Pokémon GO: Best Pokémon You Must Have for Raids and PvP Battles

As of 2025, Pokémon GO features 900 different Pokémons. So catching one is not a big challenge, then figuring out which ones are actually worth investing your Stardust and Candy in. Not every Pokémon performs equally. Some shine in raids, others thrive in PvP, and a few stand out as unbeatable gym defenders.

So, finding the best Pokémon depends on where you are battling: Raids, PvP, or Gyms. If you are in search of the best Pokémon, this guide will walk you through the top picks for raids, PVP battles, and dominating in Gyms.

Part 1: Best Pokémon in Pokémon GO for Raids

To dominate in Pokemon Go raids, you need Pokémon that deliver insane damage quickly and are durable enough to stay on the battlefield.

1. Eternatus

Eternatus stands out as one of the most dangerous raid attackers due to its unique Poison/Dragon typing. With Poison Jab and the devastating Dynamax Cannon, it deals massive neutral and super-effective damage. Its versatility makes it useful against a wide range of raid bosses, from Fairy-types to bulky Dragons.

2. Black Kyurem

As an Ice/Dragon hybrid, Black Kyurem is one of the strongest dual-role attackers in the game. With Dragon Tail and Freeze Shock, it covers two highly valuable types. So it is highly effective against Dragon and Flying raid bosses.

3. Rayquaza

With Dragon Tail and its signature move Dragon Ascent, it not only dominates as a Dragon attacker but also ranks as one of the strongest Flying attackers in the entire game. Its flexibility keeps it relevant in almost every meta.

4. Crowned Sword Zacian

In its Crowned Sword form, Zacian becomes a top-tier Steel attacker. Its exclusive move, Behemoth Blade, is designed to deal bonus damage to legendary raid bosses. It is a versatile attacker excellent for Fairy, Rock, and Dragon bosses.

5. Dawn Wings Necrozma

This Psychic/Ghost powerhouse shines with Psycho Cut for energy gain and Moongeist Beam for devastating damage. It is one of the best counters to Psychic and Ghost-type bosses. Its bulk makes it a solid pick for Master League as well. In raids, it is a nightmare for enemies weak to Ghost.

Non-Legendary Pokémon

1. Machamp

Machamp tears Normal, Steel, Dark, and Rock raid bosses with its Counter and Dynamic Punch. It is one of the most accessible but reliable raid attackers in the game.

2. Lucario

Lucario’s combination of Counter and Aura Sphere gives it DPS numbers that rival even legendaries. Its part-Steel typing grants extra resistance and survives long in raids. Whether you are facing Dark, Rock, Ice, or Steel bosses, Lucario is an MVP choice.

3. Rhyperior

Rhyperior is arguably the best Rock-type attacker outside of legendaries. It is armed with SmackDown and the exclusive Rock Wrecker. It is incredibly effective against Flying, Fire, and Bug bosses. Its bulk also allows it to serve as a respectable gym defender when not raiding.

4. Metagross

Metagross is untouchable as a Steel attacker with Meteor Mash. With this move, it is devastating against Fairy, Ice, and Rock bosses. With high bulk and massive damage output, it is a must-build Pokémon for both raids and gyms.

5. Garchomp

Garchomp is a Dragon and Ground attacker. With Mud Shot and Earth Power, it demolishes Electric, Fire, Steel, and Poison bosses. Its impressive bulk helps it last longer than other glassy Dragons, which makes it one of the most reliable raid Pokémon.

Part 2: Best Pokémon in Pokémon GO for PvP Battles

To dominate in PvP, you do not just need raw strength. It is about consistency, coverage, and endurance. Here are the top picks dominating the leagues:

Part 3: Top Pokémon in Pokémon GO for Dominating Gyms

Gyms are all about endurance. It makes attackers waste time. The best defenders force opponents to burn through potions and revives:

Part 4: Catching and Finding Top Pokémon in Pokémon GO Like a Pro

Having a dream team is only possible if you can catch or build them. Here’s how to get your hands on the best Pokémon:

1. Use a Location Spoofer

Regional exclusives and raid events are mostly region-locked. Tools like MocPOGO Go Catcher let you spoof your GPS location and auto catch Pokemon safely. So you can join raids worldwide and catch Pokémon that you can never find locally.

Use MocPOGO to catch Top Pokémon in Pokémon GO

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• Fly Anywhere with Bluetooth: No Cracked Apps!
• Best Pokemon Go spoofer on Android/iOS devices.
• Simulate GPS movement with customized speeds.
• Import popular GPX route files for next use.
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• Compatible with iOS 26 & Android 16.

How to Use MocPOGO Go Catcher on iOS

Step 1 Download and install the MocPOGO iOS app. Open and tap on the “Go Catcher” icon.

Step 2 Open Pokémon GO app and connect Go Catcher as a virtual Go Plus.

Step 3 Type the location address or its GPS coordinates and click on “Search.” Your desired location will appear instantly on the map. Click on “Go.”

2. Participate in a Raid

Every Wednesday, Raid Hour features a specific Legendary. Stock up on passes and play during this hour. It is the easiest way to farm rare Pokémon like Rayquaza, Kyogre, or Eternatus.

3. Community Days

Community Days are goldmines for PvP and raid staples. Pokémon like Swampert and Metagross get exclusive moves during these events. They are significantly stronger than their regular versions.

4. Trade for Luckies

Trading is not just for Dex entries. Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up. They are ideal for maxing out strong raid or PvP picks. Coordinate trades with friends to chase luckies of top-tier Pokémon.

Summary

In Pokémon GO, the “best” Pokémon are the ones that give you the edge in shredding raid bosses, climbing the PvP ladder, and locking down gyms. In this guide, we have highlighted the top attackers, defenders, and all-around meta staples you will want on your team. The right picks can transform your gameplay, but catching them is not always simple. Using a MocPOGO spoofing tool can help you access rare spawns and raids worldwide so you can build your dream lineup faster.