ball|92}}, starting with its {{TCG|Emerging Powers}} print.
 
The Master Ball was also featured as a card in [[Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!]]
{{-}}


{{cardlist/header|Master Ball|Trainer|char=yes}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Master Ball|116}}|type=Trainer|jpset=Extended Sheet 2|jprarity=Uncommon|jpsetlink2=Quick Starter Gift Set|jpset2=Red Deck<br>Green Deck|enset3=Gym Challenge|enraritry3=Uncommon|ennum3=116/132|jpset3=Yamabuki City Gym|jpsetlink4=Intro Pack Neo|jpset4=Chikorita Half Deck<br>Totodile Half Deck|jpnum4=21<br>22|jpset5=Pokémon VS|jprarity5=Common|jpnum5=141/141|enset6=Expedition Base Set|enrarity6=Uncommon|ennum6=143/165|jpset6=Base Expansion Pack|jprarity6=Uncommon|jpnum6=061/128|jpsetlink7=Gift Box|jpset7=Latias Half Deck<br>Latios Half Deck|jpnum8=016/018|enset8=EX Deoxys|enrarity8=Uncommon|ennum8=88/107|jpset8=Deoxys Constructed Starter Deck|jpnum8=012/015|jpset9=Rayquaza Constructed Starter Deck|jpnum9=012/015|jpset10=PLAY Promotional cards|jpnum10=018/PLAY|enset11=EX Delta Species|enrarity11=Uncommon|ennum11=99/113|jpset11=Holon Research Tower Water Quarter Deck|jpnum11=009/015|jpsetlink12=Gift Box Mew • Lucario|jpset12=Mew Quarter Deck|jpnum12=008/015|enset13=EX Power Keepers|enrarity13=Uncommon|ennum13=78/108|jpset13=World Champions Pack|jprarity13=Uncommon|jpnum13=089/108}}
{{cardlist/footer|Trainer}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* The {{DL|List of glitches in Generation III|infinite ball glitch}} is often known as the Master Ball glitch, due to Master Balls commonly being used in this glitch.
* {{g|Legends: Arceus}} is the only core series game in which the Master Ball does not appear at all.
* {{p|Foongus}} and {{p|Amoonguss}}, both of whom have designs based on the Poké Ball, are colored similarly to the Master Ball in their {{Shiny}} forms.
* The {{DL|List of glitches in Generation III|Poké Ball amount bug}} from [[Pokémon Colosseum]] is often known as the Master Ball glitch, due to Master Balls commonly being used in this glitch.
* When the {{player}} uses a Master Ball in [[Generation II]], stars appear and a sound effect is played before the Ball closes and {{pkmn2|caught|catches}} the Pokémon.


==In other languages==
{{langtable|color={{Poké Balls color light}}|bordercolor={{Poké Balls color dark}}
|zh_yue=大師球 ''{{tt|Daaihsī Kàuh|Master Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Games, Movie Pokedex}}<br>掌門球 ''{{tt|Jéungmùhn Kàuh|Master Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Anime}}<br>掌門精靈球 ''{{tt|Jéungmùhn Jīnglìhng Kàuh|Master Poké Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Pokémon Pocket Monsters}}<br>究極寵物小精靈球 ''{{tt|Gaugihk Chúngmaht-Síujīnglìhng Kàuh|Ultimate Pocket Monster Ball}}'' {{tt|*|PS035, RGBY Guide}}<br>精靈球 ''{{tt|Jīnglìhng Kàuh|Poké Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Zensho}}
|zh_cmn=大師球 / 大师球 ''{{tt|Dàshī Qiú|Master Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Games}}<br>掌門球 / 掌门球 ''{{tt|Zhǎngmén Qiú|Master Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Anime & TRETTA (Taiwan), Manga}}<br>魔獸球 ''{{tt|Móshòu Qiú|Magical Beast Ball}}'' {{tt|*|early Manga (Taiwan)}}<br>究極神奇寶貝球 ''{{tt|Jiūjí Shénqí-Bǎobèi Qiú|Ultimate Pokémon Ball}}'' {{tt|*|PS035 (Taiwan)}}<br>终极神奇宝贝球 ''{{tt|Zhōngjí Shénqí-Bǎobèi Qiú|Ultimate Pokémon Ball}}'' {{tt|*|PS035 (Mainland China)}}
|cs=Mistrbal
|fi=Mestaripallo
|nl=Meesterbal{{tt|*|Platinum manual}}
|fr=Master Ball
|de=Meisterball
|id=Bola Master
|it=Master Ball
|ko=마스터볼 ''Master Ball''
|pl=Masterball
|pt_br=Bola Mestra{{tt|*|games, TCG, manga (Adventures volume 13-present), The Official Pokémon Handbook}}<br>Master Ball{{tt|*|manga (PS035)}}
|pt_eu=Bola Mestra
|ru=Мастер-Болл ''Master-Boll''
|es_la=Masterbola{{tt|*|Pokémon GO}}<br>Bola Maestra{{tt|*|anime}}
|es_eu=Master Ball
|th=มาสเตอร์บอล ''Master Ball''
|vi=Bóng Master
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Poké Balls}}<br/>
{{Project ItemDex notice}}
{{Project ItemDex notice}}


