Attackers Tier List

Best Moveset:

• Mud Shot + Precipice Blades*

Good Movesets: 

• Mud Shot + Earthquake
• Mud Shot + Solar Beam
• Mud Shot + Fire Punch*

Chances are very good that Primal Groudon will never be dethroned as the monarch of all Ground Types, as it's stupidly strong. It's hard to overestimate this tyrant, as it has genuinely amazing power potential to say the least.

Best Moveset:

• Air Slash + Dragon Ascent*
• Dragon Tail + Breaking Swipe*
• Dragon Tail + Outrage

Good Movesets: 

• Dragon Tail + Dragon Ascent*

With a sky high 377 base ATK and access to the extremely potent Dragon Ascent, Mega Rayquaza is THE absolute Flying-type king. Mega Rayquaza has so much power that it can also function as a top counter even when it is dealing neutral damage. It is also the game's best Dragon attacker. Whatever option you choose for it, it will be very unlikely that Mega Rayquaza will fall off its throne.

Best Moveset:

• Waterfall + Origin Pulse*

Good Movesets: 

• Waterfall + Surf
• Waterfall + Hydro Pump
• Waterfall + Thunder

Chances are good that Primal Kyogre will never be dethroned as the monarch of all Water Types, as it's stupidly strong. It's hard to overestimate this tyrant, as it has genuinely amazing power potential to say the least.

Optimal sets:

• Bite + Brutal Swing

• Smack Down* + Stone Edge

Comments:

Mega Tyranitar boasts two unique movesets that are extremely useful for raids, and a ton of power to back up its brutality. Mega Tyranitar is a top pick against Psychic, Ghost, Fire, Flying, Ice, and even Bug Type raids, and should definitely be a priority for basically anyone building a raid group.

Best Movesets:

• Lick* + Shadow Ball
• Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball

Among the currently released Mega Evolutions, Mega Gengar has the highest neutral DPS. This is especially nice when you consider how wide Ghost’s neutral coverage is, as it makes Mega Gengar a solid neutral coverage choice that can remain competitive when compared to several other types. It’s also set to hold the throne as the most powerful Ghost for the foreseeable future.

Optimal Sets:

Bullet Seed + Frenzy Plant*

Great Sets:

Fury Cutter + Frenzy Plant*

Comments:

Say hello to the undisputed king of the Grass Type meta. 9 times out of 10, Mega Sceptile is the optimal Mega for a Grass-weak Raid Boss, only really seeing competition if it's staring down Ice Type moves or it has competition from another powerful type. And even then, it's still a fantastic option thanks to its huge stats and outstanding Charged Move, Frenzy Plant.

Optimal Sets:

Fire Spin + Blast Burn*

Counter + Blast Burn* if weak to both Fire and Fighting

Counter + Focus Blast

Comments:

Mega Blaziken is one of the highest priority Mega Evolutions in the game. It is arguably the strongest Fire Type Mega in the game, and it's also a great Fighting Type Mega as well. Any player with a raid team should have a Mega Blaziken ready to go.

Optimal sets:

• Shadow Claw + Moongeist Beam*

Comments:

Dawn Wings Lunala eclipses many other Ghost attackers by a significant margin due to its top-tier DPS and comparatively high bulk. Many Legendary raid bosses are weak to Ghost, giving Dawn Wings Necrozma plenty of opportunities to shine. Do take note of Dawn Wings Necrozma's own double weakness to Ghost and Dark; its incredible potential can fall a little short when facing bosses that carry these types of attacks.

Optimal sets:

• Bite + Brutal Swing

• Smack Down* + Stone Edge

Comments:

Shadow Tyranitar has a great balance of power and longevity, and it also has the advantage of being able to operate as a Rock or Dark Type attacker, with the latter in particular allowing it to really shine. However, Shadow Tyranitar isn't quite as good in the dual-type attacker role as others, as Smack Down is an Elite Move. This makes switching from type to type fairly difficult, so be prepared to raise at least two of them, though if given the choice it's probably better to stick with its Dark moveset, as it's substantially stronger than its Rock moveset, and it has less competition on that front.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash (Elite)

Great sets:

• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

While Steel-types aren't really known for attacking, a Shadow Pokemon with pseudo-Legendary stats and one of the best Charged Moves in the game makes quite a powerful Pokemon. As long as Steel isn't resisted, Shadow Metagross is an excellent choice.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psystrike (Elite)
• Psycho Cut + Shadow Ball (Elite)

Great sets:

• Confusion + Shadow Ball (Elite)
• Confusion + Psychic
• Psycho Cut + Ice Beam
• Psycho Cut + Thunderbolt
• Psycho Cut + Focus Blast

Comments:

Mewtwo has yet again redefined the term generalist in Pokemon Go. With access to an array of powerful Charge Moves, Shadow Mewtwo can almost always hit for Shadow boosted Super Effective damage. With Elite Charge TMs, Shadow Ball and Psystrike unlock insane amounts of damage for Shadow Mewtwo. 

