Trainers in Pokémon GO can look forward to new challenges in the GO Battle League, featuring the latest Cups for competitive play. After the recent Ultra League Cup, where only Pokémon with a maximum combat power (CP) of 2,500 were permitted, the upcoming event opens the arena to all Pokémon. Participating in the GO Battle League provides trainers with excellent rewards, including rare chances to encounter Pokémon like Deino and Frigibax.
The new Cups will take place from January 14, 2025, at 1 PM to January 21, 2025, at 1 PM. While players may be familiar with the Color Cup from previous weeks, the Master League will have no CP restrictions, allowing trainers to assemble their ideal teams without limitations. More choices mean strategic selections are crucial. Below is a guide to the best teams for each cup.
Top Pokémon Teams for the Master League and Color Cup: Great League Edition
Constructing a Balanced Team
The Master League boasts powerful options, with Zygarde (Complete Form) and Origin Forme Palkia topping the charts. According to the PvPoke rankings, Zygarde is a top contender for Master League battles. This Dragon- and Ground-type Legendary has phenomenal typing, and its Dragon-type moves are effective against many prevalent choices. Additionally, Zygarde’s high HP and defense stats enable it to absorb significant damage, giving you crucial time to strategize during battles.
Origin Forme Palkia ranks as the second-best individual performer, synergizing well with Zygarde, especially since they were both featured in five-star raids. Its access to Dragon- and Water-type moves provides an advantage against Zygarde, making it a vital player if you face one. Another solid choice is Ho-Oh, a balanced option that counters various meta Pokémon. This Legendary Fire- and Flying-type from Generation 2 sits within the top ten rankings, effectively resisting many common selections while overpowering Grass- and Steel-type Pokémon.
During the upcoming event, you can earn four times the usual Stardust for each battle you finish.
While the Master League Cup introduces new dynamics, the Color Cup maintains the structure established in prior weeks. A few of the strongest combinations to gain the upper hand include Alolan Marowak, Morpeko, and Quagsire. Marowak has consistently been a top pick for Pokémon with CP under 1,500 since the GO Battle League launched. Morpeko and Quagsire offer swift switches against Pokémon that hold clear advantages, flipping the fight to your favor.
Similar to the Great Cup, the Color Cup enforces a 1,500 CP limit on every Pokémon. However, the inclusion of Electric-, Fire-, Grass-, or Water-type Pokémon introduces added restrictions. To maximize your chances of success in this cup, you should aim for a team comprising three distinct base types and leverage dual-type Pokémon to broaden your range of attacks.
Best Alternative Teams To Consider
A Variety of Strong Alternatives
In the Master League Cup, there are many viable alternatives if you lack the top-tier Pokémon. A notable non-legendary choice is Dragonite, boasting Dragon and Flying types. Many players possess high-IV Dragonites, having been available since shortly after Pokémon GO debuted. Dragonite is a force to be reckoned with, featuring one of the highest CPs and robust Dragon-type moves.
Teaming Dragonite with favorites like Mewtwo and Xerneas can create a formidable trio. Mewtwo remains the leading Psychic-type Pokémon and can quickly chip away at an opponent’s health. Xerneas stands as the top Fairy-type Pokémon now, making it significantly advantageous against Dragon-types.
While the best meta selections for the Color Cup are narrower, many Pokémon of the eligible types can fit under the CP limit. Legendary Pokémon such as Zapdos shine in this format, as its Electric- and Flying-typing carries limited weaknesses. Pairing it with Water-types like Qwilfish, Feraligatr, or Gastrodon can counter any weaknesses. Additionally, including Jumpluff as a Grass-type rounds out your team, allowing all three Pokémon to protect each other’s vulnerabilities.
Engaging in the Master League and Color Cup: Great League Editions in Pokémon GO will yield challenging encounters. However, by choosing the right team, trainers can significantly enhance their chances of success.
Source: PvPoke