[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Poké Balls]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros.]]
[[Category:Items in Pokémon GO]]


[[de:Meisterball]]
[[es:Master Ball]]
[[fr:Master Ball]]
[[fr:Master Ball]]
[[it:Master Ball]]
[[ja:マスターボール]]
[[ja:マスターボール]]
[[pl:Master Ball]]
[[zh:大师球（道具）]]

Latest revision as of 17:17, 3 September 2024

Master Ball
マスターボール
Master Ball
Bag Master Ball Sprite.png
Master Ball
Pokémon Global Link artwork
Introduced in Generation I
Pocket
Generation I Bag Items pocket icon.png Items
Generation II Bag Poké Balls pocket icon.png Poké Balls
Generation III Bag Poké Balls pocket icon.png Poké Balls
Generation IV Bag Poké Balls pocket icon.png Poké Balls
Generation V Bag Items pocket icon.png Items (Poké Balls)
Generation VI Bag Items pocket icon.png Items
Generation VII Bag Items pocket icon.png Items (Catching PocketPE)
Generation VIII Bag Poké Balls pocket icon.png Poké Balls
Generation IX Bag Poké Balls pocket icon.png Poké Balls

The Master Ball (Japanese: マスターボール Master Ball) is a type of Poké Ball introduced in Generation I. It can be used to catch a wild Pokémon without fail. It was invented by the Silph Co.

In the core series games

Price

Games Cost Sell price
RGBY/RBY
GSC		 N/A $0
RSEFRLG
DPPtHGSS
BWB2W2
XYORAS
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSP
SV		 N/A N/A

Effect

A Master Ball being used in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Manual activation

When used from the Bag in a wild encounter, it catches the wild Pokémon without fail (with the exception of the ghost Marowak in Pokémon Tower). Despite the common misconception that the Master Ball has a low chance to fail in certain generations, it functions by simply overriding the catch formula entirely, skipping any calculations based on chance.

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, throwing a Master Ball will bypass the Poké Ball manual aiming mechanic, and will instead show a cutscene of the Master Ball catching the chosen Pokémon. If used on Legendary Pokémon in these games, they will attempt to smack the ball away during the cutscene, but will still be caught anyway.

The Master Ball cannot be used in situations in which Poké Balls cannot be used, such as in wild battles with two or more opponents currently present or against a trial Pokémon. If used in a Trainer battle, the opposing Trainer will bat the ball away, wasting the item (Generation III and earlier) or only the player's turn (from Generation IV onward).

As a Pokémon's Poké Ball

From Generation VI onward, bred Pokémon inherit their Poké Ball from their parents. However, the Master Ball, Cherish Ball, and Strange Ball cannot be passed down via breeding; instead, they act as a regular Poké Ball for inheritance purposes.

Held item

Fling will fail if used while holding a Master Ball.

