With a plethora of options in Pokemon Go‘s competitive mode, trainers often face challenges when choosing the toughest Pokémon worth leveling up for combat. Here, we present our top selections for the Battle League, Raids, PvP, Gyms, and beyond.
To establish yourself as one of the best trainers in Pokemon Go, assembling a team featuring the most powerful Pokémon is crucial. Although the mobile game features a straightforward premise, the battle mechanics are remarkably complex and nuanced.
Fortunately, there are ample opportunities to acquire stronger Pokémon in-game. Whether it’s challenging formidable Team Rocket leaders like Giovanni, Sierra, and Arlo, or participating in weekly Spotlight Hours events and Community Days, you’ll continually enhance your roster. Knowing which Pokémon to prioritize for catching is essential.
With this in mind, let’s delve into the best attackers, defenders, and PvP champions available in Pokemon Go.
Top Attackers in Pokemon Go
For an effective Raid Battle team capable of catching potent Legendary Pokémon, choosing the best attackers is imperative.
Mega Evolved Pokémon often rank among the top contenders, but the key to success lies in selecting Pokémon that can exploit the specific weaknesses of the Raid Boss you’re confronting.
We’ve curated a list of the top attackers available in Pokemon Go, detailing their optimal movesets and effectiveness against various opponents.
1. Primal Kyogre
Primal Kyogre stands as the ultimate Water-type attacker.
- Fast Move: Waterfall
- Charged Move: Origin Pulse* or Surf
This Legendary Pokémon, along with its Primal form, consistently ranks as one of the most formidable attackers in Pokemon Go. It boasts a staggering 353-attack stat and performs exceptionally across various situations.
Utilizing a combination of Waterfall and its signature move Origin Pulse—or Surf if you lack Origin Pulse—creates a formidable powerhouse, especially with a max CP of 5,902. Power it up to level 50 or enhance it with Rainy weather, and it becomes nearly unbeatable.
2. Mega Rayquaza
Despite its Dragon-type classification, Mega Rayquaza excels as a Flying-type attacker.
- Fast Move: Air Slash
- Charged Move: Dragon Ascent* or Outrage
When it comes to Dragon-type Pokémon, you can’t get much better than Rayquaza. Dragon-type moves face minimal resistance, rendering it an excellent all-around attacker with Dragon Tail and Outrage.
However, Rayquaza is more effectively utilized as a powerful Flying-type attacker, where its strong moves like Air Slash enhance its prowess when combined with its Legacy move Dragon Ascent.
3. Primal Groudon
Primal Groudon is the premier Ground-type Pokémon in Pokemon Go.
- Fast Move: Mud Shot
- Charged Move: Precipice Blades* or Earthquake
With an impressive ATK stat of 353 and a total damage output of 1040.63, Primal Groudon is and will likely remain the ultimate Ground-type Pokémon in the game.
This colossal creature has a significant max CP of 5902, which can be increased to level 50 or enhanced using Sunny weather. Moreover, its signature move Precipice Blades boasts a damage output of 130, making it a game-changer paired with Mud Shot. Just avoid Water-type foes.
Pokemon Go Best Attackers Tier List for 2024
Here are our top 10 picks for the best attackers, along with their most effective moves and type advantages in Pokemon Go:
| RANK | POKEMON | SPRITE | FAST MOVE | CHARGED MOVE | WEAK AGAINST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Primal Kyogre | Waterfall | Origin Pulse | Grass / Electric | |
| #2 | Mega Rayquaza | Air Slash | Dragon Ascent | Ice / Rock / Dragon / Fairy | |
| #3 | Primal Groudon | Mud Shot | Precipice Blades | Water / Ground | |
| #4 | Mega Tyranitar | Bite | Brutal Swing | Fighting / Ground / Bug / Steel / Water / Grass / Fairy | |
| #5 | Mega Blaziken | Fire Spin | Blast Burn | Flying / Ground / Water / Psychic | |
| #6 | Mega Gengar | Lick | Shadow Ball | Ground / Ghost / Psychic / Dark | |
| #7 | Shadow Mewtwo | Confusion | Psystrike | Bug / Ghost / Dark | |
| #8 | Shadow Chandelure | Fire Spin | Shadow Ball | Ground / Rock / Ghost / Water / Dark | |
| #9 | Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword | Fighting / Ground / Steel / Water / Grass / Psychic / Fairy | |
| #10 | Can | Razor Leaf | Leaf Blade | Fire / Fighting |
Always consider typing while constructing your team. Although the Legendary Water-type Kyogre leads our list, it consistently faces challenges against formidable Electric-type or Grass-type opponents.