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage (Elite) + Draco Meteor

• Dragon Tail + Outrage (Elite)

• Fire Fang + Fly

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail + Draco Meteor

• Fire Fang + Fire Blast

• Dragon Tail + Hydro Pump

• Bite + Draco Meteor or Outrage (Elite)

Comments:

Salamence has higher Attack than Dragonite, and now that it has Outrage too, it's definitively the better Dragon by a narrow margin. Draco Meteor is still pretty good, and ambitious raiders can put both on the same Salamence for extra DPS.

As a Shadow Pokemon, some of Salamence's other movesets become interesting options to make Salamence a Fire, Water, or Dark-type attacker. Dragon-type is rarely resisted too, making Salamence a formidable generalist in other scenarios too.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail or Dragon Breath + Outrage

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail or Dragon Breath + Draco Meteor (Elite)
• Dragon Tail or Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw

Comments:

Shadow Dragonite, despite sporting damage just slightly behind Shadow Salemence, is still very much one of the most powerful Dragon Types in the game, and is still just as viable in most cases. Shadow Dragonite still has a lot of use as a Dragon-type generalist. Unlocking an additional move can allow Dragonite to make better use of energy and deal even more damage.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage
• Mud Shot + Earth Power* or Earthquake

Comments:

It's actually a bit hard to over-state how good this Pokemon is. One of the classic double-duty attackers, Shadow Garchomp is in the running for the Dragon and Ground crowns, barring Mega Evolutions and Primals. This is a fantastic investment that should not be missed!

Optimal sets:

• Metal Claw + Sunsteel Strike*

Comments:

Dusk Mane Necrozma is a frighteningly powerful Steel attacker, boasting not only legendary stats but one of the most absurd Charged Attacks in the game in Sunsteel Strike.

*Sunsteel Strike is learned immediately when Necrozma fuses with Solgaleo.

Best Moveset:

• Dragon Tail + Spacial Rend

As of right now, Origin Forme Palkia stands head-and-shoulders above the majority of the Dragon meta, taking its place among the Shadow Dragons. It also tends to situationally surpass many of the Shadow Dragons in terms of TDO thanks in part to its Water sub-typing, which makes it a great option for Stardust investment.

Optimal sets:

• Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade

Comments:

Kartana is absurdly powerful, and has a great typing with Grass/Steel. It's a bit frail, but it also has a ton of resistances to keep its crazy DPS going.

Optimal sets:

• Powder Snow + Avalanche

• Mud Slap + High Horsepower

Comments:

Ice is a hugely important attacking type, Ground is a potentially great attacking type, and Shadow Mamoswine is oppressively strong within both of these types. Even with low IVs, Shadow Mamoswine stands head and shoulders above the competition. It's also a very capable Ground Type as well, making this a very worthwhile investment!

Optimal sets:

• Double Kick + Sacred Sword*

Good Sets:

• Smack Down + Rock Slide

Comments:

The September 2022 move-rebalance introduced Double Kick, which finally allowed Terrakion to make use of the stupid-strong Sacred Sword. With this, it's among the best Fighting Types in the game, and still a very solid Rock Type as well!

Optimal Sets:

• Fire Spin + Overheat
• Hex + Shadow Ball

Comments:

One of the best Ghosts and one of the best Fire Types, raising a Shadow Chandelure gives double utility with a second Charged Move unlocked at the low cost of a Fast TM whenever it's time to call on its other type. Seriouly; this is a powerful Pokemon with huge utility that makes many other Pokemon green with envy.

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down + Rock Wrecker (legacy)

Great sets:

• Mud Slap + Earthquake
• Smack Down + Stone Edge

Comments:

This Pokemon is the total package! Shadow Rhyperior sports huge DPS combined with huge TDO to make it one of the top Pokemon for Rock and Ground alike. So long as it isn't facing down a Grass or Water move, Shadow Rhyperior will definitely deliver!

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down + Rock Slide

Comments:

HERE IT COMES!

Shadow Rampardos is among the top attackers in the game in terms of DPS, and one of the absolute kings of the Rock Type as a whole. If you want to bash in the opposing Pokemon with extreme prejudice, then Shadow Rampardos is your go-to... just note that it won't stay on the field for a super long time.