Description

Games Description
Stad A Ball that captures any wild Pokémon without fail.
GSC The best Ball. It never misses.
RSEColoXD The best Ball that catches a Pokémon without fail.
FRLG The best Ball with the ultimate performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
DPPtHGSS
BWB2W2 		The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
XYORAS
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSPLA 		The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
SV The very best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.

Acquisition

Games Finite methods Repeatable methods
RGBY
RBY 		Silph Co. (from the president after defeating Giovanni)
GSC New Bark Town (from Professor Elm after earning all eight Johto Badges) Goldenrod Radio Tower (match all 5 digits in the Lucky Channel)
RS Magma HideoutR/Aqua HideoutS (entrance sealed after defeating Tate and Liza) Lilycove Department Store (match all 5 digits in the Pokémon Lottery Corner)
E Aqua Hideout Lilycove Department Store (match all 5 digits in the Pokémon Lottery Corner)
FRLG Silph Co. (from the president after defeating Giovanni)
Colo Agate Village (from Eagun after reading his incomplete email inside Realgam Tower)
XD Pokémon HQ Lab (from Professor Krane after clearing the Cipher Key Lair)
DPPt Team Galactic HQ (from Cyrus after defeating him) Jubilife TV (match all 5 digits in the Pokémon Lottery Corner)
HGSS New Bark Town (from Professor Elm after earning all eight Johto Badges) Goldenrod Radio Tower (match all 5 digits in the Lucky Channel)
BW Opelucid City (from Professor Juniper after earning all eight Badges), Castelia City Pokémon Center (from a man in black for having Pokémon from 50 different original Trainers)
B2W2 Mistralton City (from Professor Juniper), Plasma Frigate (from Colress after defeating him during the post-game) Join Avenue (grand prize from Raffle Shops)
XY Poké Ball Factory (from president after defeating Celosia and Bryony) Loto-ID Center (match all 5 digits)
ORAS Team Magma HideoutOR/Team Aqua HideoutAS Pokémon Lottery Corner (match all 5 digits)
PMC* Mine Cart Adventure (all levels)
SMUSUM Aether Paradise (from Gladion after defeating Lusamine) Loto-ID Center (match 5 digits), Festival Plaza (Lottery shop: Big Dreams first prize)
PE Silph Co. (from the president after defeating Giovanni) Cerulean Cave
SwSh Postwick (from Professor Magnolia after becoming Champion) Any Pokémon Center (match all 5 digits in the Loto-ID)
SwShCT Freezington (from Peony after the first Dynamax Adventure and becoming Champion)
BDSP Team Galactic HQ (from Cyrus after defeating him) Jubilife TV (match all 5 digits in the Pokémon Lottery Corner)
SV Naranja AcademyS/Uva AcademyV (from Clavell after completing The Way Home)
SVID Blueberry Academy (from Drayton after defeating Champion Kieran)
Reward for registering 240 Pokémon in the Blueberry Pokédex 		Item Printer (Poké Ball Lotto)

Distribution

Games Event Language/Region Distribution period
BW Master Ball Japanese November 19 to December 3, 2011
February 28 to March 16, 2012
XY Dragon King Cup Master Ball Japanese January 19 to March 9, 2014
The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon Master Ball Japanese July 19 to October 15, 2014
ORAS Pokémon Scrap Master Ball Japanese December 1, 2014 to May 15, 2015
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire National Pokédex guide Master Balls Japanese December 5, 2014 to November 30, 2015
Japan Cup 2015 Master Ball Japanese May 12 to August 1, 2015
CoroCoro Challenge Master Ball Japanese October 6, 2015 to January 11, 2016
XYORAS Pokémon Scrap 2016 Master Ball Japanese March 1 to August 31, 2016
April 28 to August 31, 2016
USUM Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Guide Book Master Balls Japanese December 6, 2017 to January 31, 2019
Pokémon Global Link gift Master Ball All February 13 to March 29, 2018
SMUSUM 7-Eleven Clear file Master Ball Japanese July 10 to October 1, 2018
SwSh Japanese Pokemon Scraps Master Ball Japanese November 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021
Pokémon Adventure 25 Master Ball South Korea April 26 to September 30, 2021
SV The Indigo Disk Launch Master Ball All December 14, 2023 to January 3, 2024
As a held item
Games Event Language/Region Distribution period
XYORAS Pokémon General Election 720 Greninja Japan July 3, 2016
July 16 to September 30, 2016

NPC usage

Kieran's broken Master Ball

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

The villainous team leaders in Team Rainbow Rocket keep their Pokémon in Master Balls.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

AI SadaS and AI TuroV keep their Pokémon in Master Balls. During The Indigo Disk, Kieran briefly keeps Terapagos in a Master Ball, which is broken by Terapagos after it assumes its Stellar Form.

