Pokemon GO Great League Tier List

Our Great League Tier List features your best bets for Pokemon Go’s first Battle League.

Pokemon Go is the hit augmented reality (AR) mobile game that was every PokeFan’s dream come true. Using both a smartphone’s GPS tracker and built-in camera, players could find and catch their very own Pokemon! Despite its shaky release, the developers managed to patch the game’s technical issues. And within a year of its debut, Pokemon Go had over 500 million downloads worldwide.

Following the game’s popularity, the developers released a feature called the GO Battle League. This allowed players to engage in Pokemon battles with other players. And the first of the three Battle League options is the Great League, where only Pokemon with a Combat Power (CP) of 1,500 or lower can participate. Of course, to win in Pokemon Go’s Great League, you’re going to need some top-notch Pokemon. And with our Great League Tier List, you’ll know exactly what to look for.

On to the list!

GREAT LEAGUE TIER LIST

With around 700 different entries in Pokemon Go’s roster, it’s difficult to pinpoint which options are Battle League-ready and which are better off as pets. In this Great League Tier List, we’ll be ranking Pokemon based on six different tiers. Because of the sheer volume of Pokemon available, we’re only going to mention those that fall in tiers S, A, B, and C. If a Pokemon isn’t on the list, that means they fall in D-Tier. S-Tier Pokemon are the most optimal for the Great League, given their skill set and current stats. On the other hand, D-Tier Pokemon have subpar abilities that do little against other Pokemon. Finally, remember that these Pokemon need under 1,500 CP to participate in the Great League!

S-TIER

• Alolan Ninetales
• Altaria
• Azumarill
• Cresselia
• Deoxys (Defense Forme)
• Galarian Stunfisk
• Jellicent
• Registeel
• Shadow Machamp
• Shadow Politoed
• Shadow Swampert
• Skarmory
• Swampert

A-TIER

• Abomasnow
• Bastiodon
• Chansey (XL)
• Chesnaught
• Dewgong
• Drifblim
• Empoleon
• Escavalier
• Ferrothorn
• Froslass
• Hitmontop
• Lanturn
• Lucario
• Machamp
• Magnezone
• Mandibuzz
• Mantine
• Medicham
• Meganium
• Mew
• Nidoqueen
• Pachirisu
• Pelipper
• Pidgeot
• Politoed
• Primeape
• Quagsire
• Rainy Castform
• Regirock
• Sableye
• Scrafty
• Shadow Abomasnow
• Shadow Beedrill
• Shadow Flygon
• Shadow Golbat
• Shadow Magnezone
• Shadow Nidoqueen
• Shadow Raikou
• Shadow Sableye (XL)
• Shadow Skarmory
• Shadow Venasaur
• Shadow Zapdos
• Snowy Castform
• Steelix
• Tropius
• Umbreon
• Venusaur
• Vigoroth
• Whiscash
• Wigglytuff
• Wobbuffet (XL)
• Zapdos
• Zweilous

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B-TIER

• Alolan Grimer
• Alolan Marowak
• Alolan Muk
• Alolan Sandslash
• Alomomola
• Aromatisse
• Articuno
• Beedrill
• Bellossom
• Blastoise
• Blastoise
• Blaziken
• Castform
• Clefable
• Cradily
• Dragalge
• Dragonair
• Dragonite
• Drapion
• Electivire
• Excadrill
• Flygon
• Forretress
• Galvantula
• Gastrodon
• Gengar
• Gligar
• Gliscor
• Golbat
• Goodra
• Granbull
• Hariyama
• Heracross
• Hitmonchan
• Hypno
• Ivysaur
• Jumpluff
• Lapras
• Lickilicky
• Linoone
• Ludicolo
• Lugia
• Machoke
• Marshtomp
• Melmetal
• Munchlax
• Noctowl
• Obstagoon
• Perrserker
• Poliwrath
• Probopass
• Quilladin
• Qwilfish
• Raichu
• Raikou
• Regice
• Roserade
• Sceptile
• Seaking
• Sealeo
• Serperior
• Servine (XL)
• Shadow Bellossom
• Shadow Cradily
• Shadow Dragonair
• Shadow Dragonite
• Shadow Drapion
• Shadow Dusclops
• Shadow Electivire
• Shadow Forretress
• Shadow Gardevoir
• Shadow Gliscor
• Shadow Granbull
• Shadow Grimer
• Shadow Gyarados
• Shadow Hariyama
• Shadow Hitmonchan
• Shadow Ivysaur
• Shadow Jumpluff
• Shadow Lapras
• Shadow Machoke
• Shadow Marshtomp
• Shadow Muk
• Shadow Poliwrath
• Shadow Quagsire
• Shadow Sealeo
• Shadow Shiftry
• Shadow Skuntank
• Shadow Snorlax
• Shadow Tangrowth
• Shiftry
• Sirfetch’d
• Skuntank
• Slurpuff
• Snorlax
• Spritzee (XL)
• Stunfisk
• Suicune
• Sunny Castform
• Sylveon
• Talonflame
• Tangrowth
• Togekiss
• Toxicroak
• Vullaby (XL)
• Whimsicott
• Zangoose
• Zebstrika