Best Moveset:

• Rock Throw + Rock Slide*

Mega Diancie offers the best overall raw DPS compared to other Rock Megas by quite a margin. It can be a little glassy, though, and isn't quite as good at providing support to other players as a result. Its status as a Mythical Pokemon greatly limits its availability and makes it difficult to power up when compared to other options. Despite this, its DPS is solid enough to outperform its other Rock Mega counterparts even with considerable Level disadvantage, and thus is still worth using.

Optimal Sets:

• Charm + Dazzling Gleam
• Confusion + Psychic

The Monarch of the Fairy Type and a solid Psychic Type Mega as well, Mega Gardevoir stands as one of the best Pokemon to have on your team... on paper. In reality, it tends to be held back by several different factors that will tend to leave it 2nd or 3rd best for a lot of the raids that it really wants to rule.

Mega Gardevoir is still a great Pokemon, but it's just not quite the greatest.

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw + Rock Slide

Comments:

Rock is among the most valuable types in the game, and Mega Aerodactyl is destined to remain one of the absolute Mega Evolutions of its type. It sports high damage and team support for other Rock Type attackers, which makes it very useful in many raids.

Optimal Sets:

Water Gun + Hydro Cannon*

Great Sets:

Mud Shot + Earthquake

Comments:

Mega Swampert is an outstanding investment due to its utility in two very pervasive types. Water and Ground weaknesses tend to show up fairly frequently, so raising this buff juggernaut of a Pokemon is definitely worth the Stardust!

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

Mega Latios sets itself apart as a great attacker for both Psychic and Dragon Types. It has high DPS, and role-compression, making it a great investment for any raid team.

Optimal sets:

• Powdered Snow + Avalanche

Comments:

We only have two Ice Type Mega Evolutions, and while they tend to be pretty close, Mega Glalie's slightly higher DPS tends to make it a bit better. Definitely a solid choice for any raid group!

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage (legacy)

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail + Draco Meteor

Comments:

A genuinely strong Dragon Type, Mega Salamence can definitely put in some solid work. It deals high damage and has solid TDO, but the problem is that it's largely destined to be outclassed. Still, it will always have long-term utility as a second-string Mega!

Best Movesets:

• Charge Beam + Wild Charge

The top DPS option among the Mega Evolved Electric Types, Mega Manectric has one job and one job alone: fry the opposition. If you need an Electric Type and your worry is beating the clock, then Mega Manectric is the easy choice thanks to its very high overall performance.

Best Movesets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn (Elite)

The “good” Charizard Mega Evolution boasts tremendous Fire power and a potentially advantageous type against certain raid bosses. While it can’t pull double Type duty effectively like the X version, its focused power makes it a very attractive Mega Evolution to invest in.

Best Movesets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage
• Mud Shot + Earth Power*

Mega Garchomp is a great Pokemon in the raid meta, slaying a lot of high-profile Pokemon by virtue of its great dual-type coverage. However, it doesn't quite make our S-Rank here due to the fact that Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon exist.

Best Movesets:

• Powder Snow + Weather Ball (Ice)
• Leafage + Energy Ball

Ice is well known for its pervasive power in raids, and Mega Abomasnow is the Mega Evolution of choice when something needs to be cooled down. It fires off its Ice Type attacks remarkably fast and can drain huge chunks of HP when on the field. Its biggest issue tends to be its Grass sub-typing, which generally doesn’t do it many favors.

Best Movesets:

• Incinerate + Sacred Fire+*

Good Movesets: 

• Incinerate + Sacred Fire*
• Hidden Power (Flying) + Brave Bird

Long forgotten and mocked for its poor moveset, Ho-oh has finally reached its true potential. Sacred Fire+ makes Apex Shadow Ho-oh a very strong attacker, and one that is definitely worth adding to your team. Note that the basic Sacred Fire is still a great pick.

Best Movesets:

• Incinerate + Mystical Fire
• Astonish + Shadow Ball

A powerful attacker that can pull double-duty, Blacephalon is an outstanding Pokemon that is definitely worthy of investment.

Best Moveset: 

• Dragon Breath + Roar of Time*

Dialga - Origin Forme is a powerful Pokemon that has one cardinal advantage in raids: it's the single strongest Dragon Type Pokemon that isn't itself weak to Dragon Type attacks. While it's not quite on a par with the top DPS dragons, its huge average performance makes it very much a great Pokemon to invest in.

Optimal Sets:

• Mud Slap + Earthquake
• Mud Slap + Drill Run

Comments:

Shadow Excadrill is a bit glassy when its Steel typing doesn't protect it, but it's still got an excellent presence that genuinely works.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Origin Pulse*

Comments:

Shadow Kyogre lives up to its lore as this thing doesn't just douse the opponent, it brings the ocean to wherever it may be.