Top Defenders in Pokemon Go
If you seek a Pokémon to leave at a gym for earning daily coins or need a tanky option to initiate battles and wear down opponents, these defenders should be on your team.
You’ll want a solid mix of Defense and Stamina, the latter determining how much HP a Pokémon has and how long it can endure in a gym before requiring rest.
1. Blissey
This adorable Normal-type Pokémon excels at defense due to its exceptionally high stamina.
- Fast Move: Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move: Dazzling Gleam
Blissey remains the best defender in Pokemon Go, boasting an incredible Stamina (496) and respectable Defense stat (169). This makes it an ideal choice for gym placements, allowing it to absorb damage effortlessly.
2. Togekiss
Togekiss is a standout among Fairy-type Pokémon.
- Fast Move: Charm
- Charged Move: Dazzling Gleam
Ranking second on our list is Togekiss, which can achieve a max CP of 3,332 and potentially reach 3,767 at level 50. While its Stamina may fall short compared to Blissey or Snorlax, its high CP, combined with solid Defense and Attack stats, helps fend off attackers effectively.
3. Metagross
Metagross is widely regarded as an exceptional gym defender.
- Fast Move: Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move: Meteor Mash
The Steel/Psychic-type Metagross is a tremendous choice for defending gyms, thanks to its impressive stats and an exceptional 10 type resistances. With access to the Charged Move Meteor Mash, it can also deliver significant damage, extending its usability beyond mere defense.
Pokemon Go Best Defenders Tier List for 2024
Here’s the complete list of our top 10 best defenders in Pokemon Go:
| RANK | POKEMON | SPRITE | FAST MOVE | CHARGED MOVE | WEAK AGAINST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Blissey | Zen Headbutt | Dazzling Gleam | Fighting | |
| #2 | Togekiss | Charm | Dazzling Gleam | Poison / Rock / Steel / Electric / Ice | |
| #3 | Metagross | Zen Headbutt | Meteor Mash | Ground / Ghost / Fire / Dark | |
| #4 | Snorlax | Zen Headbutt | Outrage | Fighting | |
| #5 | Umbreon | Snarl | Foul Play | Fighting / Bug / Fairy | |
| #6 | Milotic | Waterfall | Hyper Beam | Grass / Electric | |
| #7 | Avalugg | Ice Fang | Avalanche | Fighting / Rock / Steel / Fire | |
| #8 | Goodra | Dragon Breath | Draco Meteor | Ice / Dragon / Fairy | |
| #9 | Steelix | Iron Tail | Earthquake | Fighting / Ground / Fire / Water | |
| #10 | Drive blink | Hex | Shadow Ball | Rock / Ghost / Electric / Ice / Dark |
In contrast to many of the top attackers in Pokemon Go, the best defenders aren’t necessarily Legendary Pokémon. This makes it easier to catch and level up defenders with impressive stats to a high CP.
Best Pokémon for PvP (Go Battle League)
In the Pokemon Go Battle League, three primary Leagues exist: the Great League, the Ultra League, and the Master League. These leagues rotate with each season, with only one accessible at a time, frequently accompanied by special cups like the Retro Cup or Kanto Cup.
Each league possesses unique restrictions, the significant one being the CP limit. The Great League features a 1500 CP cap, the Ultra League has a 2500 CP limit, and the Master League imposes no limits. As a result, the best Pokémon for each League can vary significantly.
Great League
With a CP ceiling of 1500, expect minimal encounters with Legendary Pokémon in the Great League meta.
Clodsire
- Fast Move: Poison Sting
- Charged Moves: Earthquake and Stone Edge
Clodsire burst onto the scene and claimed the top position because it excels in the current meta as a versatile fighter.
This dual Poison/Ground type serves effectively as a lead, switch, or closer, thanks to its robust Defense and significant Stamina of 209.
While Clodsire may not deliver rapid Fast Move pressure, it compensates with powerful Charged Moves. Earthquake is among the best moves available, and Stone Edge extends its coverage further. With access to five different types of moves, Clodsire becomes a challenging opponent to target and defeat.
Mandibuzz
- Fast Move: Snarl
- Charged Moves: Dark Pulse and Aerial Ace
While it may lack standout moves and has fewer resistances compared to other Great League contenders, Mandibuzz compensates with exceptionally high Defense and decent Stamina.
