Ranking the Most Powerful Pokémon in Pokémon GO: A 2023 Review
1. Mega Rayquaza
Mega Rayquaza is considered the titan of Pokémon GO for its unparalleled stats and moveset versatility. With an attack stat soaring around 180, it has proven its efficacy in both raids and PvP battles. Its access to powerful moves like Dragon Ascent and Hurricane gives it a formidable presence against a range of opponents. The lack of the Mega Energy requirement for its transformations further bolsters its usability, making it a top choice for trainers looking to dominate.
2. Origin Forme Giratina
Origin Forme Giratina offers a dual Psychic/Ghost typing, allowing it to counter a wide array of threats and access to moves like Shadow Ball and Draco Meteor. With a bulk that exceeds many other Pokémon along with CP limits reaching upwards of 4,000, Giratina stands as a wall in Ultra League, capable of absorbing heavy hits while delivering punishing counterattacks. Its unique typing makes it a formidable opponent against Fighting and Normal Pokémon.
3. Primal Groudon
Primal Groudon is another powerhouse with an excellent combination of offense and defense. Featuring a typing of Ground/Fire, it boasts an impressive attack stat along with moves such as Precipice Blades and Solar Beam. Its ability to alter weather conditions with Primal Reversion provides a strategic edge in battles, allowing trainers to capitalize on the Sun, boosting Fire-type moves while weakening Water-type moves aimed at it.
4. Mega Gardevoir
With a base attack exceeding 300 after Mega Evolution, Mega Gardevoir shines in its ability to dominate in PvP thanks to its Fairy/Psychic typing. It is exceptionally strong against Dragon and Fighting types, and the dual benefits of being offensively and defensively viable make it a versatile asset. Moves like Charm and Psychic offer great synergy, allowing it to hit hard from both ends while still being able to withstand incoming attacks.
5. Metagross
Metagross remains consistently among the top choices in both Great and Ultra League due to its Steel/Psychic typing, granting it valuable resistances. Its incredible stat distribution and access to moves like Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch ensure that it can maintain pressure on many common threats. With an average attack of over 250 and an impressive bulk, Metagross is a staple in competitive play.
6. Mewtwo
Mewtwo is an all-time favorite, continually ranking high due to its incredible base stats and diverse movepool. Psychic-type bonuses give it an edge against Fighting and Poison types. Its access to STAB moves like Psystrike and Shadow Ball allows it to adapt to various battle scenarios. Even without its Mega Evolutions, Mewtwo’s versatility keeps it relevant in multiple formats.
7. Zekrom
As a Dragon/Electric-type Pokémon, Zekrom stands out for its unique typing, which provides valuable resistances. With a massive attack stat near 300, Zekrom benefits from moves such as Bolt Strike and Outrage. Its dual type makes it a solid counter to Flying, Water, and Electric Pokémon, and it performs admirably in both raids and PvP battles.
8. Kyogre
Kyogre has long been regarded as one of the best Water-types in Pokémon GO, excelling in both raid participation and PvP. Its powerful Water type moves coupled with an impressive bulk make it a reliable choice. Techniques such as Surf and Hydro Pump enable it to dish out considerable damage, with its ability to set rain enhancing Water-type performance across the board.
9. Dialga
Dialga remains a top pick in Master League due to its Dragon/Steel typing, giving it solid offense and defense. Its unique ability allows it to soak up hits while countering Fairy types with Iron Head or Dragon types with Draco Meteor. With stats that favor both offense and durability, it is a mainstay in high-level competitions.
10. Salamence
Salamence is a fan-favorite that has proven its worth in numerous battle formats. Boasting formidable stats, particularly in attack, it is a force to reckon with. Moreover, it can use moves like Dragon Claw and Outrage to deal significant damage. Salamence’s impressive stat distribution allows trainers to utilize it in both raid settings and PvP battles effectively.
11. Excadrill
Excadrill’s Ground/Steel typing allows it to hit various foes hard while enjoying resistance to many common moves. With favorable access to moves like Mud Shot and Drill Run, it can chip away at opponents’ health quickly. Although it’s a bit fragile, the damage output often compensates for its susceptibility, making it an excellent pick for raids.
12. Togekiss
Togekiss is an exceptional Fairy/Flying-type Pokémon known for its high bulk and charming moveset. Accessing moves like Charm and Dazzling Gleam allows Togekiss to excel in taking down Fighting and Dragon types. Its relaxed workshop allows it to endure longer bouts while wearing down opponents with consistent damage output.
13. Tapu Lele
Tapu Lele brings a unique ability to the battlefield with its Psychic/Fairy typing. Its attack stat around 250 combined with moves such as Confusion and Moonblast gives it potential against various threats. Additionally, its ability to influence terrain with Psychic Terrain protects it from priority moves and adds strategic depth to battles.
14. Landorus (Incarnate Forme)
Landorus is a Legendary Pokémon that has proven impactful in the GO meta thanks to its dual Ground/Flying typing. With a solid offensive presence and access to moves like Earthquake and Stone Edge, it can counter Steel and Electric opponents effectively. It’s a reliable choice for both raids and League battles, especially when paired with weather benefits.
15. Snorlax
Snorlax, while not reaching the highest attack tiers of other Pokémon, notches a spot in our rankings due to its immense bulk and strategic utility. With moves like Body Slam and Hyper Beam, it can deal significant damage while remaining a tanky option in combat. Treasured for its defensive prowess, Snorlax can weather many assaults in both Great and Ultra League.
16. Cresselia
Cresselia embodies defensive excellence with its Psychic typing and immense bulk, serving as a stalwart option in ultra-tank roles. With moves like Moonblast and Future Sight, it can respond effectively to Dragon types and Fighting threats alike, giving it a strategic edge in battles where endurance is key.
17. Scizor
Scizor, leveraging its Bug/Steel typing, serves as a counter to Fairy and Psychic types. It shines in PvP thanks to its access to moves like Bullet Punch and X-Scissor, granting it swift damage output. While its resistances make it an excellent defensive option, Scizor is equally adept in the attack department, allowing for a balanced approach in challenging matchups.
18. Dragonite
Dragonite holds a classic appeal and remains a steadfast choice for trainers. With its Dragon/Flying typing, it has access to moves like Dragon Breath and Hurricane, allowing it to deal with various threats effectively. Its versatility also lets it perform reliably in both raids and PvP scenarios, making it a perennial favorite despite the emergence of newer Pokémon.
19. Garchomp
With its Ground/Dragon typing and high offensive stats, Garchomp provides a powerful presence on the battlefield. Its access to moves like Mud Shot, Outrage, and Earthquake makes it dangerous to many types, including Steel and Fire. Garchomp is a versatile option in both raids and competitive leagues, where it can exploit various weaknesses effectively.
20. Gardevoir
The standard Gardevoir remains a strong choice with its Psychic/Fairy typing, which positions it well against Fighting and Dragon types. With a robust moveset featuring moves like Future Sight and Dazzling Gleam, Gardevoir maintains its relevance in various meta situations. Its consistent damage and versatility ensure it is a threat in the right conditions.
Trainers looking to optimize their teams in Pokémon GO must consider both the unique strengths and tactical advantages of their Pokémon. The landscape of competitive play evolves alongside game updates, and strategic use of powerful Pokémon is essential to achieving success in various battle formats. By focusing on effective movesets and adaptability, trainers can maximize their chances of victory in Pokémon GO’s vibrant competitive ecosystem.
