How do Friend Balls work and where to get them in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

When catching Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can use various types of Pokéballs like the Master Ball, Moon Ball, and Friend Ball. The latter is a great Pokéball that helps evolve Pokémon that need high friendship. This may leave you wondering where to get Friend Balls and what they do in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

What do Friend Balls do in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

When you catch a Pokémon with a Friend Ball in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it will immediately become more friendly toward you. This is extremely helpful for Pokémon that evolve through friendship, as it will speed up the process by giving you a headstart. However, you cannot purchase these at Delibird Presents stores like other Pokéballs.

Related: How do Love Balls work and where to get them in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Where to find Friend Balls in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Instead, you will need to go to the Porto Marinada Market and purchase Friend Balls through the auction house in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. But you will need to complete the Cascarrafa Gym Challenge and have registered 260 Pokémon in your Pokédex. Once you have done this, Friend Balls will be available at the Porto Marinada Market for you to bid on.

Friend Balls can also be earned as a reward from the Academy Ace Tournament. This is unlocked once you have defeated all eight gyms in the Victory Road path. Friend Balls are one of the many random rewards you can get through the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but they are less common than other rewards.

For more information on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, check out How Level Balls work and where to get them in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and How to get Beast Balls in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on Pro Game Guides.