You can get Go Safari Balls as part of Pokémon Go Wild Area events, and can only be used during event hours. No, seriously — they disappear after the event ends.
These balls are based off of the regular camouflaged-print Safari Balls from the mainline games. Usually, you can only use Safari Balls in the Safari Zone, a special area where wild Pokémon roam and you can’t actually battle them. You can throw treats and rocks at them to try to increase their catch rate, but ultimately, you just had to huck Safari Balls at them to catch some of these rare critters.
Pokémon Go has its own take on Safari Balls, and we explain what Go Safari Balls do, and how to get more.
What do Go Safari Balls do?
Image: Niantic
Go Safari Balls are special Poké Balls that have a higher catch rate. While the catch rate isn’t 100% known, it is known to be much better than an Ultra Ball.
They are particularly effective against “mighty Pokémon“, which also debut as part of the Go Wild Area event, but know you can use them for anything. This includes Galarian birds, which have a notoriously low catch rate, so make sure to use your Daily Adventure Incense during the event period to increase your chances if you haven’t got them yet.
For those with a paid Go Wild Area ticket, during the raid’s catch phase, Premier Balls will also be swapped out for Go Safari Balls in raids and Max Battles — but know any leftovers will be discarded and not kept for other encounters.
Remember, these are an event exclusive ball and will disappear at the end of the event on Sunday, Nov. 15 — so be sure to use them before 6 p.m. in your local time on Sunday rolls round.
Pokémon caught in Go Safari Balls can be transferred to Pokémon Home, but the appearance of the ball is changed into a greenish “Strange Ball” once transferred.
How to get Go Safari Balls in Pokémon Go
There are a few ways to get more Go Safari Balls during the event, though not very many options for players looking to avoid spending. That being said, you’ll want to start playing early to complete the research if you want to get and use your allotment of Go Safari Balls before they vanish.
Free methods to get Go Safari Balls
- Spin PokéStops (if you’re lucky)
Paid methods to get more Go Safari Balls
- Claim the supply drops every hour if you have the $11.99 Wild Area ticket
- Buy bundles in the web store
- Buy Safari Balls in the shop for Poké Coins
Note that even the paid balls will disappear on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in your local time, so make sure you use them up.
