10 Pokemon that Pokemon GO players should catch with Master Ball

In Pokemon GO, securing a Master Ball, of which players should own two by now, marks a monumental moment. This pinnacle of Pokeballs, with its unmatched ability to guarantee any Pokemon's capture, places a significant decision in the hands of trainers. Amid the game's vast array of creatures, only a handful embody the rare and valuable traits that make them worthy of such a precious resource.

Once trainers have a Master Ball in Pokemon GO, what should they use it on? Theoretically, they could use it on just about any Pokemon. However, using this rare Pokeball on a random Pocket Monster would be a waste.

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Ten Pokemon worth using a Master Ball on in Pokemon GO

1) Frigibax

Frigibax in the anime (image via The Pokemon Company)

Upon its introduction during the Paldea event, Frigibax became an immediate legend for its elusiveness. With a spawn rate suggesting that only 1 in 10,000 players could boast of having one, encountering Frigibax in the wild is akin to finding a diamond in the rough.

Moreover, evolving Frigibax into its final form, Baxcalibur, requires a hefty 125 candies, making each Frigibax encounter invaluable. Considering the astronomical effort required to hatch it from 10km eggs at the fifth rarity tier, using a Master Ball on this Paldean creature ensures that this rare gem doesn't slip away.

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2) Shiny Ultra Beasts

Artwork of the Ultra Beasts drawn by Hitoshi Ariga (image via The Pokemon Company)

Ultra Beasts, part of Gen 7, are rare in Pokemon Go, with seven introduced through raids and special research. Their rarity is due to their rotation in five-star raids and regional exclusivity, like Celesteela and Kartana, which are hemisphere-specific. The first Ultra Beast, Nihilego, appeared during Go Fest 2022, with others like Pheromosa and Buzzwole following in event releases.

Regionally exclusive Pokemon vary in rarity based on location, with them being common in certain areas but rare elsewhere. Shiny versions of these Pokemon, including Ultra Beasts, are even rarer, making them highly sought after by trainers.

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3) Shiny Costume Pokemon

Costume Pokemon in Pokemon GO (image via The Pokemon Company)

The allure of Costume Pokemon lies in their uniqueness and the festive spirit they embody. From Halloween ensembles to whimsical hats, these Pokemon add flair and fun to a trainer's collection. However, their shiny variants elevate their rarity, especially for those tied to specific events or requiring an event ticket for a chance at capture.

The fleeting nature of these encounters, coupled with the rarity of shiny variants, positions shiny Costume Pokemon as prime Master Ball candidates. Whether it's a Clone Pokémon or a Star Hat Pikachu, securing these special Pokemon ensures a unique and envied collection.

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4) Shadow Shiny Mewtwo

Shadow Mewtwo (image via The Pokemon Company)

Shadow Shiny Mewtwo in Pokemon GO is highly coveted due to its rarity, significant attack boost as a Shadow Pokemon, and the exclusivity tied to special events like the Pokemon GO Fest 2020. This Pokemon is rare, especially in its shiny form, making them prized possessions.

The decision to keep Mewtwo as a Shadow Pokemon, rather than purifying it, capitalizes on its enhanced attack power, outweighing the benefits of purification. You can still come across Shadow Mewtwo as the ultimate reward for defeating Giovanni, but encountering its shiny variant is exceptionally rare and challenging. Consequently, Shadow Shiny Mewtwo stands out for its

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5) Noivern

Noivern in the anime (image via The Pokemon Company

Noibat’s evolution into Noivern requires a daunting 400 candies, making each Noibat encounter critical for trainers aiming to add Noivern to their Pokedex. Despite having its own Community Day, Noibat remains a rare find for many, particularly those who missed the event.

The rarity of encounters and the high candy requirement justify the use of a Master Ball, ensuring that trainers can bypass the uncertainty of capture and move one step closer to obtaining Noivern.

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6) Armored Mewtwo

Armored Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (image via The Pokemon Company)

Armored Mewtwo stands apart not only for its unique appearance and stats but also for its rarity. Having been available only during specific events, the current necessity to trade for it underscores its scarcity.

For those who aspire to have this special variant in their collection, the use of a Master Ball could be their only guarantee of securing Armored Mewtwo if it ever becomes available again. Given its distinctiveness and power, Armored Mewtwo is a worthy choice for the use of a Master Ball.

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7) Groudon

Groudon in Pokemon GO (Image via Sportskeeda/The Pokemon Company)

Although it's typically seen in the raid arena, Pokemon GO enthusiasts have had the opportunity to catch Groudon as a PvP and Research Task reward in the past. While Premier Balls are players' sole options in post-raid encounters, they can use whichever Pokeball for Groudon.

Granted, this may be incredibly difficult, considering Groudon hasn't appeared outside the raid rotation in a few years, but Niantic may still have some surprises. Not only does Groudon have a low catch rate like many of its fellow legendaries, but the introduction of its Primal Form in Pokemon GO has also made it an immensely capable battler well beyond its previous state.

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8) The Lake Guardian Trio

The Lake Guardian Trio (image via The Pokemon Company)

Three of the most elusive creatures in Pokemon GO are Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, legendary species originating from the Sinnoh region. However, the catch with these three creatures is that while they spawn in the wild, they have incredibly low appearance and catch rates.

Furthermore, the three Lake Guardians are split between different regions in the world, so players will have to travel to catch these three legendaries in the wild. If trainers spot a Lake Guardian in the wild, a Master Ball shouldn't be out of the question. Finding these three Pocket Monsters is an uphill task, much less catching them.

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9) Hoopa

Hoopa in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Hoopa hasn't been around so far in 2023, but it's still a creature that Pokemon GO players should consider using a Master Ball on. Its Unbound Form has only been catchable via raids, but players have been able to catch its initial Confined Form in the past thanks to a research questline known as Misunderstood Mischief.

Since this is the case, it isn't inconceivable that Niantic may re-introduce this whimsical mythical species in 2023 or beyond. If trainers can reencounter Hoopa outside of a raid, they should keep their Master Ball handy.

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10) The Galarian Bird Trio

The Galarian Bird Trio (image via The Pokemon Company)

Three legendaries who only spawn while players have a Daily Adventure Incense active: Galarian Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos. They have incredibly low chances of spawning in the wild. Furthermore, the three Galarian counterparts to Kanto's Legendary Birds have a roughly 90% chance to escape capture after each failed catch attempt.

Many Pokemon GO fans have gushed over finding one of these three species just to watch them run away, so one shouldn't give them the opportunity. If a player's preferred Galarian Legendary Bird appears, hit it with a Master Ball and keep it from escaping.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

Ditto disguises || Current Raid bosses || February 2024 infographic || GO Shiny Hisuian Starter guides || Buddy evolution Adventure Together guide || Best Fast Attacks || Giovanni counters