Step into the ultimate Pokémon catching experience with GO Safari Balls-special Poké Balls boasting a higher catch rate, designed exclusively for Pokémon GO’s limited-time Wild Area events. Whether you’re aiming to snag the elusive Mighty Pokémon or the notoriously tricky Galarian Legendary Birds, mastering how to get and use these event-only balls can make all the difference in your quest. Ready to boost your capture game before these rare balls vanish? Here’s your essential guide to unlocking and maximizing GO Safari Balls in Pokémon GO.
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?
Go Safari Balls in Pokémon GO are special Poké Balls introduced during limited-time events like the Go Wild Area. They offer a significantly higher catch rate than regular Poké Balls, making it easier to capture rare or difficult Pokémon, including mighty Pokémon and Galarian Legendary Birds. These balls are event-exclusive, cannot be kept after the event ends, and are typically obtained through timed research tasks or PokéStop spins during the event. However, Pokémon caught with Safari Balls cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Their design is inspired by the classic Safari Balls from the main series games, adding both nostalgia and enhanced functionality for event participants.
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 left over will be discarded and not kept for other encounters.
Remember, these are an event exclusive ball and will disappear at the end of the day – so be sure to use them before 6:15 p.m. in your local time (the Go Wild Area end time) rolls round.
Finally, Pokémon caught in Go Safari Balls cannot be transferred to Pokémon Home. If you want to transfer any specific Pokémon you catch during the Wild Area event, do not use these balls for them.
How to get Go Safari Balls in Pokémon Go
To get Go Safari Balls in Pokémon Go, players primarily need to participate in the Go Wild Area Global event. Ticket holders receive Timed Research tasks during their event hours that reward Go Safari Balls upon completion, with additional hourly Timed Research tasks providing more balls. Spinning PokéStops and Gyms during the event may also yield Go Safari Balls, though this is less common. Players can purchase an Extra Access Ticket for $2 to unlock additional hourly Timed Research tasks that grant more Safari Balls. It is crucial to use all Go Safari Balls before the event ends each day, as they expire and disappear from the item bag at 6:15 p.m. local time. These balls offer a higher catch rate, especially useful for capturing rare and Mighty Pokémon during the event.
There are a few ways to get more Go Safari Balls during the event, most of which involve doing Timed Research. 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 at 6:15 p.m. We’ll break it up below based on cost.
Free methods to get Go Safari Balls
- Complete daily Timed Research Tasks during the two-day event (2 Safari Balls)
- Spin PokéStops (if you’re really lucky)
Paid methods to get more Go Safari Balls
- Complete hourly Timed Research if you have the $11.99 Wild Area ticket (20 Safari Balls per hour)
- Buy a $2 “Extra Access Ticket” to get more hourly Timed Research (four balls per hour)
Note that even the paid balls will disappear at 6:15 p.m. local time the day you get them, so make sure you use them up.
How can I maximize my Safari Balls during the event hours
To maximize your GO Safari Balls during the event hours in Pokémon GO, follow these key strategies:
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Complete Hourly Timed Research Tasks: If you hold the GO Wild Area Global event ticket, you will receive exclusive Timed Research tasks every hour during your ticketed hours. Completing these tasks promptly is crucial, as they reward a significant number of GO Safari Balls but expire after one hour.
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Spin PokéStops and Gyms: During the event, spinning Photo Discs at PokéStops and Gyms can randomly reward GO Safari Balls. Make sure to spin as many as possible within the event timeframe to increase your chances.
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Use Safari Balls Wisely: Prioritize using Safari Balls on the toughest Pokémon, such as Mighty Pokémon and Galarian Legendary Birds, which have higher catch difficulty but benefit most from the increased catch rate of Safari Balls.
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Manage Your Inventory and Time: Safari Balls expire at 6:15 p.m. local time each event day, so use them before they vanish. Also, clear your egg storage and avoid spinning PokéStops or opening gifts before the event starts to maximize your resource efficiency during the event.
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Consider Purchasing Extra Access Tickets: For an additional fee, you can buy an Extra Access Ticket that grants additional hourly Timed Research tasks, each rewarding more Safari Balls. This can be a cost-effective way to boost your Safari Ball supply without relying solely on spinning or grinding.
By combining these methods-completing hourly timed research, spinning stops frequently, targeting high-value Pokémon, and managing your time and resources-you can maximize your GO Safari Balls and improve your catch rate during the event hours.
What strategies can I use to complete Timed Research quickly for Safari Balls
To complete Timed Research quickly and efficiently for GO Safari Balls during the Pokémon GO Wild Area event, use these strategies:
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Start Each Hour Fresh: Timed Research tasks for Safari Balls are issued hourly but expire after one hour, so begin working on them immediately when they appear to avoid losing rewards.
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Focus on Simple Throw Tasks: Many Timed Research steps involve throwing Poké Balls or curveballs at Pokémon. Practice quick and accurate throws to rapidly complete these tasks without wasting time.
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Prioritize Tasks That Can Be Done Simultaneously: If tasks require catching or spinning stops, try to complete multiple objectives in one encounter or stop to speed up progress.
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Use Event Hotspots: Play in areas dense with PokéStops and spawns, like the Wild Area or event-designated zones, to quickly access stops for spinning and find Pokémon to catch for research steps.
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Prepare Before the Event: Clear your item bag and egg storage beforehand to avoid interruptions, and keep your inventory ready for new tasks and rewards.
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Consider Purchasing Extra Access Tickets: These provide additional hourly Timed Research tasks, increasing your chances to earn more Safari Balls, but remember these tasks also expire hourly, so prompt completion is necessary.
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Use Efficient Poké Balls and Berries: Since Safari Balls are limited and valuable, use them primarily on difficult catches (like Mighty Pokémon) and use berries to improve catch rates on easier tasks, allowing faster completion.
By combining prompt task initiation, focusing on quick throw-based objectives, playing in dense spawn areas, and preparing your inventory in advance, you can efficiently complete Timed Research each hour and maximize your GO Safari Ball rewards during the event.
