Master Balls are some of the rarest rewards Pokémon GO ever offers, and the new Masterwork Research: A Precious Catch gives players another chance to secure one. This paid Masterwork Research arrives during the Precious Paths Season, offering long-term goals, high-volume tasks, and a guaranteed Master Ball once the full questline is completed.
What Is ‘A Precious Catch’ Masterwork Research?
A Precious Catch is a ticket-exclusive Masterwork Research, priced at US$7.99. Once purchased, it permanently unlocks for your account—meaning there is no time limit to complete it.
Players can buy the ticket in the in-game shop between December 2, 2025 (10 a.m.) and March 3, 2026 (9:59 a.m.) local time. Masterwork Researches are known for long, grind-heavy objectives, but they reward some of the most valuable items in the game, including rare encounters and—most importantly—a Master Ball.
What Rewards Can You Expect?
Completing A Precious Catch awards:
- 1 Master Ball
- XP and Stardust
- Encounters with seasonal Pokémon such as Cetoddle
- Additional bonus items
Niantic clearly intends this as a long-term challenge, but the main attraction is the guaranteed Master Ball once the later steps unlock.
All ‘A Precious Catch’ Quest Steps (Masterwork Research)
Only Step 1 is fully available so far. Later steps will unlock as the Precious Paths Season progresses.
Step 1 — Masterwork Research: A Precious Catch (1/?)
This introductory step focuses on catching volume, accuracy, and berry usage—classic Masterwork pacing that encourages steady play over several days.
Tasks
- Catch 250 Pokémon– Reward: 20 Poké Balls
- Use 150 Berries to help catch Pokémon– Reward: 15 Razz Berries
- Make 100 Nice Curveball Throws– Reward: 2,500 Stardust
Step 1 Completion Rewards
- 2,500 XP
- Cetoddle encounter
Step 2 — Coming Soon
The second step hasn’t been revealed yet. Based on previous Masterwork Research patterns, expect:
- High catch counts
- Throw-based requirements
- Raid or Adventure tasks
- A major reward at the end of the step
Future updates will unlock Step 2 during the season.
Step 3 — Coming Soon
This is expected to increase the difficulty and time investment. Past Masterwork steps often include:
- Long walking distances
- Buddy-based interactions
- Multi-day tasks such as “Spin PokéStops on 7 different days”
We’ll update when official details release.
Step 4 — Coming Soon (Likely the Master Ball Step)
While not confirmed, Masterwork Researches traditionally grant the Master Ball in the final step, making Step 4 the expected location for the reward.
How to Prepare for Later Steps
Even before Steps 2–4 are revealed, you can prepare:
- Stock Up on Berries and Poké Balls” Later steps may require additional throws or berry usage.
- Walk Regularly: Masterwork Research often includes distance-based tasks.
- Play Consistently Throughout the Season: New steps unlock over time, so logging in regularly helps you progress.
- Save Incense and Lure Modules: They’re useful for high-count catch requirements.
Is the Masterwork Research Worth Buying?
If you want another Master Ball, this is one of the few ways to get one in Pokémon GO. They’re incredibly rare, and no free path currently guarantees one during this season.
Players who don’t prioritize Master Balls may find the research less valuable, as the early rewards—XP, berries, Cetoddle—are modest. But for collectors, PvP chasers, and Legendary Bird hunters who want a perfect catch chance, the US$7.99 ticket can be a worthwhile purchase.
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A Precious Catch is designed as a slow-burn, high-value Masterwork Research that rewards consistent play and patience. While only the first step is available at launch, the chance to secure another Master Ball makes this one of the most important paid research lines of the Precious Paths Season.
As more quest steps release, we’ll update the full task list to keep your Masterwork grind on track. Play Now!