Optimal sets:

• Mud Shot + Precipice Blades*

Comments:

Groudon is a great Ground-type attacker, and the release of Precipice Blades makes it one of the top choices in that role. Though its raw DPS isn't particularly spectacular, Groudon is nonetheless useful against a large range of bosses.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Discharge
• Spark + Discharge

Great sets:

• Thunder Shock + Thunder

Comments:

Xurkitree is a nuclear power-plant of a Pokemon in terms of its base stats. This thing could be one of the strongest Pokemon in the game given the right moveset, but for now it's held back to its position as a rival to the best Electric Type Shadows in the game. This is a Pokemon that is definitely worth investing in!

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage or Breaking Swipe*

• Air Slash + Dragon Ascent*

Comments:

While currently dethroned by the top Shadow Dragons, Rayquaza is still an outstanding investment due to its all-around stellar performance against its fellow Dragon Types; a type that is filled to the brim with Legendary Pokemon. It's also a top Flying attacker, but it needs Dragon Ascent to operate at peak efficiency in this capacity. Unlocking Dragon Ascent also makes it an incredible generalist, although the role isn't as useful as it used to be.

Optimal sets:

• Counter or Karate Chop (legacy) + Dynamic Punch

Great sets:

• Counter + Close Combat or Cross Chop

Comments:

Fighting is the most useful attacking type, and Shadow Machamp is the best puncher in the game!

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Wild Charge

Comments:

Shadow Electivire definitely is lightning in a bottle. This electro-yetti deals outstanding damage, and walks in the top echelon of damage dealers.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Wild Charge

Great sets:

• Thunder Shock + Shadow Ball

Comments:

Electric’s favorable type coverage, Raikou's good bulk and damage output, and the frequent appearance of Water types on gym defense make Raikou a top attacker choice.

Shadow Raikou appreciates Shadow Ball even more, allowing it to function as a reasonable Ghost-type attacker too.

Optimal sets:

• Water Gun + Hydro Cannon*

• Mud Shot + Earthquake

Comments:

Shadow Swampert is very effective in any raid that it has Super Effective damage. It is hugely powerful as a Water Type attacker, can moonlight as a great Ground Type attacker, and can very easily switch between the two roles thanks to its extremely inexpensive second charged move unlock cost.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Overheat

• Wing Attack + Sky Attack*

Comments:

Shadow Moltres is outstanding, to say the least. It's a monster as both a Flying and a Fire Type attacker, and can easily switch between the two if it has a second charged move unlocked. Shadow Moltres brings a great mix of power and role compression to the table, making it a great pick for any raid that it deals Super Effective damage in.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Fang+Fusion Flare*

Comments:

With Fusion Flare at its disposal, Reshiram's power became Turbo Charged and raised to new heights, It should be a priority for any team looking to capitalize on Fire Type weaknesses.

Optimal sets:

• Charge Beam & + Fusion Bolt*

• Charge Beam + Wild Charge

• Dragon Breath + Outrage

Comments:

Zekrom is a powerful attacker that can operate very well as an attacker for both of its types. Its main claim to fame is its huge power as an Electric Type attacker with a sub-type that's very beneficial in most scenarios. As a Dragon Type attacker, it's a bit weaker than the absolute top dragons, but it's also very viable due to its sheer power and the list of resistances that its Electric typing brings to the table.

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down + Rock Wrecker (legacy)

Great sets:

• Mud Slap + Earthquake
• Smack Down + Stone Edge

Comments:

Rock Wrecker makes this Sinnoh Stone evolution an extremely useful Pokemon to power up. TM existing Rhyperior to Mud Slap + Earthquake and it's still pretty great, though Rock-type attackers will have more use in the meta. If you're powering up your first Rhyhorn now, you can double move it and use it as a dual attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Aura Sphere

Comments:

Machamp spent a long time as the King of Fighters until Lucario dethroned it with the excellent Aura Sphere. Though frailer on paper, Lucario's Steel type gives it numerous resistances that put its bulk on par with Machamp.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Fang + Overheat

Comments:

Darmanitan is the new king of Fire-type DPS. Despite this, Fire Pokemon aren't immediately useful and most of Darmanitan's competition on this list have useful secondary typings, making them better investments.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Breath + Outrage
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

While slower than Mega Latios, Mega Latias is still very solid and closes the gap a bit on the Dragon side thanks to Outrage, and tends to stay on the field a fair bit longer, which is actually a valuable metric for Mega Evolutions. These factors make Mega Latias fairly competitive overall.

