Many changes have been made to the Pokémon game series with each new generation and region, including the addition of many different Pokéballs. Because there are so many types that work better in different situations, players may be wondering if there are certain Pokéballs that are worth investing in over others. What determines an effective Pokéball is based on what the player might be trying to catch and where. However, there are some Pokéballs that are more useful overall than others.

One of the ways to look at the usefulness of a Pokéball, is to check its 'Catch Rate'. This is a modifier the game adds to the equation to determine if a Pokémon will be caught. The standard Catch Rate is x1, which is what players have with a regular Pokéball. Some Pokéballs have a Catch Rate that is overall better than others, but requires a very specific set of requirements for the Catch Rate boost to be applied, while others have a boost and don't require anything at all. Another factor for the usefulness of these balls for players is the cost of the ball, or how hard it is to locate in each game.

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To help players determine which Pokéball may best fit their needs, the ranked list below will cover each ball's Catch Rate modifier, as well how to use it according to data on Serebii. Several balls will not be making this list due to extremely limited use or obtaining the balls outside of the game through events. These balls include: The Premier Ball, Cherish Ball, Park Ball, Dream Ball, Safari Ball, and Sport Ball.

Pokémon's Most Useful Pokéballs Ranked

Below are all 21 canon Pokéballs for common use, ranked from least to most useful for players with their modifiers, requirements, and cost in taken into account.

• Beast Ball - A Pokéball that works well for catching Ultra Beats, giving players a x5 Catch Rate. However it is awful for players using it on anything other than an Ultra Beast, lowering the catch rate to x0.1. They are also difficult to come by in game.
• Heal Ball - Heals the HP and status of the Pokémon it catches, but only offers a standard x1 Catch Rate. They aren't terribly expensive and aren't hard to find, but the need to have a Pokémon healed when caught is low for most players.
• Moon Ball - A ball that gives a Catch Rate boost of x3 when used on Pokémon that evolve with a Moon Stone. However, it only gives this benefit to a total of six Pokémon, making it basically useless elsewhere.
• Heavy Ball - Great for catching Snorlax of Golurk, this Pokéball is extra effective on Pokémon that weight over 451.1 lbs, giving a boost of +20 to its catch Rate, +30 for over 677.3 lbs, and +40 for over 903 lbs. However, if the Pokémon's weight is less than 451.1 lbs, the Catch Rate is penalized -20.
• Luxury Ball - This Pokéball helps speed up the process of raising a Pokémon's happiness, but only offers the standard x1 Catch Rate.
• Friend Ball - A Pokéball that starts a Pokémon with a friendship value of 200, but only has a x1 Catch Rate.
• Love Ball - Gives a massive x8 Catch Rate to opponents of the same species as the player's Pokémon as long as it is the opposite gender. For all other Pokémon however, it remains at x1.
• Master Ball - Can catch any Pokémon in one try, however the ball is very limited and was worth more when games had fewer legendary encounters.
• Great Ball - A standard Pokéball available all over Pokémon regions in Pokémarts. It gives players a baseline x1.5 for all encounters.
• Net Ball - This Pokéball works best on Bug and Water type Pokémon, giving a Catch Rate of x3 before Sun & Moon, and a x3.5 after.
• Fast Ball - A Pokéball that works best on Pokémon with a speed over 100. This ball has a Catch Rate of x4.

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• Dive Ball - This Pokéball works best when encountering Pokémon on the water or while diving, with a Catch Rate of x3.5. However it has a x1 if not used on bodies of water.
• Nest Ball - This Pokéball works better on Pokémon that are a low level. It gives a Catch Rate of x1-3 depending on how low the level is. It works well for filling out a Pokédex, but not much else.
• Lure Ball - This Pokéball works best on Pokémon caught with a Rod, giving a x3 Catch Rate, and a x5 in Sun & Moon.
• Level Ball - This Pokéball gives a high Catch Rate depending on the difference between the player's Pokémon and the opponent, ranging between x2 to x8.
• Pokéball - The standard Pokéball has a catch rate of x1, however it ranks highly because of its availability and price. These Pokéballs are dirt cheap and can be found anywhere, so throwing one after another at an opponent doesn't hurt the player financially. Because of this, they are an excellent investment for a regular foray into the tall grass.
• Timer Ball - A Pokéball that works better the longer a wild encounter goes on. The Catch Rate ranges from x1 to x4 depending on how many turns have elapsed in the battle.
• Repeat Ball - A Pokéball that works best on Pokémon species that a player has already caught. It is great for Shiny Hunting, with a x3 Catch Rate.
• Dusk Ball - This Pokéball works best in caves or at night with a x3.5 Catch Rate in games before Sun & Moon and x3 after. This ball is especially effective in games like Sword & Shield that has a lot of Pokémon species available at night.
• Quick Ball - A Pokéball that works best when used during the first turn in a wild encounter battle, with a x4 Catch Rate before Sun & Moon and a x5 after.
• Ultra Ball - The Ultra Ball is the best Pokéball available for players in any game. While they can be a little more expensive, they are readily available for restock, and offer a steady x3 Catch Rate in every type of encounter. With their easy accessibility and effectiveness in every situation, they are a reliable choice for players to invest in.

While there are likely to be more Pokéballs added to Pokémon games in the future, knowing what works well for current games like Sword & Shield can help players save currency and plan for activities like Shiny Hunting or finishing their Pokédex. The Pokémon games offer players many different ways to strategize with their Pokéball choices, making the hunt to find the perfect team a fun challenge for fans of the series.

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Source: Serebii