How to Get Master Balls in Pokémon GO: The Complete 2026 Guide

Part 1. How to Get a Master Ball in Pokémon GO (2025 Updated Methods)

Niantic still considers the Master Ball in Pokémon Go the rarest item in the game. Here are every legitimate way for players to get one:

• Master Ball Via Special Research (Main Method)

The December 2025 Master Ball Special Research was released on Dec 2 as part of season 1 of the Precious Paths season. The research pass can be purchased until Feb 10, 2026 (8:00 PM Local Time).

The first “A Precious Catch — Step 1” task is simple:

Catch 250 Pokemon(bonus: 20 Pokeball), use 150 Berries to help catch (Use 15 Razz Berries), make 100 Nice Curveball Throws (2500 Stardust).

On doing this, you will get 2,500 XP and encounter a Cetoddle as a reward.

Note:

Till yet, Niantic has only disclosed this information. However, expected steps would be around 4 to 5 maximum.

These tasks usually involve visiting Poke Stops on 7 different days, hatching 20 Eggs, catching a Pokemon on 7 different days, and similar tasks.

After that, players got ONE Master Ball as a consolation prize.

What to Expect from Master Ball Research 2025?

The early indications point to Niantic once again releasing:

• A line of free Special Research
• Maybe a line of paid research featuring premium rewards
• A major Go Fest or anniversary event opportunity to win a Master Ball.

Important Tip: Keep watching the in-game News tab or social media channels, as these events are always held for a short time, and you might miss the opportunity.

• Event Bonuses and Timed Research

Niantic sometimes introduces Timed Research during special events like GO Fest, Raid Days, Elite Raid Weekends, or Safari Zones.

Timed Research usually has a short duration (some days), so you have to hurry to get the Pokémon GO Master Ball as a reward.

• Pokémon GO Reward for the Season

Each new season of the game adds potential bonus items. Niantic occasionally adds a Master Ball from Pokémon as a seasonal reward, a season-long research reward, or a reward for certain progress through the games. It is the most random way to go about it, but it still has its worth. So, we can’t ignore it.

• Private Events (Full Tickets)

Certain paid events might have a Poké Ball Master Ball as a reward in the premium tier. These events tend to come with increased Legendary spawns, Mega Pokémon encounters, Ultra Beast raids, and higher Pokéball catch rates for rare species.

Part 2. How Does the Master Ball Work in Pokémon GO?

Pokéball success rate for the Master Ball is fixed at 100%. This means that no curve ball or golden razz berry is needed, and no randomness or “Nerf” is required.

Even the toughest Pokémon like Galarian Birds, high-level Legendaries, and the Ultra Beasts cannot escape from this Master Ball.

Part 3. When Should You Use a Master Ball? (Expert Tips)

As it is very rare and you cannot get it in excessive amounts, like only 1 to 2 per year. So make the best use of it wisely. Best recommendations include:

Galarian Legendary Birds: They have very low catch rates and run away immediately. Perfect Master Ball candidates.

Shadow Mewtwo / Shadow Legendaries: High-CP shadow species are rare and precious.

Ultra Beasts: Some of the hardest Pokémon to catch without Ultra Balls.

Mega Pokémon During Special Encounters: While “Mega Ball Pokémon” is not a real Pokéball type, Mega encounters in events can be really rare.

High-IV Shinies: Useful for collectors aiming for perfection.

Part 4. Best Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Future Master Balls

For more chances: 

• Do every special and timed research.
• Those are the main sources.
• Be an active player in each game season.
• Master Balls can return in seasonal questlines.
• Participate in global raid days.
• Niantic also routinely hands out bonus items during anniversary/celebration events.
• Get to more events with iAnyGo.

Spoofing to active regions guarantees that you will never miss the opportunity to catch time-limited Master Ball Research.

Part 5. Bonus Tip: How iAnyGo Helps to Increase the Chances of Catching a Master Ball

Tenorshare iAnyGo is a location spoofer that many players use to change their coordinates and catch rare spawns faster. Thanks to iAnyGo, you can go on the map to virtually move anywhere to participate in events from around the world, chase raids, or catch regionals without leaving home. It’s a favorite among Pokémon GO tacticians.

Main Advantages of iAnyGo:

• Spoof GPS location without jailbreaking.
• Emulate realistic movement routes to bypass soft bans using the cooldown timer.
• Join global Master Ball or raid events instantly without wasting time.
• Access rare or Legendary Pokémon spawns.
• Smoothly work on iPhone and iOS devices.
• One-click teleport to any country, city, or coordinates.
• The latest iAnyGo version allows players to find Dynamax Pokémon nearby effortlessly.
• With advancement, the need for GPX export is also minimised, as iAnyGo can now automatically optimize the route using its AI algorithm.

Role of iAnyGo in Reaching the Master Ball Events Worldwide

Since Master Ball events are localized, time-limited, and rare. So, here are the tips on how iAnyGo can help you attend the events effortlessly for Mater Balls:

• Teleport to the countries where Master Ball Research begins first

These include the USA, Japan, and New Zealand.

• Join Clustered raids to catch a legendary Pokémon that may be worth a Master Ball

You can auto-walk between Gyms.

• Get walking-based tasks done at double speed.

Simulated movement enables you to complete distance-related quests.

• Participate in an exclusive regional event.

Safari Zones, City Spotlight, and Go Fest locations.

How to Use iAnyGo to Check Route Status?

If you are looking for a Master Ball and want to optimize your route for better productivity and results, it's best to track it. Tracking the route includes checking the length and estimated time, along with some other important information. Here are the easy steps to enable it:

• Update the iAnyGo application to the latest version and then launch it. Choose the fourth icon to get the information.

• Now, select the icon shown on the map to track all the relevant data, like route length and distance, and the time required to complete this route.

• If you are ok with the details, press the “Go” button, and the route will initiate.

Conclusion

Earning a Master Ball in Pokémon GO is still one of the most thrilling moments for devoted trainers. Niantic makes it rare and hard to get, but players can still get it from Special Research, seasonal events, and timed challenges. While you are playing with the right strategy and with the help of software like iAnyGo to also participate in global events, you can increase your chances of earning the Master Ball and spend it wisely.

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