Best Movesets:

• Gust (Elite) + Brave Bird

The humble bird of Generation 1 stalks the skies as an apex predator when Mega Evolved, but its chances to actually hunt are few. While Mega Pidgeot is the terror of the Flying Type meta, Flying Types generally don’t see a huge amount of use for the most part. Still, it’s a great budget Mega Evolution that is very effective when Super Effective.

Best Movesets:

• Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball

While nowhere near as dominant as Mega Gengar, Mega Banette is a very solid though frail Ghost Type Mega. It's a great backup choice, and can be a stellar budget/backup pick if you manage to get to the point where you can Mega it for free.

Best Movesets:

• Snarl + Foul Play
• Fire Fang + Flamethrower

Mega Houndoom brings solid DPS in two fairly valuable types to the table. While it’s unlikely to top DPS charts when compared to other Mega Evolutions, it is a solid choice for both that can make walking for Mega Energy a bit easier.

Best Movesets:

• Struggle Bug + Megahorn
• Counter + Close Combat
• Close Combat + Megahorn (when Bug and Fighting are both Super Effective)

Mega Heracross has a great offensive presence, hitting hard on both the Fighting and Bug sides of the spectrum. It has issues when trying to use Bug Type moves against Psychic Types, but it's still an outstanding Pokemon that works well when played to its strengths, especially against many Dark Type raid bosses.

Best Movesets:

• Volt Switch + Zap Cannon
• Charge Beam + Zap Cannon

While less DPS-oriented than Mega Manectric, Mega Ampharos has great all-around performance that allows it to generally excel in its own right. It has higher general TDO and a synergetic Dragon sub-typing to differentiate it and make it the pick of choice when DPS isn’t an issue, but fainting out is. 

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic*
• Psycho Cut + Psychic*

Great sets:

• Confusion + Future Sight
• Psycho Cut + Future Sight

Comments:

The classic Psychic Type is back, and with a vengeance. Dropping as an obscenely strong attacker, Mega Alakazam can make short work of many raids, making it a very strong addition to any raid team.

Best Moveset:

• Water Gun + Hydro Cannon (Elite)

After years of being sub-par, Blastoise has finally Mega Evolved and become a Water Type worth using. With the water-power to douse anything that it’s Super Effective against, Mega Blastoise is a very solid choice to cover a very pervasive type.

Best Movesets:

• Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant (Elite)

While destined to lose the DPS war to Mega Sceptile at some point in the future, Mega Venusaur is going to remain stable in its niche as the bulky, all-around Grass Type Mega Evolution. It has a great mix of DPS and TDO that will allow it to stay relevant long-term even when it’s inevitably outsped. 

Optimal sets:

• Fire Fang + Overheat

Great sets:

• Fire Spin + Overheat
• Fire Fang + Flamethrower

Comments:

Entei does less DPS than Moltres, but its bulk allows it to do much more TDO. It also has a viable 2 bar charge move with Flamethrower, which is better for gym attacking.

Optimal Sets:

• Charm + Dazzling Gleam
• Confusion + Psychic

Shadow Gardevoir is an apex Fairy Type, and a very usable Psychic Type as well. Its overall performance is always solid whenever it can deal Super Effective damage, though the rarity of good Fairy Types is the main reason that it's so high on this list.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock* + Thunderbolt

• Thunder Shock* + Drill Peck

Comments:

Despite lacking Wild Charge, the move that sets its competition apart, the sheer power of Shadow Zapdos makes it noteworthy as an Electric Type attacker. It's worth noting that Drill Peck is generally superior to Thunderbolt when both are super effective, though this isn't extremely common.

Optimal sets:

• Shadow Claw or Lick + Shadow Ball

Great sets:

• Shadow Claw or Lick + Sludge Bomb
• Hex or Sucker Punch + Shadow Ball

Comments:

Shadow Gengar hits like a meteor, but it's the epitome of a glass cannon. It takes the frailty and high damage of basic Gengar and compounds it into something truly spectacular, but the brightest flames are often the ones that burn the shortest. The big problem here is the fact that in the old-days the frailty was worth it for the sake of the high DPS, but nowadays we have other ghosts that survive a lot longer while losing only a little DPS. Still, Shadow Gengar is an absolute monster against Fighting Type coverage moves, in particular.

Optimal sets:

• Vine Whip + Power Whip

Great sets:

• Vine Whip + Solar Beam

Comments:

Grass is a rather under-powered type, but among the stand-outs, Shadow Tangrowth is one of the best It has a presence that easily rivals Shadow Venusaur. It also has the advantage of being a pure Grass type, making it more useful in select raids.