C-TIER

• Alolan Golem
• Alolan Graveler
• Alolan Raichu
• Alolan Raticate
• Alolan Sandshrew (XL)
• Ampharos
• Ariados
• Barbaracle
• Bayleef (XL)
• Bibarel
• Bonsly (XL)
• Bouffalant
• Bronzong
• Carnivine
• Carracosta
• Charizard
• Chinchou (XL)
• Conkeldurr
• Crobat
• Croconaw
• Crustle
• Delcatty (XL)
• Drifloon (XL)
• Dugtrio (XL)
• Dusclops (XL)
• Eelektross
• Electabuzz
• Electrode
• Emolga
• Farfetch’d (XL)
• Feraligatr
• Fraxure
• Galarian Farfetch’d
• Galarian Linoone
• Galarian Rapidash
• Gallade
• Gardevoir
• Genesect
• Glalie
• Gloom
• Golduck
• Grimer (XL)
• Grotle
• Grovyle
• Gurdurr
• Gyarados
• Haunter
• Haxorus
• Ho-Oh
• Honchkrow
• Jirachi
• Klang
• Krookodile
• Latios
• Leafeon
• Leavanny
• Ledian (XL)
• Lileep (XL)
• Luxio (XL)
• Luxray
• Machop (XL)
• Magnemite (XL)
• Magneton
• Mantyke (XL)
• Mawile
• Milotic
• Minun
• Mud Shot
• Muk
• Nidorina (XL)
• Nidorino (XL)
• Ninetales
• Palpitoad (XL)
• Pangoro
• Piloswine
• Pinsir
• Poliwhirl (XL)
• Prinplup
• Relicanth
• Scizor
• Scolipede
• Seismitoad
• Seviper
• Shadow Ampharos
• Shadow Articuno
• Shadow Bibarel
• Shadow Charizard
• Shadow Claw, Shadow Punch, Shadow Ball
• Shadow Crobat
• Shadow Electabuzz
• Shadow Gallade
• Shadow Gligar
• Shadow Gloom
• Shadow Golduck
• Shadow Grotle
• Shadow Honchkrow
• Shadow Hypno
• Shadow Magmar
• Shadow Magmortar
• Shadow Magnemite (XL)
• Shadow Magneton
• Shadow Mawile
• Shadow Nidorina (XL)
• Shadow Nidorino (XL)
• Shadow Ninetales
• Shadow Piloswine
• Shadow Pinsir
• Shadow Poliwhirl (XL)
• Shadow Probopass
• Shadow Scizor
• Shadow Suicune
• Shadow Torterra
• Shadow Ursaring
• Shadow Venomoth
• Shadow Victreebel
• Shadow Vileplume
• Shadow Wobbuffet (XL)
• Shelgon
• Spiritomb
• Sudowoodo
• Sunshine Cherrim
• Swalot
• Tentacruel
• Tirtouga (XL)
• Trash Wormadam (XL)
• Typhlosion
• Ursaring
• Uxie
• Vaporeon
• Venomoth
• Vespiquen
• Victini
• Victreebel
• Vileplume
• Wailmer (XL)
• Wailord

D-TIER

All other Pokemon that aren’t on the list.

And that’s a lengthy list! Click next if you want to check the stats, movesets and some tips for all our S- Tier Pokemons!

