The Master Ball Never Misses
The Master Ball is the only item in Pokemon GO with a 100 percent catch rate and no flee chance. Unlike Ultra Balls with Golden Razz, which can still fail on a low CP slippery target, the Master Ball ends the encounter on contact (Niantic Help Center, 2026).
You get Master Balls from Special Research, typically one per long research line or season. They are not farmable from stops, so each one is a held decision (Pokemon GO Hub, 2025).
When a Failed Research Justifies It
Some Special Research steps end with a Pokemon that has a high flee rate or a low base catch rate, and if it runs, the research can stall. If the step Pokemon is known to flee and you have already lost one, the Master Ball is the safe close. A stalled research line costs more than one held ball (Polygon, 2026).
But a failed catch on most research Pokemon just means you try again, because the encounter usually stays available. The Master Ball is worth it only when the Pokemon is gone for good on a failed throw and blocks your progress (Eurogamer, 2026).
Players burn the Master Ball on the first hard legendary from a raid, then regret it when a flee prone research Pokemon shows up later. Raids let you rejoin for more attempts, so a raid legendary is rarely the right target. Spend it on a one shot research Pokemon that can leave, not on a raid you can retry.
When to Keep It
If the target can be re encountered, a Golden Razz plus Excellent throw is enough. Save the Master Ball for a situation with no retry: a one time research Pokemon, a flee prone mythical step, or a shadow that would otherwise escape. Holding the ball costs nothing until the moment fits (Niantic Help Center, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Master Ball ever fail?
No. It is a guaranteed catch with no flee (Pokemon GO Hub, 2025).
Where do I get one?
From Special Research, about one per long research line or season (Niantic Help Center, 2026).
Should I use it on a raid legendary?
Usually no. Raids let you retry, so a Golden Razz attempt is enough (Polygon, 2026).
When is it worth it?
On a one shot Pokemon that flees and blocks research progress (Eurogamer, 2026).
Final Thought
The Master Ball is a guarantee, not a daily tool. Spend it on a one shot, flee prone research Pokemon that would otherwise stall your progress, and save it through raids you can retry. Holding it is free until the right moment arrives.