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Dynamic Punch

Comments:

While not quite as strong as Shadow Machamp, Shadow Hariyama is still a very powerful Fighting Type that is worth a slot on most teams.

Optimal sets:

• Gust* + Brave Bird
• Wing Attack + Brave Bird

Comments:

A very viable Flying Type attacker with a lot of power behind it. While not the best in its type, it can act as a great way to shore up a Flying Type team and potentially help with breezing through a few Tier 3 boss solo runs for players lacking full counter teams currently.

Optimal sets:

• Peck + Sky Attack

Great sets:

• Snarl + Dark Pulse

Comments:

Shadow Honchkrow is frail, but its DPS puts it near the top echelon of Flying and Dark Types. It has great role compression and can definitely get the job done

Optimal sets:

• Ember + Blast Burn* (Elite)

Comments:

It seems like everyone looks at Ember, gets disappointed, and walks away from poor Shadow Typhlosion. But hey, despite having a weaker Fast Move option, this is still a very solid Pokemon if you happen to have Blast Burn on it!

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

Shadow Latios stands in the shadows of many other dragons, but don't let that fool you; this is a strong Dragon Type attacker that can definitely hold its own, and it's solid as a Psychic Type as well. If you don't mind the huge cost, this is a Pokemon worth a bit of investment.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn (Elite)

Great sets:

• Counter + Focus Blast
• Fire Spin + Blaze Kick

Comments:

Blaziken is a great Fire starter thanks to its superior moveset and decent Attack stat. It can definitely put in the work when needed, but its competition contains some of the highest-DPS Pokemon in the game, so its investment should be weighed carefully. Still, raising a Blaziken will also have use for Mega Blaziken, so it's not a bad idea in truth.

As a Fighting Type... it's okay. Don't raise it specifically for this role.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash (legacy)

Great sets:

• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

Metagross had the stats and typing to eke its way into the tier list, but it didn't have the moves - until Meteor Mash. It's now an excellent generalist, a top counter to Ice, Rock, and Fairy, and a great choice for mashing through gyms.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Seed + Frenzy Plant (legacy)

Comments:

Sceptile is decent, but outclassed by many shadow Pokemon as a Grass Type attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw + Rock Slide

Comments:

While often overlooked, Shadow Aerodactyl is a very strong Rock Type attacker. While its typing can be an issue, it can still come in and do a great job in many raids.

Optimal sets:

• Ice Shard + Avalanche

• Snarl + Foul Play

Comments:

Shadow Weavile is a remarkably strong and very frail Pokemon. Its ability to perform as both a Dark Type and an Ice Type attacker gives its investment outstanding overall value to offset its high investment.

Best Movesets:

• Fairy Wind + Dazzling Gleam
• Fairy Wind + Fly

Enamorus is a strong Fairy Type attacker, with its best possible performance showing up against Pokemon weak to both Flying and Fairy Type moves. While it definitely has its flaws, and Fairy remains an under-valued type, it's not the worst option.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psystrike (elite)
• Psycho Cut or Confusion + Shadow Ball (elite)

Great sets:

• Confusion + Psychic
• Psycho Cut + Ice Beam
• Psycho Cut + Thunderbolt

Comments:

Mewtwo's massive Attack stat means that it excels at whatever it does. It's the game's top non-shadow Psychic attacker, which doesn't mean much on its own, but it can also operate as a viable attacker in many different types as well.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic

Great sets:

• Astonish + Shadow or Dark Pulse

Comments:

Hoopa: Unbound has absolutely tremendous potential, but is held back by movest. That said, it's still a viable pick for for a Psychic Type attacker, and can also make even Astonish work when combined with Shadow Ball or Dark Pulse.

Optimal Sets:

• Snarl + Shadow Ball or Dark Pulse

Comments:

When something fears the darkness, Darkrai has the skills needed to put those fears to rest... permanently. It has an outstanding overall performance, and tends to sit eerily close to Shadow Tyranitar as a Dark attacker. While Shadow Ball is the stronger move, the difference between it and Dark Pulse is tiny at best.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage (legacy)

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail + Draco Meteor

• Fire Fang + Fly

Comments:

Salamence has higher Attack than Dragonite, and now that it has Outrage too, it's definitively the better Dragon by a narrow margin. Draco Meteor is still pretty good, and ambitious raiders can put both on the same Salamence for extra DPS. The addition of Fly lets it act as a good counter to Grass- and Bug-type bosses when combined with Fire Fang.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Origin Pulse*

Comments:

When it comes to dousing the opposition, Kyogre is a top choice. Its high Water DPS is complemented by excellent bulk and a lack of a sub-typing that could potentially get in the way. Expect to keep seeing Kyogre as a top counter to targets weak to Water.

