How to Get Dusk Balls in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Everything's better after dark.

Many of the available Poke Balls in the core game series have very specific uses, such as specializing in catching certain types, catching at certain turns, or even in specific time lapses. This last example is how the Dusk Ball works, being more effective in catching Pokemon during the night and when you’re in those dark, creepy caves. Here’s how to get them in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

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Where to Get Dusk Balls in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Just like it usually happens in the series, you can get the Dusk Balls through the various shops in the game, such as the Poke Marts in the Pokemon Centers or the Delibird Presents stores in the main cities for the cheap price of 1000 Poke Dollars. However, there’s a small catch for those Poke Balls.

You won’t be able to buy them before obtaining 8 Gym Badges. Otherwise, you’ll just be met with other common Poke Balls in the market. This will take quite an effort, but it’s well worth it in the end as they are probably one of the most versatile Poke Balls in the whole game.

Alternatively, you can find Dusk Balls lying around the map for you to pick up as with any other item. Not the most reliable method, but it does come in handy when you randomly find them lying around the map.

How to Use Dusk Balls in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Screenshot via The Pokemon Company

Make sure you’re selecting the Dusk Balls when going for a late-night catching session, and from then on just do as usual. Weaken the Pokemon or inflict some status effects on it before throwing the ball for maximum effectiveness.

When used in regular circumstances, the Dusk Ball will be just as effective as a regular Poke Ball. But when used at night or inside caves (at any time of the day), it boosts the catching rate up to 3x of its regular value

Related: How to Get Umbreon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The best part is that it works for any Pokemon. But the game doesn’t give us any way of changing the current time, so don’t bother messing around with your Switch internal clock. You might just need to wait for the night to come every single time, which takes around 35 real-life minutes.


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About the Author

Patrick Souza

Patrick has been working for Prima since 2022 and joined as a Staff Writer in 2023. He's been interested in gaming journalism since college, and that was the path he took once he had his degree in hands. Diligently ignores his ever-growing backlog to keep raiding in Final Fantasy XIV, exploring in Genshin Impact or replaying some of his favorite RPGs from time to time. Loves tackling hard challenges in games, but his cats are still the hardest bosses he could ask for.