GREAT LEAGUE TIER LIST: S-TIER STATS & INFO

We list down the most powerful Pokemons on our list, like Alolan, Altaria, and Azumarill. We’ll be giving you each S- Tier character’s stats, movesets, and tips so we can catch em’ all!

ALOLAN NINETAILS

Ninetails is a fox-like Pokemon, and it evolves from Vulpix when exposed to a Fire Stone.  It has a Max CP of 2,309.

MOVESETS

The Charm and Weather Ice Ball is the best combo in the moveset as it deals the highest DPS during PVP battles. You can also use the combo of Charm and Ice Beam for defence.

QUICK 1: Charm
CHARGE: Weather Ice Ball, Psyshock
ATK: A

QUICK 2: Powder Snow
CHARGE: Weather Ice Ball, Psyshock
ATK: A-

WEAKNESS

STEEL: 256%
ROCK: 160%
FIRE: 160%
POISON: 160%

RESISTANT

BUG: 62.5%
ICE: 62.5%
DARK: 62.5%
DRAGON: 39.1%

ALTARIA

Altaria is a blue avian Pokemon, its body and wings are covered with fluffy cloud-like feathers. It’s the evolution of Swablu starting at level 35. Altaria can also turn into Mega Altaria after a Mega evolution using Altarianite. It has a Max CP of 2,004.

MOVESETS

Use the combo of Dragon Breath and Sky Attack to deal the highest total DPS during PVP battles. Peck and Dragon can be used together as a defensive move.

QUICK 1:Dragon Breath
CHARGE: Sky Attack, Dragon Pulse
ATK: A-

QUICK 2: Dragon Breath
CHARGE: Sky Attack, Moonblast
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

ICE: 256%
ROCK: 160%
DRAGON: 160%
FAIRY: 160%

RESISTANT

BUG: 63%
WATER: 63%
FIRE: 63%
GRASS: 39%
GROUND: 39%
FIGHTING: 63%

AZUMARILL

Azumarill is a blue-round Pokemon with rabbit-like ears, it evolves from Marill starting at level 18 and is the final form of Azurill. Its Max CP is 1,795.

MOVESETS

Use Bubble and Play Rough to deal the highest DPS during PVP battles. This combo can also be used defensively.

QUICK 1: Bubble
CHARGE: Hydro Pump, Play Rough
ATK: A

QUICK 2: Bubble
CHARGE: Ice Beam, Hydro Pump
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

GRASS: 160%
ELECTRO: 160%
POISON: 160%

RESISTANCE

BUG: 62.5%
ICE: 62.5%
DARK: 62.5%
DRAGON:39.1%
WATER: 62.5%
FIRE: 62.5%
FIGHT: 62.5%

CRESSELIA

Cresselia is a really powerful Legendary Psychic Pokemon. That most Pokemon Go players eye for. It has a Max Cp of 2,857.

MOVESET

The combo of Confusion and Future Sight is the best combo in the moveset as it deals the highest DPS during PVP battles. For defence, you can use the combo of Confusion and Grass Knot.

QUICK 1: Confusion
CHARGE: Future Sight, Moonblast
ATK: A-

QUICK 2: Psycho Cut
CHARGE: Future Sight, Moonblast
ATK: A

QUICK 3: Confusion
CHARGE: Moonblast, Grass Knot
ATK: B

QUICK 4: Psycho Cut
CHARGE: Grass Knot, Moonblast
ATK: B

WEAKNESS

BUG: 160%
DARK: 160%
GHOST: 160%

RESISTANT

FIGHT: 62.5%
PSYCHIC: 62.5%

DEOXYS (DEFENSE FORM)

Deoxys is a Psychic Mythical bipedal Pokemon, he has an alien-like look. Currently, it has no evolutions on Pokemon GO, though Deoxys has 4 different forms, each focused on different stats: Normal, Attack, Defense, Speed. It has a Max cp of 3,160

MOVESET

Use the combo of Charge Beam and Hyper Beam for defence.

QUICK 1: Counter
CHARGE: Psycho Boost, Rock Slide
ATK: A-

QUICK 2: Counter
CHARGE: Psycho Boost, Thunderbolt
ATK: B

QUICK 3: Counter
CHARGE: Rock Slide, Thunderbolt
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

BUG: 160%
DARK: 160%
GHOST: 160%

RESISTANCE

FIGHT: 62.5%
PSYCHIC: 62.5%

GALARIAN STUNFISK

Stunfisk is a broad, fish-like Pokemon. It has no evolutions in Pokemon Go yet, though it has 2 forms – Normal and Galarian. The normal Stunfisk has a mud-like body with a yellow tail while Galarian has a grayish body with green leaf-like marks near the eyes and lower part of its body. It has a Max CP of 2,162.