Optimal sets:

• Mud Shot + Precipice Blades*

Comments:

Groudon is a great Ground-type attacker, and the release of Precipice Blades makes it one of the top choices in that role. Though its raw DPS isn't particularly spectacular, Groudon is nonetheless useful against a large range of bosses.

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down + Rock Slide

Comments:

Rampardos joins Mewtwo and Rayquaza in the echelon of Pokemon with huge Attack stats. With both Smack Down and Rock Slide, it embarrasses Tyranitar and Rhyperior as Rock attackers. It's the most potent attacker into anything weak to Rock, only hampered by bulk comparable to Gengar.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage
• Mud Shot + Earth Power*

Comments:

As is, Garchomp does the same job as a handful of other Pokemon, with minor tradeoffs. It's a slightly worse Groudon with better resistances, or it's one of many top tier Dragons in GO.

Optimal sets:

• Powder Snow + Avalanche

• Mud Slap + High Horsepower

Comments:

Mamoswine bucked the trend of Ice and Ground mediocrity, possessing decent bulk, great movesets for Ice and Ground alike, and a great Attack stat to back it all up. 

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Magma Storm*

Comments

Initially cursed with bad Charged Moves, Heatran caught a break with the addition of its signature move, Magma Storm. Now it's a TDO Titan that has solid DPS to back it up, making it a monster that's definitely worth picking up for select raids.

Optimal sets:

• Shadow Claw + Shadow Force*

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail + Dragon Pulse
• Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball

Comments: Giratina - Origin Forme has long been a staple Pokemon among raiders, and with good reason. It has one of the best Ghost Type movesets in the game, a generally advantageous type that can frequently cover other Pokemon that share its role, and an absolutely titanic bulk that makes most other raid attackers green with envy. True, its attack stat is fairly low, but its stellar moveset and ability to absorb damage and lash out with strong attacks makes up for it.

Best Movesets:

• Gust + Oblivion Wing*

Great Movesets:

• Snarl + Dark Pulse

Yveltal is a strong and reliable Flying Type attacker, as well as a solid Dark Type attacker. This role compression makes it a solid investment for many players.

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Dynamic Punch

Comments:

Conkeldurr is a bulkier, slightly harder hitting Machamp, though it can't match up to the power of Lucario's Aura Sphere. Its biggest barriers are availability and evolution cost.

Optimal Sets:

• Fire Spin + Overheat
• Hex + Shadow Ball

Comments:

Chandelure does double duty as a Ghost / Fire type. It's essentially even with Giratina-O and Gengar on the Ghost end, while its Fire DPS outpaces Moltres. Chandelure is powerful and versatile, and can add typing-balance to any team.

Optimal Sets:

Bite + Brutal Swing*

Comments:

Hydreigon is one of the best Dark Type attackers in the game, soaring above much of the competition thanks to its solid base stats and access to Brutal Swing. While still a bit behind the top Ghosts in terms of DPS, this is still very much a great Pokemon to add to your team!

Optimal Sets:

• Bug Bite + Bug Buzz
• Fire Spin + Overheat

Comments:

Volcarona is one of the lucky Pokemon capable of pulling double-duty; in this case Bug and Fire. The former is a bit under-utilized in general while the latter is full of very strong Pokemon, so Volcarona isn't the absolute best investment, but it's still very solid in its own right. 

Optimal sets:

• Volt Switch + Wildbolt Storm

Comments:

Thundurus - Therian Forme has a great mix of raw power and moveset, making it one of the better Electric Type attackers currently in the game. Its Flying sub-typing can be a liability in some raids, particularly Water Types packing an Ice coverage move, but in general it's still a good pick.

Optimal sets:

• Mud Shot + Sandsear Storm

Comments:

Landorus - Therian Forme suffered a hit to its moveset pre-release when it lost Earth Power, but it later was given access to Sandsear storm to make it really great. With a great mix of stats and moves, this is definitely one of the best picks if you're after some Ground damage.

Best Moveset: Low Kick + Sacred Sword

While Keldeo can't quite keep up with Terrakion as a Fighting Type, it's still a powerful little pony that is worth adding to your team if you're lucky enough to have a good one.

