Pokémon Go best Pokémon, from best attackers to best defenders and best Pokémon by type

The Best Pokémon in Pokémon Go by Type

As of the end of December 2023, Pokémon Go has expanded its Pokédex to nearly 840 Pokémon. With so many choices, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when determining which Pokémon are the best in the game. While all Pokémon are theoretically equal, some truly stand out for their capabilities.

Some of the clear top contenders include legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo, whose different variants further complicate comparisons. The introduction of alternate forms, such as Alolan and Galarian variants, adds additional layers to consider. It’s important to recognize that different Pokémon excel in different aspects of the game, be it attacking or defending gyms or winning PvP matches.

To assist you in identifying the strongest Pokémon for your specific needs, here’s a breakdown of the best Pokémon by type, including their optimal moves:

Best Pokémon by Type

Here’s a quick reference for the strongest Pokémon in each type, focusing on their best moves:

Normal

Top Pokémon: Regigigas, Blissey, Snorlax

Best Uses: Attacking, Defending

Best Fast Move: Hidden Power, Pound, Lick

Best Charged Move: Giga Impact, Dazzling Gleam, Body Slam

Fighting

Top Pokémon: Terrakion, Keldeo, Lucario

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Double Kick, Low Kick, Counter

Best Charged Move: Sacred Sword

Flying

Top Pokémon: Moltres, Rayquaza, Braviary

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Wing Attack, Air Slash

Best Charged Move: Sky Attack, Dragon Ascent

Poison

Top Pokémon: Nihilego, Roserade, Overqwil

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Poison Jab

Best Charged Move: Sludge Bomb

Ground

Top Pokémon: Landorus (Therian), Groudon, Rhyperior

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Mud Shot

Best Charged Move: Earthquake

Rock

Top Pokémon: Rhyperior, Rampardos, Terrakion

Best Uses: Both Attacking and Defending

Best Fast Move: Smack Down

Best Charged Move: Rock Wrecker

Bug

Top Pokémon: Pheromosa, Volcarona, Genesect

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Bug Bite

Best Charged Move: Bug Buzz

Ghost

Top Pokémon: Giratina (Origin), Chandelure, Hoopa (Confined)

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Shadow Claw

Best Charged Move: Shadow Ball

Steel

Top Pokémon: Metagross, Dialga, Zacian

Best Uses: Both Attacking and Defending

Best Fast Move: Bullet Punch

Best Charged Move: Meteor Mash

Fire

Top Pokémon: Reshiram, Heatran, Volcarona

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Fire Fang

Best Charged Move: Fusion Flare

Water

Top Pokémon: Kyogre, Swampert, Milotic

Best Uses: Attacking, Defender

Best Fast Move: Waterfall

Best Charged Move: Origin Pulse

Grass

Top Pokémon: Zarude, Kartana, Chesnaught

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Vine Whip

Best Charged Move: Power Whip

Electric

Top Pokémon: Zekrom, Xurkitree, Thunderus (Therian)

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Charge Beam

Best Charged Move: Fusion Bolt

Psychic

Top Pokémon: Mewtwo, Hoopa (Unbound), Lunala

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Confusion

Best Charged Move: Psystrike

Ice

Top Pokémon: Kyurem, Baxcalibur, Mamoswine

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Ice Fang

Best Charged Move: Avalanche

Dragon

Top Pokémon: Rayquaza, Salamence, Palkia

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Dragon Tail

Best Charged Move: Outrage

Dark

Top Pokémon: Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Hoopa Unbound

Best Uses: Attacking

Best Fast Move: Bite

Best Charged Move: Brutal Swing

Fairy

Top Pokémon: Togekiss, Gardevoir, Sylveon

Best Uses: Defending

Best Fast Move: Charm

Best Charged Move: Dazzling Gleam

Best Attackers in Pokémon Go

The following tier list of the best attackers takes into account various factors beyond just raw damage output. This includes gameplay experience and the current metagame climate, which can greatly influence a Pokémon’s effectiveness.

As of December 2023, here are the top attackers:

Top Attackers

1. Mewtwo

Quick Move: Confusion

Charged Move: Psystrike or Shadow Ball

Best vs.: Most types except Dark and Steel

Mewtwo remains a formidable all-rounder thanks to its excellent Attack and bulk, making it versatile in various scenarios.