MOVESET

Use Metal Claw and Earthquake combo to get the highest possible DPS. This combo can also be used defensively.

QUICK: Mud Shot
CHARGE: Rock Slide, Earthquake
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

FIGHT: 160%
GROUND: 160%
FIRE: 160%
WATER: 160%

RESISTANCE

BUG: 62.5%
DRAGON: 62.5%
FAIRY: 62.5%
ELECTRA: 39.1%
FLYING: 62.5%
NORMAL: 62.5%
POISON: 24.4%
PSYCHIC: 62.5%
ROCK: 39.1%
STEEL: 62.5%

JELLICENT

Jellicent is the evolution of Frillish. It’s a big jellyfish-like Pokemon with 5 tentacles that looks like petals. Its colour depends on its gender, blue for males and pink for a female. Its Max CP is 2,338.

MOVESET

Use Hex and Shadow Ball for maximum damage. You can also use the combo for defence.

QUICK 1: Bubble
CHARGE: Bubble Beam, Shadow Ball
ATK: A

QUICK 2: Hex
CHARGE: Bubble Beam, Shadow Ball
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

DARK: 160%
ELECTRO: 160%
GHOST: 160%
GRASS: 160%

RESISTANCE

BUG: 62.5%
ICE: 62.5%
FIRE: 62.5%
FIGHT: 39.1%
NORMAL: 39.1%
POISON: 62.5%
STEEL: 62.5%
WATER: 62.5%

REGISTEEL

Reisteel is a legendary Steel Pokemon and a member of Legendary Titans. Its body is made of gray-ish steel. He currently has no evolutions. It’s Max CP 2,447.

MOVESET

The Charm and Weather Ice Ball is the best combo in the moveset as it deals the highest DPS during PVP battles. You can also use the combo of Charm and Ice Beam for defence.

QUICK 1: Lock-On
CHARGE: Flash Cannon, Focus Blast
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

FIGHT: 160%
FIRE: 160%
GROUND: 160%

RESISTANCE

BUG: 62.5%
FAIRY: 62.5%
DARK: 62.5%
POISON: 39.1%
DRAGON: 62.5%
STEEL: 62.5%
ROCK: 62.5%
PSYCHIC: 62.5%
NORMAL: 62.5%
ICE: 62.5%
GRASS: 62.5%

SHADOW MACHAMP

Machamp is a humanoid muscle-man Pokemon with 4 arms. Machamps are said to know every martial arts style in the world and can throw up to 500 strong punches per second. It’s the final evolution of Machop and has a Max CP of 3,056.

MOVESET

Counter is one of the best fast moves in the game.

QUICK 1: Counter
CHARGE: Cross Chop, Close Combat
ATK: B

QUICK 2: Counter
CHARGE: Cross Chop, Payback
ATK: B

QUICK 3: Counter
CHARGE: Cross Chop, Rock Slide
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

FAIRY: 160%
FLYING: 160%
PSYCHIC: 160%

RESISTANCE

BUG: 62.5%
ROCK: 62.5%
DARK: 62.5%

SHADOW POLITOED

Shadow Palitoed is from Shadow Poliwag evolution. Its Max Cp is 2,769.

MOVESET

Bubble can be used offensively and defensively in battle.

QUICK 1: Mud Shot
CHARGE: Weather ball Water, Blizzard
ATK: A

QUICK 2: Bubble
CHARGE: Weather ball Water, Earthquake
ATK: B

WEAKNESS

ELECTRO: 160%
GRASS: 160%

RESISTANCE

FIRE: 62.5%
ICE: 62.5%
STEEL: 62.5%
WATER: 39.1%

SHADOW SWAMPERT

Shadow Swampert is the evolution of Shadow Mudkip. Its Max CP is 3,362.

MOVESET

Bubble can be used offensively and defensively in battle.

