Engaging in competitive battles is one of the most complex yet gratifying aspects of Pokémon GO. This is especially true when it comes to forming top-tier teams for the Master League and the Holiday Cup: Little Edition. This two-part PvP event allows Trainers to showcase their skills and determine who reigns supreme. Whether you’re striving to create the strongest lineup in the game or being a tactical player who thrives under specific limitations, this is your arena.
The Master League imposes no restrictions on combat power (CP), whereas the Holiday Cup: Little Edition has specific rules: Pokémon must be capped at 500 CP and can only be from selected types: Normal, Grass, Electric, Ice, Flying, and Ghost. Consequently, don’t expect to use the same squad that helped you vanquish Rocket boss Giovanni or any of the featured Raid bosses in Pokémon GO this month. However, the right combination of Pokémon can easily lead you to assemble an impressive team.
Top Pokémon Teams for the Master League & Holiday Cup: Little Edition
Master League
The ultimate Master League team in Pokémon GO consists of Zygarde (Complete Forme), Florges, and Landorus (Therian). These three Pokémon provide comprehensive coverage, making them a formidable force against various opponents currently seen in the Master League. Below, you’ll find crucial details about each member along with their optimal movesets:
|
Master League Team Member |
Type |
Weaknesses |
Resistances |
Fast Move |
Charge Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zygarde (Complete Forme) |
|
Dragon Tail |
Outrage |
||
|
Florges |
Fairy Wind |
Moonblast |
|||
|
Landorus (Therian) |
|
Mud Shot |
Earthquake |
Each member of this trio compensates for the weaknesses of the others. For instance, Zygarde is exceptionally tanky, boasting high stamina, although it lacks explosive damage. Conversely, Therian Landorus acts more like a glass cannon with a high attack stat, capable of putting pressure on opponents. Florges serves as an all-around balanced Pokémon with sufficient bulk to thwart formidable foes like Yveltal, Dragonite, and enemy Zygarde.
Holiday Cup: Little Edition
For the Holiday Cup: Little Edition, the optimal team comprises Amaura, Smeargle, and Alolan Marowak. Similar to the Master League, this configuration offers excellent coverage in terms of stats, resistances, and targeting vulnerabilities. Here is the essential information for each team member, including their movesets:
|
Holiday Cup: Little Edition Team Member |
Type |
Weaknesses |
Resistances |
Fast Move |
Charge Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amaura |
|
Powder Snow |
Weather Ball (Ice) |
||
|
Smeargle |
Lock On |
Flying Press |
|||
|
Alolan Marowak |
|
|
Hex |
Fire Blast |
Alolan Marowak is particularly effective against prominent Ghost-, Ice-, and Grass-types competing in the cup. Smeargle with Flying Press is useful for targeting Steel-, Ice-, and many neutral-type Pokémon, owing to its speedy energy generation with Lock On. On the other hand, Amaura excels at countering Flying-types like Talonflame, along with Grass-types.
Best Alternative Teams for the Master League & Holiday Cup: Little Edition
Master League
Given some of these top-tier Pokémon are quite rare, especially in the Master League, it’s understandable that not every Trainer will have access to them. This is particularly true for casual players. Below are some solid alternatives you might consider utilizing to fill any gaps or build an alternate team:
|
Master League Team Member |
Type |
Weaknesses |
Resistances |
Fast Move |
Charge Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Palkia (Origin) |
Dragon Tail |
Spacial Rend |
|||
|
Yveltal |
|
Sucker Punch |
Oblivion Wing |
||
|
Necrozma (Dusk Mane) |
|
Psycho Cut |
Sunsteel Strike |
Origin Forme Palkia stands out as a strong alternative Dragon-type, delivering impressive stats and being a substantial threat if you’ve recently acquired one from an Origin Forme Palkia Raid.
For those considering a Fighting- and Ghost-type, Marshadow makes an excellent substitute due to its high Attack. Use Sucker Punch for its Fast Move, along with Charge Moves like Close Combat or Ice Punch.
Yveltal provides critical coverage against top Psychic types including Dusk Mane Necrozma and Mewtwo. Meanwhile, Dusk Mane Necrozma excels when facing threats like Xerneas, Dialga, and Origin Giratina.
Holiday Cup: Little Edition
Even though it’s easier to bring together a solid trio for the Holiday Cup: Little Edition, less active players of Pokémon GO may still want alternate options. Luckily, there are plenty of suitable substitutes. Here are three alternatives you can consider:
|
Holiday Cup: Little Edition Team Member |
Type |
Weaknesses |
Resistances |
Fast Move |
Charge Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ninetales (Alolan) |
Powder Snow |
Blizzard |
|||
|
Pikachu (Libre) |
Thunder Shock |
Flying Press |
|||
|
Skeledirge |
|
|
Incinerate |
Flamethrower |
With Skeledirge providing fire-type coverage, Pikachu Libre serving as a replacement for Flying Press Smeargle, and Ninetales acting as the ice-type alternative for Amaura, you can create an effective team. Don’t forget, both leagues offer 4x Stardust rewards for wins. Mark your calendars for the upcoming events in Pokémon GO, happening from December 17, 2024. Equip your best teams and seize victory!
