Pokémon GO has several battle competitions players can compete in with their partners: Defending and attacking gyms, taking down a powerful foe in a raid, and online competitions. While the core mechanics are still the same, the online PVP has some different rules.
While most fights have no limit for the combat power of the player’s team, online battles are divided into leagues which sets a maximum level cap on the Pokémon that are allowed to enter (2500 is the maximum in this case). Another difference is that, unlike the gyms which show which Pokémon are guarding it, there is no way to know what foes the player will encounter. To prepare for battles in the Ultra League, here are the best Pokémon players should consider bringing on their team of 3.
Winning in Pokémon GO’s Ultra League
As mentioned, there’s no way to know what Pokémon your opponent will have when the battle begins. To compensate, players will need to select allies that have many resistances. That way, they’ll be able to take hits from as many different types of attacks as possible. Listed below are some Pokémon with type combinations that not only have few weaknesses but have great strength of their own to utilize in combat.
- Swampert – Starting off we have Swampert, the final evolution of Hoenn’s Water starter. With high Attack and Stamina, it can dish out damage with Earthquake and survive a long time. Additionally, Grass-type moves are their only weakness, which makes them a safe lead to start the battle with.
- Escavalier – Karrablast’s armored evolution, this dual Bug and Steel-type is only brought down by Fire attacks. Scizor, another Pokémon of the same type combination, is a solid alternative thanks to its similar stat line, but Escavalier’s Megahorn attack deals way more damage than anything the former can use.
- Alolan Muk – A variant of Muk that debuted in the Sun and Moon games, they also have Dark typing on top of their original Poison type. As a result, they're only weak to Ground-type moves. Not only is it a durable ally, but their Dark Pulse move is the strongest move of its type in the game.
- Steelix – While Steelix has 4 weaknesses, it has more than twice as many resistances, which allows it to be a solid contender in the Ultra League. Though its stats lean towards defense more than offense, Steelix can still put a dent in opponents with Earthquake and Heavy Slam.
- Snorlax – As with most Normal types, Snorlax is only weak to Fighting moves. Thankfully, they can easily counter Pokémon of that type with Zen Headbutt, a Psychic move. Their charged moves, including Hyper Beam and Skull Bash among others, also deal significant damage. There are other Normal types, like Slaking, that can serve well, but Snorlax has more consistent damage output.
Players should also choose teammates that complement their defensive pick by covering their weaknesses, such as bringing a Water-type to douse the flames of Fire Pokémon that threaten Escavalier. Further, types that cover the most ground will take players far in the Ultra League. For instance, Fighting-types are super-effective against Rock, Steel, Dark, Ice, and are the only weakness of Normal types. So, bringing an ally with a Fighting move will give them higher chances of dealing super-effective damage. Below are some of the best counter picks and versatile damage dealers in the Ultra League:
- Roserade – One of the fastest Grass attackers in the game, this thorny rose can also use Poison moves. However, it’s best used for taking down Swampert using it’s Razor Leaf and Solar Beam.
- Charizard – The most iconic starter evolution from the first games, Charizard’s Fire attacks can help melt down durable Steel types. Further, Charizard has access to mega evolution and can use it to improve its damage output tremendously.
- Togekiss – This Sinnoh evolution for the Togepi line has fantastic type coverage, having access to Fairy, Flying, Rock, and even Fire-type moves. It can counter a lot of different foes, so don’t misjudge its innocent demeanor.
- Poliwrath – A solid Water and Fighting-type that can learn Ice Punch to take down Grass and Flying types, which it can have trouble with. That said, it’s main draw is Dynamic Punch, a fighting type move it can use to topple many different foes. It’s first evolution, Poliwag, is relatively common, which makes Poliwrath easier to get.
- Scrafty – Another Fighting-type, this time with great bulk and access to Dark moves. Scrafty are particularly effective against the Ghost legendary Giratina, which is popular in the Ultra League.
Pokémon GO is available on iOS and Android.