Snarl generates energy more swiftly than Air Slash, making it the recommended Fast Move. Mandibuzz’s primary Charged Move, Dark Pulse, inflicts substantial damage and gains the STAB advantage, while Aerial Ace presents a valuable coverage option.
Gastrodon
- Fast Move: Mud-Slap
- Charged Moves: Body Slam and Earth Power
Gastrodon poses a new threat in the Great League, thanks to the Mud-Slap buff and impressive Stamina. Its single weakness elevates its viability.
Among its Fast Moves, Mud-Slap proves more potent, affordable, and STAB-enhanced. Body Slam stands as Gastrodon’s most economical Charged Move, allowing it to quickly force opponents to expend their shields, while Earth Power deals substantial damage.
Ultra League
With a higher CP limit of 2500, the Ultra League is where more powerful Pokémon begin to emerge.
Feraligatr (Shadow)
- Fast Move: Shadow Claw
- Charged Moves: Hydro Cannon or Ice Beam
This formidable crocodile from Gen 2 excels as a charger or closer, benefiting from its stats and moves. Despite its vulnerabilities, it can withstand common Pokémon types like Steel and Fire, providing an advantage in the Ultra League.
Moreover, its diverse move pool allows Feraligatr to reach Charged Moves quicker, making it easier to force opponents to use shields early in the match, leaving them vulnerable for subsequent attackers.
Clefable (XL)
- Fast Move: Fairy Wind
- Charged Moves: Swift and Moonblast
Gaining an edge in Battle League encounters relies on accessing Charged Moves swiftly, prompting opponents to use their shields prematurely.
Clefable’s Fast Move Fairy Wind is notably quick and benefits from STAB, enabling rapid Charged Moves. Moonblast serves as a powerful nuke with 130 damage, though it is high on energy cost and risks lowering the Attack stat. In contrast, Swift offers a cheaper, faster alternative for additional coverage.
Galarian Weezing (Shadow XL)
- Fast Move: Fairy Wind
- Charged Moves: Brutal Swing and Play Rough
Galarian Weezing stands out with its unique dual Poison/Fairy typing and versatile move pool, including Dark and Fire attacks.
This allows it to effectively target Fighting, Dragon, Dark, Psychic, Ghost, Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types, even while Galarian Weezing itself is weak against Steel. Utilizing Fairy Wind as a fast charge move speeds up your Charged Move access, and while its standard STAB Charged Moves are useful for breaking enemy shields, they have particular strategic value.
Master League
The Master League imposes no CP restrictions, necessitating the use of XL Candy to succeed. For further information, you can refer to our in-depth Master League guide, but here are our top recommendations:
Zygarde Complete Forme (XL)
- Fast Move: Dragon Tail
- Charged Moves: Crunch or Earthquake
Boasting a supremely high HP stat and an impressive balance of resistance and damage, Zygarde is among the most sought-after creatures in Pokemon Go since its July 2023 debut.
This Pokémon is exceptionally robust and serves effectively against numerous Dragon-type figures in this rank, as well as other threats such as Dialga, Lugia, and Kyurem.
Its ideal moveset allows it to inflict significant damage with both Dragon Tail and Earthquake, while Crunch can help bait shields effectively.
Palkia Origin Forme (XL)
- Fast Move: Dragon Breath
- Charged Moves: Aqua Tail and Spacial Rend
Palkia Origin Forme ranks among the top three Pokémon and stands as a true Master League champion in Pokemon Go. With outstanding Defense and HP, combined with a remarkable Attack stat, this Pokémon excels as a Lead, Charger, or Closer.
For its Fast Move, always select Dragon Breath, as it is the most potent option. For Charged Moves, choose the special attack Spacial Rend for optimal results.
Yveltal (XL)
- Fast Move: Sucker Punch
- Charged Moves: Dark Pulse and Oblivion Wing
The mascot of Pokémon Y, the legendary Yveltal, has reclaimed its position in the Master League due to meta shifts.
With high Attack and Stamina stats, Yveltal serves as the ideal switch for any team. It can enter battle, inflict considerable damage, and absorb attacks effectively. With a dual Dark/Flying typing, it is crucial to utilize moves that benefit from STAB.
Sucker Punch is an economical choice that helps build energy for your Charged Moves. Both Dark Pulse and Oblivion Wing require similar energy and yield nearly identical damage output, allowing you to select based on your current target.
These are the best Pokémon to incorporate into your Pokemon Go team. For further insight into the game, check out our guide on the Battle League schedule and rewards, as well as our rankings for the best Mega Evolutions and the cutest or creepiest Pokémon.
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