2. Kartana

Quick Move: Razor Leaf

Charged Move: Leaf Blade

Best vs.: Water, Ground, and Rock

This Pokémon excels at taking down raid bosses weak to Grass-type attacks due to its high stats and effective moveset.

3. Reshiram

Quick Move: Fire Fang

Charged Move: Fusion Flare

Best vs.: Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel

With its new signature move, Reshiram ranks as the best non-Shadow Fire-type attacker.

4. Terrakion

Quick Move: Double Kick

Charged Move: Sacred Sword

Best vs.: Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, and Steel

After a significant stat boost in 2022, Terrakion has become a top choice for many trainers.

5. Rayquaza

Quick Move: Dragon Tail

Charged Move: Outrage

Best vs.: Dragon-types

Rayquaza boasts an exceptional combination of moves and stats, making it one of the top dragons.

6. Xurkitree

Quick Move: Thunder Shock

Charged Move: Discharge

Best vs.: Water and Flying

This Pokémon is one of the best Electric-type attackers and can become even stronger with the right moveset.

7. Chandelure

Quick Move: Fire Spin

Charged Move: Shadow Ball

Best vs.: Many types

The best Ghost-type attacker so far, Chandelure is effective and relatively easy to obtain.

8. Rampardos

Quick Move: Smack Down

Charged Move: Rock Slide

Best vs.: Fire, Flying, Bug, and Ice-types

Rampardos is particularly effective against common raid targets.

9. Metagross

Quick Move: Bullet Punch

Charged Move: Meteor Mash

Best vs.: Many types

Metagross has remained a top attacker since its introduction due to its strong stats and versatile moves.

10. Conkeldurr

Quick Move: Counter

Charged Move: Dynamic Punch

Best vs.: Dark, Ice, Normal, Rock, and Steel-types

Conkeldurr is a budget-friendly attacker, but its performance is closely matched by other options.

Honourable Mention

Deoxys is a powerful attacker but is difficult to obtain consistently, making it less viable in most cases.

Best Defenders in Pokémon Go

This tier list for the best defenders combines statistical analysis with practical experience in managing gym defenses.

Top Defenders

1. Blissey

Quick Move: Zen Headbutt

Charged Move: Dazzling Gleam

Best vs.: Many types

Blissey continues to dominate as a gym defender, combining high bulk with effective moves.

2. Togekiss

Quick Move: Charm

Charged Move: Dazzling Gleam

Best vs.: Many types

Togekiss excels in gym defense due to its strong Fairy-type moves and resilience.

3. Metagross

Quick Move: Zen Headbutt

Charged Move: Meteor Mash

Best vs.: Machamp

This Pokémon is a solid counter to popular attackers, making it a valuable defender.

4. Snorlax

Quick Move: Zen Headbutt

Charged Move: Hyper Beam

Best vs.: Many types

Snorlax serves as a robust option, providing a strong alternative to Blissey.

5. Drifblim

Quick Move: Hex

Charged Move: Shadow Ball

Best vs.: Many, including Machamp

Drifblim’s high defense and Ghost-typing make it a surprising and effective choice.

6. Goodra

Quick Move: Dragon Breath

Charged Move: Draco Meteor

Best vs.: Many types

Goodra’s bulk and surprising moveset allow it to hold its ground in gyms.

7. Dragonite

Quick Move: Dragon Tail

Charged Move: Outrage

Best vs.: Many types, including Machamp

Dragonite’s typing provides it with crucial resistances, making it a strong defender.

8. Milotic

Quick Move: Waterfall

Charged Move: Hyper Beam

Best vs.: Most types except Grass and Electric

Milotic’s high defense makes it a staple in many gym line-ups.

9. Garchomp

Quick Move: Mud Shot

Charged Move: Earthquake

Best vs.: Electric-types

Garchomp fills a crucial role in defending against Electric threats.

10. Gyarados

Quick Move: Waterfall

Charged Move: Outrage

Best vs.: Rock, Ground, or Fire-types

Gyarados is a versatile defender against many common attackers.

Honourable Mention

Slaking, while not the strongest defender, can still be used strategically due to its high CP.