QUICK 1: Mud Shot
CHARGE: Hydro Cannon, Earthquake
ATK: A

QUICK 2: Mud Shot
CHARGE: Hydro Cannon, Sludge Wave
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

GRASS: 256%

RESISTANCE

ELECTRO: 62.5%
FIRE: 62.5%
POISON: 62.5%
ROCK: 62.5%
STEEL: 62.5%

SKARMORY

Skarmory has no evolution in Pokemon GO. It’s Max CP 2,108.

MOVESET

Air Slash and Sky Attack are good for defence in battle.

QUICK 1: Air Slash
CHARGE: Sky Attack, Brave Bird
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

FIRE: 160%
ELECTRO: 160%

RESISTANCE

BUG: 39.1%
DRAGON: 62.5%
FAIRY: 62.5%
GRASS: 39.1%
FLYING: 62.5%
GROUND: 62.5%
NORMAL: 62.5%
POISON: 39.1%
PSYCHIC: 62.5%
STEEL: 62.5%

SWAMPERT

Swampert is the final evolution of the Mudkip family. Its Max Cp is 2.974.

MOVESET

Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon combo releases the highest DPS. Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon are good for defence.

QUICK 1: Mud Shot
CHARGE: Hydro Cannon, Earthquake
ATK: A

QUICK 2: Mud Shot
CHARGE: Hydro Cannon, Sludge Wave
ATK: A

WEAKNESS

GRASS: 256%

RESISTANCE

ELECTRO: 62.5%
FIRE: 62.5%
POISON: 62.5%
ROCK: 62.5%
STEEL: 62.5%

Now that you already know what Pokemon to choose and how to maximize their skills and movesets, let’s talk about making them stronger through XL candies.

POKEMON GO’S GREAT LEAGUE : XL POKEMON

Now that you know which Pokemon you should be keeping an eye out for, you’re all set! But you might be wondering: “What does the ‘X’ next to some of their names mean?” So, let us explain what XL Candy is.

WHAT ARE XL CANDY?

XL Candy is an in-game resource that allows you to level up your Pokemon. Unlike regular Candy, this item can boost your Pokemon past the level cap. Usually, you would only be able to train your Pokemon to Level 40. However, with XL Candy, you can boost them all the way to 50.

WHERE TO GET XL CANDY?

There are a couple of ways you can farm XL Candy. These are the following:

• Catching Pokemon
• Hatching Pokemon Eggs
• Sending Pokemon to Professor Willow
• Trading with Pokemon Go Friends
• Taking a walk with a Buddy Pokemon

You can also take 100 regular Candies and convert them to a single XL Candy. However, we’d caution players against this as it’s a waste of resources. This is especially the case if you have plenty of other Pokemon under Level 40 who could benefit from the regular Candy.

TIP! If conversion isn’t the best option, what’s the best way to farm XL Candy? Answer: catch Pokemon. For each successful catch, you get a chance of getting one, two, or three XL Candies. So, get out of that chair and start hunting!

MOST COMMONLY SEARCHED QUESTIONS

We know that there are still more questions about Great League, and we want to help you remove some from your list, so we compiled the most commonly asked questions about the game.

Can you get Legendaries from POKEMON Go Battle League?

Trainers who reach rank 20 or higher will encounter the current Legendary Raid Pokémon as Reward Encounters.

How to enter the Pokémon Go Battle League?

The Pokémon Go Battle League has its own icon on the main menu screen, and you just need to click BATTLE, and you’re in!

HOW DO POKEMON TYPES FACTOR IN BUILDING A TEAM?

All Pokémon trainers must know the various Pokémon types and how to use them to their advantage. So for you, we listed down each Pokemon type with its corresponding strength and weaknesses.

CONCLUSION

Pokemon Go is a game loved for both its innovative mechanics and its familiar characters. It’s hard not to fangirl when your favourite Pokemon is inches away from you. And it’s even harder when you win a major league with them. Regardless, we hope our Great League Tier List helped you be the very best on your journey!

Pokemon Go is yet another title added to the franchise’s ever-growing list. It stands alongside other games, like Pokemon Masters as well as the new Sword and Shield. But one thing’s for sure: its unique gameplay style has cemented its popularity. If we’ve piqued your interest, head on to the Pokemon Go website to download the game and access guides for starting players. We guarantee you’ll feel like a real trainer in the colourful world of Pokemon!