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Pokemon Go’s Master League is really just that: for Pokemon masters. The best of the best. No level cap means you’ll need the best legendaries at their highest levels to compete. It’s not for newcomers, so if you haven’t risen through the ranks inthe Great Leagueand Ultra League first, that’s where you should start.
That said, even if you’re starting your legendary collection, you should know which Pokemon to target and train. Palkia (Origin), Kyurem (Black), and Zygarde (Complete Forme) are top of the ranking, but there are a few non-legendaries to train, too.
Black Kyurem, Tapu Lele, And Landorus (Therian Forme)
Black Kyurem
Maxing out at 5206CP, thisDragon/Ice-typePokemon does almost everything. It’s quick with high attack, has great type coverage with its moveset, andcrushes legendaries like Zygarde, Necrozma, and Ho-Oh.Shadow Claw, Freeze Shock, and Fusion Boltare its best moves, with Blizzard as backup. Black Kyurem’s biggest downside is its weaknesses, especially its Dragon-type weakness, which makes it easy prey for Dialga and Palkia – but that’s where the rest of your team comes in.
Tapu Lele
Countering both Palkia and Dialga, Tapu Lele is the perfect pairing with Black Kyurem.Nature’s Madnessis the heavy lifter here, withAstonish and Psyshockpulling their weight as coverage. Tapu Lele is the least bulky of the team, so keep them on the sidelines until you need them to tag in for a counter.
Landorus (Therian Forme)
Countering Dialga, Xerneas, and its Ground-type rival, Rhyperior, Landorus is another coverage pick. Being Ground/Flying, Landorus takes a whopping 2.5x damage from Ice attacks, making Kyurem, Avalugg, and Marshadow with Ice Punch into deadly threats. Its water weakness also means Palkia punishes them, but these are Landorus' only weaknesses, so it’s a safe pick against almost everything else.Mudshot, Sandsear Storm, and Superpowerare its best attacks.
Palkia (Origin Forme), Solgaleo, and Ho-Oh
The Palkia team isn’t the B-team but the other set of champions instead. Both of these teams crush in the Master League, and more than anything, it comes down to personal preference.
Palkia (Origin Forme)
PvPokelists Origin Forme Palkia as the best battle in Pokemon Go. It might not have the stats of Zygarde or the resistances of Dialga, but in the current meta, its type and moveset mean it wins more than any other Pokemon. Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and Spacial Rend are the keys. Switch out against Dialga and Fairy-types, but leave it in against Dragon’s like Kyurem and Zygarde to see why Palkia remains on top.
Solgaleo
With all the Fairy-types countering the legendary Dragon-types, Solgaleo comes in tocounter the Fairy-types. Xerneas, Zachian, Enamorus, et al., wilt under Solgaleo’sIron Head, whileFire Spintakes out Dialga. Finally, round out its moveset withPsychic Fangsto debuff and spam.
Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh has been the best Fire-type for some time, soIncinerateandSacred Fireare must-haves. Tanky, fast, and perfect for shield pressuring, Ho-Oh even beats lower-rank Water-types like Primarina. Fill out its kit withBrave Birdand use Ho-Oh tomelt Dialga, Xerneas, and Necrozma.
Alternative Non-Legendary Team - Florges, Rhyperior, And Shadow Gyarados
If you don’t have the high-powered legendary teams above, don’t think you have to rush to the next raid. Some of the best Pokemon in the game can be caught easily.
Florges
Flores is the best Fairy-type in the game and number five in the ranking. It’s a coveted counter to all the Dragon-types and fits well into the legendary teams above. Fit it withFairy Wind,Trailblaze, andMoonblast, but avoid Dialga and Ho-Oh.
Rhyperior XL
Tanky and versatile with a max CP of 4221, Rhyperior is the best Ground-type in the game, beating out legendaries like Landorus and Groudon in the PvPoke ranking. WithMud Slap, Rock Wrecker, and Breaking Swipecounters Flying-types or burns enemy shields.
Gyarados (XL & Shadow)
Gyarados has always been one of the best fighters in the game, and it still holds a spot in the top 50 after all the new legendaries. With its water and flying typing, Shadow Gyarados delivers high damage output, especially with moves like Waterfall and Crunch, providing coverage against various threats.