Cameo appearances

Pokémon X and Y

A Master Ball appears in the Poké Ball Boutique in Lumiose City.

In the side series games

Pokémon Stadium 2

In Pokémon Stadium 2, Master Ball appears in the mini-game Furret's Frolic. It is the largest ball in that mini-game, appearing later than the rest and being worth 5 points.

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

In Pokémon XD, Master Balls are used in the Battle Bingo game. The player starts with two and can gain an extra one from one of the ? spaces.

Pokémon Dream World

A Master Ball-themed rug from the Dream World

A decorative rug themed after the Master Ball could be found in the Hero's Catalogue in Pokémon Dream World.

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!

The Master Ball card is available in Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!.

TCG2 F55 Master Ball.png
Master Ball (GB2)

Pokémon GO

A Master Ball in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, the Master Ball was first made available on May 22, 2023. It can be used to catch any encountered Pokémon without fail. It cannot miss, as a cutscene of the Pokémon being caught is triggered when one is thrown, bypassing the usual throwing mechanic. The Master Ball is the only Poké Ball that can be selected from the player's Bag during the bonus challenge of a Raid Battle or Team GO Rocket battle. It also cannot be discarded from the Bag.

Using a Master Ball does not reward bonus XP for Curveball Throws or hitting the target circle. Instead, a 1,000 XP "Master Ball Throw" bonus is rewarded.

Description

Games Description
GO The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.

Acquisition

Games Finite methods Repeatable methods
GO Complete Let's GO!

Pokémon Pinball series

In Pokémon Pinball and Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, the Master Ball multiplies bonus points by ×4. Its effect of always guaranteeing capture is given to each Poké Ball.

Pinball Master Ball.png Pinball RS Master Ball.png
Sprite from
Pinball 		Sprite from
Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire

Super Smash Bros. series

The Master Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Poké Ball trophy mentions the Master Ball, identifying it as the strongest variety of Poké Ball.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

SmashWiki
SmashWiki has more about this subject:

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, the Master Ball appears as a throwing item. It functions much like the Poké Ball item, but the Master Ball summons rare and Legendary Pokémon, Zoroark, or a Goldeen.

Master Ball trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

The Master Ball also appears as a trophy in both versions of the game.

Trophy information

NA: These valuable, powerful balls can capture any wild Pokémon. In Smash Bros., hard-to-find Pokémon often pop out of them. You can easily identify a Master Ball by the distinct purple appearance and large M on the top. A Pokémon within a Master Ball may turn the tide of battle.

PAL: A rare type of Poké Ball that never fails to catch a Pokémon. Throw one in this game, and the Mythical or Legendary Pokémon inside will come to your aid. Master Balls are easy to identify due to their purple colour and the large M on them. Use one to quickly turn the tide of any battle!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Master Ball functions the same way as it did in the previous games; summoning a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, Zoroark, or Goldeen.

Gallery

Artwork

RG master ball.png SugimoriMasterBall.png Bag Master Ball SV Sprite.png
Artwork from
Generation I 		Artwork by
Ken Sugimori 		Artwork from
Scarlet and Violet

Sprites

Master Ball battle II.png Furret Frolic Master Ball instructions.png Master Ball III.png Master Ball summary Colo.png Master Ball summary XD.png
In-battle sprite in
Generation II 		Sprite from
Furret Frolic's
instruction screen in
Stadium 2 		In-battle and
Summary sprite from
Generation III 		Summary sprite from
Colosseum 		Summary sprite from
XD: Gale of Darkness
Master Ball summary IV.png Master Ball battle IV.png Master Ball summary PBR.png Master Ball battle V.png
Summary sprite from
Generations IV and V 		In-battle sprite in
Generation IV 		Summary sprite from
Battle Revolution 		In-battle sprite in
Generation V