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down (legacy) + Stone Edge
• Bite + Brutal Swing

Comments:

A double Psychic resistance, high all around stats, and Rock and Dark coverage render Tyranitar a tier list mainstay. Though there are now Rock attackers with higher DPS, Tyranitar stands as one of the best Dark attackers thanks to Brutal Swing

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Wild Charge

Comments:

Despite having semi-low bulk and the disadvantage of its Shadow Boost syphoning away a chunk of its defense, Shadow Magnezone's amazing typing tends to make it an absolutely outstanding DPS/TDO option for many raids. If you can play this robotic terror to its strengths, it will be one of the top counters in any relevant raid.

Best Movesets:

• Dragon Breath (Eltie) + Dragon Claw
• Fire Spin + Blast Burn (Elite)

While generally less powerful than its Y forme, Mega Charizard X has an arguably better typing and dual-type utility in its corner. The issue is the fact that it’s destined to be relegated to a “niche pick” in the future, as it will be outclassed as both a Fire Type and a Dragon Type. Still, it’s a very solid Mega Evolution that’s worth having.

Optimal Set:

Bug Bite + X-Scissor

Mega Scisor has a DPS rating fairly close to Mega Beedrill, but enough of a TDO increase to keep it very competitive. One of the best Bug Type Mega Evolutions in the game, it's definitely a must-have if you plan to make an insect-army to march against any raid bosses.

Best Movesets:

• Double Kick + Focus Blast

Mega Lopunny is easily overlooked, but it's honestly a really good Fighting Type attacker. Its Normal sub-typing can be a liability, but it's still a great backup if you're waiting for a better option to become cheaper to Mega Evolve.

Best Movesets:

• Bug Bite (Elite) + X-Scissor
• Infestation + X-Scissor
• Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb

While very strong, Mega Beedrill has the disadvantages of having two of the worst offensive typings and general frailty. While it can come in and wreak havoc on a relevant raid, it won’t be able to do so for long, and is unlikely to give full Mega Evolution boosts to the team as no one really uses Bug or Poison Types outside of weather boosts and/or double effectiveness. Its one big draw is the fact that it’s cheap to raise, which can make it an effective budget Mega Evolution. 

Optimal Set:

Snarl + Dark Pulse

Mega Absol is a bit of a classical glass cannon, sporting very high Dark Type damage but low bulk. It's still way behind Mega Gengar against Ghost/Psychic raid bosses, but it can still do the job just fine, and stands as a solid backup pick if you don't want to drop Gengar Mega Energy on a specific raid.

Best Movesets: 

Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

Bullet Punch + Iron Head

While not extremely useful long-term, Mega Scizor has the advantage of covering both Steel and Bug Types, making it a decent investment for those on a budget... though definitely not the best investment. It's fine, but not great.

Best Movesets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Pump
• Bite + Crunch

Much like Mega Charizard X, Mega Gyarados is a jack of multiple trades, but a master of none. With Water and Dark types covered, it brings attractive role compression to the table that’s sweetened by surprisingly high bulk. However, other Mega Evolutions will always be able to outclass it in one way or another. Mega Gyarados serves best at or near the back of a raid group, ready to anchor and bring some late-game power.

Optimal sets:

• Razor Leaf + Frenzy Plant

Comments:

Despite the fact that Shadow Venusaur is often seen as the better Grass Type, Mega Torterra generally has a performance that is very similar. The one issue is its Ground typing, which can get in the way of its ability to counter Water types in particualr.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Pump

• Waterfall + Aqua Tail*

Comments:

Shadow Gyarados is a reliable Water Type, with solid overall performance that gives it value in numerous raids. It's not the best at what it does, but it does what it does wwell.

Best Moveset: Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade

Great Moveset: Acid + Sludge Bomb

Shadow Victreebel has a very nice offensive presence, and can rack up damage very quickly. As a Grass Type, it is one of the best attackers and only falls short of a handful of Pokemon. On the Poison Side, it has absolutely fantastic offensive performance, but Poison is still a less than outstanding type.

Optimal sets:

• Water Gun + Hydro Cannon

Comments

Shadow Blastoise isn't the single best Water Type Pokemon by any stretch, but it still keeps pace with many of the top non-Shadow Water Types, making it a solid choice overall.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion (legacy) or Bullet Seed + Solar Beam

Great sets:

• Confusion (legacy) or Extrasensory + Psychic

Comments:

Exeggutor’s versatile role as both an elite Grass attacker and a strong Psychic attacker keep it on the list. As time goes by, it faces more and more competition on both fronts.

Optimal sets:

• Frost Breath or Ice Shard + Ice Beam or Blizzard

Even when it dropped, Articuno was pretty sub-par as an attacker. But as a Shadow, it's... okay. It isn't a great priority, but it's good enough to fill in a team slot, and it has decent TDO to boot.

• