Top 5 Pokémon to Power Up First in Pokémon GO

1. Dragonite

Dragonite, a dual-type Dragon/Flying Pokémon, remains one of the most valuable assets in Pokémon GO. Known for its high base stats, Dragonite boasts an exceptional CP ceiling, making it a force in both Raids and Gyms.

Base Stats: Dragonite has a base CP of 3,781, with the highest Attack stat at 263 and significant bulk with a Defense of 198 and a Stamina of 252.
Moveset: Utilizing moves like Dragon Breath or Dragon Tail for fast attacks and Outrage or Hurricane for charged moves offers tremendous versatility. Dragon Breath can deal significant damage and charge energy quickly, making it ideal for fast-paced battles.
Utility: As a flexible option, Dragonite can serve as a counter to various Pokémon with its Dragon-type moves, particularly against popular threats like Rayquaza and Garchomp. Its versatility, combined with a significant resistance to Bug and Grass-type Pokémon, makes it an essential choice for trainers.

2. Machamp

With its Fighting-type prowess, Machamp stands out as one of the premier Pokémon for countering many Raid Bosses and Gym defenders, particularly those weak to Fighting-type moves.

Base Stats: Machamp sports a CP ceiling of 2,500 with strong stats – 234 in Attack, 160 in Defense, and 207 in Stamina, which makes it formidable in most combat scenarios.
Moveset: Opt for Counter as a fast move and Dynamic Punch or Cross Chop for charged moves; this not only maximizes damage output but also provides an efficient energy gain due to Counter’s impressive performance.
Utility: Machamp’s ability to counter Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark Pokémon makes it a valuable option during raids and Gym battles. Its effectiveness against Raid Bosses like Tyranitar and Mewtwo makes it a priority for trainers investing in strong attackers.

3. Garchomp

Garchomp, a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, is not only a popular choice for trainers but also boasts excellent versatility, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Base Stats: With a CP potential of 3,600 and solid stats—dragon-type strength with an Attack of 277, Defense of 215, and Stamina of 251—Garchomp can excel in a multitude of roles.
Moveset: Fast moves like Mud Shot or Dragon Tail combined with charged moves like Earthquake or Sand Tomb create a superior setup that can deal considerable damage while balancing energy management effectively.
Utility: Garchomp’s dual typing grants it resistance to Electric-type moves and various immunities. This strength is particularly useful against Pokémon like Zapdos and Moltres. Its Ground typing offers an edge against formidable foes like Charizard and Talonflame. The combination of high-throughput damage and bulk significantly enhances its role in both raids and PvP.

4. Rayquaza

As a Legendary Pokémon, Rayquaza holds a magnificent position in the Pokémon GO ecosystem, making it essential for trainers looking to maximize their combat capabilities.

Base Stats: With an imposing CP of 4,096, Rayquaza’s stats of 284 in Attack, 192 in Defense, and 213 in Stamina ensure it is one of the highest damage dealers available.
Moveset: Fast moves such as Air Slash or Dragon Tail combined with charged attacks like Outrage or Hurricane provide Rayquaza with considerable adaptability in any battle situation.
Utility: Its resistance to Fighting and Grass-type moves not only enhances its effectiveness in battles but also allows it to cover several weaknesses found in other Pokémon. Rayquaza is a prime choice against opponents like Venusaur and Snorlax, making it indispensable in high-tier PvP battles.

5. Snorlax

Snorlax is a staple in Pokémon GO due to its extraordinary bulk and reliability across game modes, particularly in Gym battles and PvP.

Base Stats: With a massive CP of 3,580 and substantial stats, including a Defense of 110 and a Stamina of 520, it provides remarkable durability. Its Attack stat of 190, while lower than some options, is offset by its resilience.
Moveset: Utilizing moves like Lick for a fast attack paired with Body Slam or Hyper Beam for charged moves creates a balanced offense and defense strategy. Lick while being a Ghost-type move, allows Snorlax to hit any Psychic types for considerable damage.
Utility: The bulkiness of Snorlax makes it an excellent wall in Gyms and key battles, especially during Pokémon GO battles where outlasting opponents is crucial. The variety of types against which it can hold its ground, such as Fighting and Psychic Pokémon, makes Snorlax invaluable both as a defender and as an attacking option.

Final Thoughts on Powering Up

Investing in these five Pokémon provides you with a robust lineup that covers multiple weaknesses and excels in various combat formats. From raids to Player vs. Player battles, powering up Dragonite, Machamp, Garchomp, Rayquaza, and Snorlax will give you a significant edge in competitive play. Prioritizing these Pokémon ensures that you are equipped with formidable options for any challenge Pokémon GO presents, allowing for strategic depth and versatility in your gameplay approach.