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What are the Best Pokemons for PVP Matches in Pokemon Go?

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Jan 06, 2025 • Filed to: Virtual Location Solutions • Proven solutions

We all know how much fun Pokémon GO has been, where we get out and catch Pokémon through battle. However, a much more interesting factor is PvP battles, where you can go head-to-head with other trainers. In this article, we are going to talk about why adding PvP battles is not just something we want but something we really need.

PvP battles are important for making the game more exciting and having some friendly competition. These battles will evaluate your skills and how well you know your Pokémon. We will provide you with some useful tips to win the league with the best PvP Pokémon.

understanding more about pokemon pvp battles

Part 1. What Are the Possible Leagues in Pokémon GO PvP

There are three core leagues in the trainer battles in Pokémon GO, namely Great, Ultra, and Master. Each of these leagues has its own CP limitation and comes in rotation during each season. So, you have to learn to battle in each of them to get seamless rewards. Let's look at each of these leagues individually for a better understanding of the best Pokémon for PvP.

pokemon pvp battles

1. Great League

The Great League is the easiest league to jump into for beginners. Here, only Pokémon with 1,500 CP or less can join the battle. This low CP cap makes Pokémon with lower maximum CP shine, like Azumarill and Altaria. These Pokémon might not stand out in the other leagues, but in the Great League, they can dominate the battlefield.

2. Ultra League

The next league that comes is Ultra League, which raises the CP cap to 2,500. Legendary Pokémon start making appearances here, with a focus on defensive power. Pokémon like Registeel and Cresselia excel in this league, but there are also many other Pokémon that hold their own valuable potential.

In the same way, Venusaur with Frenzy Plant and Swampert with Hydro Cannon are also popular choices in this league.

3. Master League

The Master League removes all CP limits, allowing any Pokémon to jump into the action. Here, Trainers tend to lean towards Pokémon with high maximum CP. Pokémon like Groudon and Origin Forme Giratina are notable here, making them fit for any kind of battle.

Surprisingly, some Pokémon are not commonly picked for Raids, like Dialga and Altered Forme Giratina. However, they are powerful competitors and key contributors to the Master League.

Part 2. What Is the Strongest Pokémon To Use in Each Pokémon GO PvP League?

As you already must know, there are various Pokémon with their own individual CP cap. To battle in a PvP league, you must choose Pokémon that fall under the CP cap of that league. In this section, we will discuss the strongest and best Pokémon for PvP Pokémon GO:

1. Arceus (Fighting)

arceus pokemon go pvp league

Arceus is the strongest one and is known as the God of the Pokémon world. It is a mythical Pokémon that can shift between any type as required for the battle. The most famous moveset of this Pokémon is Shadow Claw and Hyper Beam, which can impact 13.23 damage per second. Arceus possesses a max CP of 4510, which makes it the best Pokémon for PvP in Pokémon GO.

Moreover, Arceus is the only Pokémon that can pause time and has learned all attack moves of judgment. Originally, it was found in the Sinnoh region, so it is boosted in the cloudy weather. The prominent weaknesses of a fighting type Arceus are Psychic-type and Fairy moves.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Fighting Bug, Dark, Rock Fairy, Psychic, Flying

2. Zacian (Hero)

zacian pokemon go pvp league

Zacian (Hero) is a Fairy-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, hailing from the Galar region. It is stronger against most of the attacks but is weak against Poison and Steel-type moves. With a strong max CP of 4329, it gets a boost in cloudy weather. Zacian is a legendary Pokémon that absorbs metal particles and uses them as weapons in battle. It's known as the Fairy King's Sword because it can cut down anything with one strike.

The recommended moves for Zacian (Hero) are Snarl and Play Rough, offering a solid 15.81 damage per second. It's a formidable choice for battles, capable of dealing 570.1 damage before fainting. Keep it in mind for your Pokémon GO team, especially when facing opponents who are weak to Fairy-type moves.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Fairy Dragon, Bug, Dark, Fighting Poison, Steel

3. Shadow Machamp

shadow machamp pokemon go pvp league

Shadow Machamp is also one of the strongest and best Pokémon for PvP in Pokémon GO. It's vulnerable to Fairy, Flying, and Psychic moves, as the recognized type is "Fighting." It can reach a maximum of 3455 CP, which makes it a legendary Pokémon. This Pokémon belongs to the Kanto region and gets a boost in Cloudy weather. It can be threatening because it has access to fast and relevant coverage against a large portion of the meta.

The best moves of Shadow Machamp are Counter and Dynamic Punch, which deliver high damage at 19.36 per second. In natural weather, it can deal 432.5 damage before it faints. Overall, it’s a great choice for any PvP league.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Fighting Bug, Dark, Rock Fairy, Flying, Psychic

4. Lickitung

lickitung pokemon go pvp league

Discovered in the Kanto region, Lickitung is a Normal-type Pokémon found in Pokémon GO. Its weaknesses include fighting-type moves, and it reaches a maximum CP of 1595. The weather that boosts Lickitung is partly cloudy. Shiny Lickitung is also available for those looking to add a special variant to their collection in Pokemon GO.