Models

Furret Frolic Master Ball.png Master Ball battle 3DS.png Master Ball model SSB4.png Master Ball PE.png Master Ball VIII.png
Model from
Furret's Frolic in
Stadium 2 		In-battle model
X, Y, Omega Ruby,
Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon,
Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon 		Model from
Super Smash Bros.
for Wii U 		Model from
Let's Go, Pikachu! and
Let's Go, Eevee! 		Model from
Generation VIII

In the anime

A Master Ball in the anime

Main series

In Beauty and the Beach and A Hot Water Battle, Misty had a beach ball that was decorated to look like a Master Ball. This Master Ball beach ball reappeared in Pikachu's Ice Adventure. In The Song of Jigglypuff, a picture of a Master Ball appeared on a billboard on a building in Neon Town.

In Whiscash and Ash, Sullivan attempted to use a Master Ball in a last-ditch attempt to catch Nero, an oversized wild Whiscash that had long eluded him. However, Nero swallowed the Master Ball and disappeared back into the water, not being caught. At the end of the episode, Nero was seen playing with the Master Ball on its tongue.

A Master Ball appeared in Which One ~ Is It?, a Japanese ending theme from Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl.

In Found You, Fuecoco!, the Master Ball was mentioned in one of Nidothing's videos.

A Master Ball in Pokémon Origins

Pokémon Origins

The Master Ball never made an actual appearance in Pokémon Origins, only appearing in Silph Co. president's secretary's demonstration in File 3: Giovanni. She mentioned that the Master Ball was still in development, and only existed as a prototype. She also told that it was why Team Rocket had taken over their office building; they intended to accelerate the development of the Master Ball and then steal it when it would be completed, making sure they would be the only ones possessing it. After Team Rocket was driven out of the building by Red, it was mentioned that the development of the Master Ball was being put on hold for a while.

In the manga

Movie adaptations

In Mewtwo Strikes Back!, Dr. Fuji attempted to use a Master Ball to catch Mew, but failed.

Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

In And Mewtwo... Three!, Blaine was revealed to be in possession of a Master Ball. Soon afterwards, Red used it to catch Mewtwo for Blaine.

X & Y arc

In Malamar Traps, Blaine was revealed to have re-caught Mewtwo with the Master Ball after reuniting with it at the Pokémon Village.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

In (Violent) Earthquake! Cyrus's Consuming Ambition, Cyrus gave Hareta a Master Ball as recognition for him having moved his emotions, telling him to bring it with him to Mount Coronet. In Bonds Connect Across Space-Time..., the Master Ball fell out of Hareta's pocket at the Spear Pillar, and Professor Rowan told him about its capability to catch any Pokémon without fail. In an attempt to stop the battle between Dialga and Palkia, Hareta tried to use the Master Ball to catch Palkia, but Palkia, having total control over space, was able to make itself disappear out of Master Ball's way and then smack it aside.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Red used a Master Ball in The Legendary Pokémon Appears!! to catch Articuno.

Pokémon Zensho

Satoshi obtained a Master Ball from the Silph Co.'s president in Saffron City as thanks for rescuing his company from the hands of Team Rocket.

Gallery

In the magazines

Article about the Master Ball
(Pokémon Power magazine)

Pokémon Power

In Pokémon Power (issue 2, page 3), it is said that the Master Ball was the latest invention of Professor Oak. He publicly revealed the existence of the Master Ball in a press conference. Professor Oak licensed the Master Ball design to Silph Co., and this company's early field tests were said to be promising.

In the TCG

Original print of Master Ball
Master Ball as an ACE SPEC Item card
Main article: Master Ball (Gym Challenge 116)

The Master Ball was first introduced as a Trainer card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game in English during the Original Series in the Gym Challenge, and in Japanese during the Original Era in the Expansion Sheet 2. It has been reprinted as a Trainer card in the Japanese-exclusive Intro Pack Neo (in the Neo Era), the Japanese-exclusive Pokémon VS expansion (in the VS Era), the English e-Card Series (the Japanese e-Card Era), and the English EX Series (the Japanese ADV Era and PCG Era). As a Trainer card, this card allowed the player to look at the top 7 cards of their deck and add one Pokémon card from those cards to their hand, then shuffle their deck. Notably, as this card only lets the players look at 7 cards from their deck, this card has a chance to fail to get any Pokémon, which is unlike how the in-game item works.

During the English Black & White Series (the Japanese BW Era), Master Ball was reprinted as an ACE SPEC Item card in the Plasma Blast expansion in English and the Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck in Japanese. This print has a new effect which more closely resembles the item's in-game mechanic, allowing the player to add any 1 Pokémon card from their deck to their hand without any drawback. As this print is an ACE SPEC card, a player may only have 1 copy of Master Ball in their deck. This print of Master Ball was later reprinted during the English Scarlet & Violet Series (the Japanese Scarlet & Violet Era) in the Japanese Starter Deck & Build Sets and the English Temporal Forces expansion with the same effect, but a new ACE SPEC layout. The old pre-Black & White effect of Master Ball would be inherited by Great Ball, starting with its Emerging Powers print.

The Master Ball was also featured as a card in Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!

Trivia

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 大師球 Daaihsī Kàuh *
掌門球 Jéungmùhn Kàuh *
掌門精靈球 Jéungmùhn Jīnglìhng Kàuh *
究極寵物小精靈球 Gaugihk Chúngmaht-Síujīnglìhng Kàuh *
精靈球 Jīnglìhng Kàuh *
Mandarin 大師球 / 大师球 Dàshī Qiú *
掌門球 / 掌门球 Zhǎngmén Qiú *
魔獸球 Móshòu Qiú *
究極神奇寶貝球 Jiūjí Shénqí-Bǎobèi Qiú *
终极神奇宝贝球 Zhōngjí Shénqí-Bǎobèi Qiú *
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Mistrbal
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Meesterbal*
Finland Flag.png Finnish Mestaripallo
France Flag.png French Master Ball
Germany Flag.png German Meisterball
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Bola Master
Italy Flag.png Italian Master Ball
South Korea Flag.png Korean 마스터볼 Master Ball
Poland Flag.png Polish Masterball
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Bola Mestra*
Master Ball*
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Bola Mestra
Russia Flag.png Russian Мастер-Болл Master-Boll
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Masterbola*
Bola Maestra*
Spain Flag.png Spain Master Ball
Thailand Flag.png Thai มาสเตอร์บอล Master Ball
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Bóng Master


Poké Balls
Poké Ball Poké Ball
Great Ball Great Ball
Ultra Ball Ultra Ball
Master Ball Master Ball
Safari Ball Safari Ball
Fast Ball Fast Ball
Level Ball Level Ball
Lure Ball Lure Ball
Heavy Ball Heavy Ball
Love Ball Love Ball
Friend Ball Friend Ball
Moon Ball Moon Ball
Sport Ball Sport Ball
Net Ball Net Ball
Nest Ball Nest Ball
Repeat Ball Repeat Ball
Timer Ball Timer Ball
Luxury Ball Luxury Ball
Premier Ball Premier Ball
Dive Ball Dive Ball
Dusk Ball Dusk Ball
Heal Ball Heal Ball
Quick Ball Quick Ball
Cherish Ball Cherish Ball
Park Ball Park Ball
Dream Ball Dream Ball
Beast Ball Beast Ball
Strange Ball Strange Ball
Exclusive to Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Poké Ball Poké Ball
Great Ball Great Ball
Ultra Ball Ultra Ball
Heavy Ball Heavy Ball
Leaden Ball Leaden Ball
Gigaton Ball Gigaton Ball
Feather Ball Feather Ball
Wing Ball Wing Ball
Jet Ball Jet Ball
Origin Ball Origin Ball


Project ItemDex logo.png This item article is part of Project ItemDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all items.
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