Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: How to get Love Balls

There are a variety of Pokéballs that have all kinds of effects. Most people are familiar with the iconic Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball, but these four are only a small selection of what’s available. One of the more unique Poké Balls players can use is the Love Ball. Here’s our guide on how to get Love Balls in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

How to get Love Balls in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Love Balls are special Poké Balls that made their first appearance in Generation Two. When thrown at a Pokémon that is of the opposite gender to your own Pokémon, they have an 8x catch rate modifier. For comparison, an Ultra Ball has just a 2x catch rate modifier. This makes Love Balls the joint most effective Poké Ball outside of Master Balls when used in the right scenario.

Unfortunately, getting a hold of them isn’t easy. Unlike an Ultra Ball, you can’t simply buy them from a Delibird Presents store. There are two methods to obtain Love Balls in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The first method to obtain Love Balls is to purchase them at the Auctions in Porto Marinada. Be aware that bidding on unique Poké Balls can get expensive and the items on sale are randomized every 12 hours.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

The other method to obtain Love Balls is by competing in the Ace Academy Tournament. A repeatable version of the Ace Academy Tournament is unlocked after you complete all four of the main storylines and win the Ace Academy Tournament once. Your first run will feature four predetermined battles against Arven, Jacq, Dendra, and Champion Geeta.

After your first run, the Ace Academy Tournament will become a repeatable event. The opponents faced in the repeatable version are randomized, but you will still face four opponents each run. Successfully completing a run will reward a range of items. One of the items you can obtain from the Ace Academy Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is Love Balls.