The Master League Classic has returned to Pokémon Go, which means players who don’t want to face off against Pokémon with XL candy can jump into these battles to fight it out against some of the best Pokémon in the game. You can expect to see nearly every player in this category using at least one legendary Pokémon, but many of them are bound to be using two or three. If you don’t have a good amount of legendary choices to pick from, you may want to stay away from these PvP fights.
The Master League Classic is happening from September 27 to October 11. We have a tier list ranking some of the best Pokémon for you to use in the Master League Classic. This guide breaks down the best Pokémon Teams to use in these fights.
Best Pokémon Teams for the Master League Classic
Meloetta (Aria), Gyarados (Shadow), and Garchomp
For the first team, we want to focus on brings up the latest mythical Pokémon added to Pokémon Go, Meloetta, in her Aria form. She’s a formidable Normal and Psychic-type, and given her stats, we think she’ll make a good Lead Pokémon. Next, you want to place Gyarados, the shadow version, in the Switch role and then have the robust Garchomp in the Closer position.
- Meloetta (Aria): Confusion (fast move), psyshock, and dazzling gleam
- Gyarados (Shadow): Dragon breath (fast move), aqua tail, and crunch
- Garchomp: Mud shot (fast move), outrage, and earth power
Zamazenta (Hero), Metagross, and Swampert (Shadow)
For the next team we want to recommend, you can try out Zamazenta in its hero form. It’s a Fighting-type legendary Pokémon that released not too long ago, and would be the perfect opportunity to try it out in the Master League. Alongside it, we’re going to recommend to use Metagross in the Switch role, and Swampert as a shadow Pokémon as your closer.
- Zamazenta (Hero): Snarl (fast move), close combat, and crunch
- Metagross: Bullet punch (fast move), meteor mash, and earthquake
- Swampert (Shadow): Mud shot (fast move), hydro cannon, and earthquake
Gardevoir (Shadow), Hippowdon, and Palkia
For those looking to add a bit more grace to their team, you could try placing Gardevoir, the shadow version, in the Lead role. It excels in the Lead role with its fast move, but it lacks bulk. You’re going to want to make up for that with Palkia as the Closer role. In the Switch role, you can try to use Hippowdon to swap out whenever you need to use it or give your other Pokémon a break.
- Gardevoir (Shadow): Charm (fast move), shadow ball, and synchronoise
- Hipoowdon: Ice fang (fast move), weather ball Rock-type, and earth power
- Palkia: Dragon breath (fast move), aqua tail, and draco meteor
Articuno (shadow), Mew, and Groudon
Next, we recommend trying out Articuno in the Lead role. Because it’s the bulky version of the three legendary birds, you want to increase its attack power as much as possible, making sure it’s the shadow version. Alongside it, you want to use the mythical Pokémon Mew, who has a wide variety of attacks it can use during the battle. You want to use Mew in the Switch role. For your Closer Pokémon, we recommend the unbeatable Groudon, renowned as one of the best Ground-type Pokémon in the game.
- Articuno (shadow): Ice shard (fast move), icy wind, and hurricane
- Mew: Shadow claw (fast move), dragon claw, and wild charge
- Groudon: Mud shot (fast move), fire punch, and earthquake
Melmetal, Mamoswine (Shadow), and Goodra
It wouldn’t be Master League Classic tier list without including Melmetal, one of the most notable Pokémon you’re going to see in this battles, similar to Groudon. It’s a fantastic Steel-type with an even better moveset that not too many Pokémon can beat. You can go down the more spicy route with Mamoswine, the shadow version, in the Switch role, capable of dealing heavy amounts of damage to most opponents. For the Closer role, we’re going to recommend the newer Dragon-type Pokémon, Goodra.
- Melmetal: Thundershock (fast move), superpower, and rock slide
- Mamoswine: Powder snow (fast move), avalanche, and bulldoze
- Goodra: Dragon breath (fast move), muddy water, and draco meteor
