How to get a Master Ball in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

To be a Master Ball owner is your destiny

The Master Ball is historically one of the rarest items in any mainline Pokemon game. When thrown during a wild Pokemon encounter, the Master Ball will catch the opposing monster without fail. This can make catching legendary Pokemon a breeze, especially when you consider the time you’d otherwise spend weakening it and throwing lesser Poke Balls at it. Plus, I mean, it looks cool.

The Master Ball does return in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, and fortunately it’s not complicated to obtain. That said, if you’ve just started your adventure, you’ll have a long way to go before this unique item enters your inventory.

Where to find the Master Ball

To obtain the Master Ball, you’ll have to clear the entire main campaign of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. This includes the three core story paths: Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends. Once these stories reach their respective conclusions, you will unlock one final storyline that will bring the game to its dramatic conclusion. Keep playing until you see the credits roll.

This will officially unlock all post-game content. You’ll find yourself back in your dorm room, and you’ll be instructed to see Professor Clavell. During this conversation, he’ll give you the Master Ball.

Unfortunately, this is the only Master Ball that you can obtain in the game. Another player technically can trade you a Pokemon holding a Master Ball, but this is incredibly unlikely. This means you’ll have to think carefully about when you’d want to use your Master Ball.

What Pokémon should you use the Master Ball on?

Below are some suggested options, though do be warned that light spoilers are ahead.

1: Legendary Pokemon

After you beat the game, you’ll have the option to catch another Koraidon or Miraidon in the game’s final area. This is a level 72 monster with the highest base stats in the game, so catching it can take a while otherwise. You could also use the Master Ball on one of the Ruinous Quartet Pokemon who can be found by pulling all the mysterious stakes scattered throughout Paldea. These Pokemon will be at level 60 when you encounter them.

2: Shiny Pokemon

If you plan on hunting for shiny Pokemon, a Master Ball can ensure you don’t accidentally knock out a monster you really want. This is especially helpful in the specific scenario in which you find a shiny Pokemon that knocks Self-Destruct or Explosion

3: Save it for later

Scarlet & Violet will inevitably get additional content, so saving the Master Ball for later is a valid strategy. You don’t need the Master Ball to catch any Pokemon, so a talented player could theoretically never find a reason to use it at all!