This is the best Pokémon in Pokémon GO PvP and is known for its unique prey-killing abilities. It can paralyze its prey with a lick from its long tongue and then swallow it whole. In battles, its recommended moveset includes Lick and Hyper Beam, providing a solid 8.00 damage per second. Lickitung can deal 187.4 damage before fainting, making it an interesting choice for your PvP league team.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Normal Ghost Fighting

5. Eternatus

eternatus pokemon go pvp league

Eternatus is a powerful legendary Pokemon with a type of Poison and Dragon. It is believed to be discovered in the Galar region and is the main antagonist in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Vulnerabilities of this Pokémon are Dragon, Ground, Ice, and Psychic-type moves. With an impressive max CP of 5007, it receives a boost in cloudy and windy weather.

The top moves for Eternatus are Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse, delivering a strong 16.69 damage per second in neutral weather. In battles, it can deal a hefty 678.7 damage before fainting. Consider adding Eternatus to your team, especially when facing opponents who are weak to its Poison and Dragon-type moves.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Poison and Dragon Grass, Bug, Electric, Fire, Fighting, Poison, Water Dragon, Ice, Ground, Psychic

6. Steelix

steelix pokemon go pvp league

You can find Steelix as a very strong Steel and Ground-type Pokémon to play within Pokémon GO. Originating from the Johto region, it has vulnerabilities to Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Water-type moves. With a max CP of 2729, Steelix gets a boost in snow and sunny weather. Shiny Steelix is also available, adding a special variant to the collection. Moreover, Steelix can evolve into Mega Steelix using the Steelixite.

The recommended moveset for Steelix includes Iron Tail and Heavy Slam, providing a solid 9.62 damage per second. In battles, it can deal 375.4 damage before fainting in neutral weather. Consider adding Shiny Steelix to your Pokémon GO collection, especially in conditions where it can shine.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Steel and Ground Dragon, Bug, Rock, Fairy, Psychic, Steel, Electric, Flying, Normal, Poison Fighting, Fire, Ground, Water

7. Gligar

gligar pokemon go pvp league

Gligar is a Ground and Flying-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, originally from the Johto region. Gligar is believed to have a max CP of 2099 and gets boosted in sunny and windy weather. Shiny Gligar is also available for enthusiastic collectors.

Gligar uses its clawed hind legs and large pincers to grab onto its prey's face, injecting it with a poisonous barb. In battles, Gligar's recommended moveset includes Fury Cutter and Aerial Ace, delivering a decent 8.67 damage per second. This best PvP Pokemon can deal 213.1 damage before fainting, making it a fine addition to your Pokémon GO team.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Ground and Flying Electric, Bug, Ground, Fighting, Poison Ice, Water

8. Carbink

carbink pokemon go pvp league

Carbink is a Rock and Fairy-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, originating from the Kalos region. It's weak against Steel, Grass, Ground, and Water-type moves and has a max CP of 1658. The weather conditions that boost this Pokémon include partly cloudy and cloudy. This best PvP Pokémon is also known as Jewel Pokémon due to its ability to create diamonds within its body.

In battles, Carbink's recommended moveset consists of Rock Throw and Rock Slide, offering a steady 6.88 damage per second. It can deal 217.7 damage before fainting and can also unleash beams of energy from its gems. While it may not have the highest CP, its distinctive type and moves make it fit for Pokémon GO leagues.

Type Strong Against Weak Against
Rock and Fairy Dragon, Bug, Dark, Fire, Flying, Normal Steel, Grass, Ground, Water

Part 3. Some Helpful Tips and Tricks To Win Pokémon GO PvP League

In this section, we will help you learn some useful tips and tricks that you can perform to win a PvP league. An important one of them is always choosing the best PvP Pokémon, but let's look at some other tips, too.

  1. Make an Organized Team:You must create a well-rounded team that covers various types and vulnerabilities. Also, consider countering the weaknesses of key Pokémon in your team to increase your chances of success.
  2. Assign Roles to Each Pokémon:Once you have made a team, designate a lead Pokémon to set the tempo of the battle. Plus, always keep a safe switch Pokémon for unfavorable situations. A good strategy is to use closer Pokémon for end-game scenarios, ensuring they can withstand attacks and deal significant damage.
  3. Unlock a Second Charged Move:Always try to acquire a second charged move for your Pokémon to gain a strategic advantage. You can use the second move to counter specific threats or bait shields, influencing the outcome of the match.
  4. Master Switching Strategies:You must know when to switch Pokémon based on type advantages and the opponent's likely moves. Also, avoid switching unnecessarily to prevent opponents from capitalizing on type advantages.

Part 4. FAQs About Pokémon GO PvP League

You can utilize the fast moves by tapping on the screen for a quick attack. It will slowly fill up a specialized charge move. Players can take advantage of this supercharge move, increasing the effect by rapid tapping.
Ditto and Shedinja are unavailable during the PvP battles. As we know, Ditto has low CP and no evolution chances, so it is not usable in battles. Alternatively, Shedinja is banned during the battles because it is too overpowered.
During the battle, the first player to defeat all three Pokémons will be declared the winner. After the match ends, you get the chance to play a rematch. In case the time runs out, the winner will be the one with the most KO's.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PvP battles are of great importance to enjoying the true perks of Pokemon GO. For this purpose, we have introduced you to some of the strongest and most useful Pokemons that exist. Now, it is up to you to choose the best Pokemon for PvP Pokemon GO if you aim to enjoy the lead in the game. 
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