BEST Pokémon to POWER-UP in Pokémon GO! (2024)

In this guide we will cover the best Pokémon to power up for raid attacking types in Pokémon Go. The guide includes a rating system for each type's usefulness, along with the best options for budget-conscious players. Additionally, the guide covers the essential PVP Pokémon for the Great League, Ultra League, and Master League.

Starting with the Steel type, we recommend Mega Scizor and Mega Aggron as the best Megas for the Steel type category. For budget options, the author suggests Excadrill, (Shadow) Machamp, and (Shadow) Aggron. The article also provides information on future Pokémon to look out for in this category, including Mega Metagross and Mega Lucario, as well as both Zacian and Zamazenta present in their Crown forms.

Best Pokémon for Raids

Steel Type Pokémon (SCORE 4/5)

Steel type Pokémon are a great choice for raids due to their ability to hit a variety of types, including the increasingly common fairy type. They are also known for their strong defense, which allows them to survive longer in raids. The best Megas for the Steel type are Mega Scizor and Mega Aggron, followed by Shadow Metagross, Shadow Excadrill, regular Scizor, regular Metagross, Dialga in the altered form, Dialga in the origin form, Excadrill, and Genesect. In terms of budget options, Excadrill, Machamp, Scizor, and Aggron are all solid choices.

Bug Type Pokémon (SCORE 2/5)

Bug type Pokémon are not as useful in raids, with a usefulness rating of only 2 out of 5. However, they can still be effective against certain raid bosses. The best Megas for the Bug type are Mega Beedrill and Mega Pinsir, followed by Shadow Pinsir, Shadow Scizor, Shadow Scyther, Volcarona, Vikavolt, and Genesect. Budget options include Mega Beedrill, Vikavolt, Pinsir, Scizor, Escavalier, and Accelgor.

Dark Type Pokémon (SCORE 4/5)

Dark type Pokémon are highly useful in raids due to their ability to do super effective damage against a wide range of types. Mega Tyranitar is the best Mega for the Dark type, followed by Mega Absol and Mega Houndoom. Other strong options include Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Weavile, Shadow Houndoom, Dragon Tyranitar, and Darkrai. Budget options include Weavile, Sneasel, Hydreigon, Honchkrow, and Absol.

Dragon Type Pokémon (SCORE 4/5)

Dragon type Pokémon are known for their high damage output, making them a popular choice for raids. Mega Rayquaza is the top choice for the Dragon type, followed by Mega Garchomp and Mega Salamence. Other strong options include Shadow Salamence, Shadow Garchomp, Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Latios, Rayquaza, regular Salamence, Palkia in the altered form, Palkia in the origin form with Spatial Rend, Dialga in the altered form, Dialga in the origin form with Roar of Time, and Zekrom. Future Pokémon to look out for in this category include Black and White Kyurem, Shadow Rayquaza, Eternatus, Dragapult, and Kadon and Maridon. Budget options include Dragonite, Salamence, and Mega Charizard X.

Electric Type Pokémon (SCORE 4/5)

Electric type Pokémon are highly useful in raids due to their ability to hit flying types, which are common among legendary raid bosses. Mega Manectric and Mega Ampharos are the best Megas for the Electric type. Other strong options include Shadow Raichu, Shadow Electivire, Shadow Zaptos, Shadow Magneton, Zekrom with Fusion Bolt, Thundurus, and regular Electivire and Raichu. Budget options include Zebstrika, Electabuzz, and Jolteon.

Powering Up Pokémon in Pokémon GO: Timing is Everything

Understanding Power-Ups

Powering up your Pokémon increases its CP (Combat Power) and HP (Health Points), enhancing its performance in battles. However, Stardust and Candy, the resources needed for power-ups, are precious and often hard to come by. Hence, strategic power-ups are essential.

The Right Time to Power Up

1. After Reaching Trainer Level 30: Once you hit level 30, the Pokémon you encounter in the wild can be caught at their maximum level (level 35 with weather boost). Powering up before this can be less efficient, as you might catch a naturally higher-level Pokémon later.
2. For Raid Battles: If you're targeting specific raids, powering up Pokémon with a type advantage or those that fill a gap in your team is wise. Focus on Pokémon that offer the best performance against current raid bosses.
3. For PvP Battles: In the realm of PvP, particularly in the Great and Ultra Leagues, CP limits make it crucial to power up the right Pokémon to just below the CP cap, optimizing their stats for competitive battles.
4. When You Have a Perfect IV Pokémon: Pokémon with perfect Individual Values (IVs) are rare and have the potential to reach the highest possible CP for their species. Powering up these Pokémon is usually a good investment for any aspect of the game.
5. To Reach Specific Breakpoints: In Pokémon GO, breakpoints are specific levels where your Pokémon’s attack causes more damage to a specific opponent in raids or battles. Powering up to hit these breakpoints can turn the tide in close fights.
6. Maximizing Gym Defenders: For those who prioritize gym defense, powering up top defenders like Blissey, Snorlax, or Chansey can make your gym more resilient against attackers, securing your spot and earning more coins.

When to Hold Back

• Waiting for Community Days or Special Events: Certain Pokémon may get exclusive moves during these events, making them significantly stronger. It's often worth waiting if you suspect an upcoming event could benefit your Pokémon.
• Conserving Resources for Meta-Relevant Pokémon: The meta, or most effective tactics available, in Pokémon GO can shift with game updates. Saving resources for Pokémon that are consistently strong in the current meta is prudent.

Essential PVP Pokémon

Great League

In the Great League, which has a maximum CP limit of 1500, there are a few Pokémon that stand out as essential for PVP battles. One of the top picks is Azumarill, a Water/Fairy type that boasts high HP and strong defensive capabilities. Another great choice is Altaria, a Dragon/Flying type that can resist many common attacks and deal solid damage with its Dragon Breath move. For those looking for a budget option, Whiscash, a Water/Ground type, can hold its own in battles and can be obtained fairly easily.

Ultra League

In the Ultra League, which has a maximum CP limit of 2500, there are a few different Pokémon that are essential for PVP battles. One of the top picks is Giratina (Altered Form), a Ghost/Dragon type that can deal heavy damage with its Shadow Claw move and has high defensive stats. Another great choice is Togekiss, a Fairy/Flying type that can resist many common attacks and deal solid damage with its Charm move. For those on a budget, Alolan Muk, a Dark/Poison type, can be a strong option with its high defense and access to the moves Snarl and Gunk Shot.

Master League

In the Master League, which has no CP limit, there are a few Pokémon that stand out as essential for PVP battles. One of the top picks is Dialga, a Steel/Dragon type that can deal heavy damage with its Dragon Breath move and has high defensive stats. Another great choice is Kyogre, a Water type that can deal massive damage with its Waterfall move and has high HP. For those looking for a budget option, Machamp, a Fighting type, can be a strong choice with its access to the moves Dynamic Punch and Cross Chop.

Overall, these essential PVP Pokémon can help trainers achieve success in battles across all three leagues. By choosing the right Pokémon and movesets, trainers can increase their chances of winning and climbing the ranks in PVP battles.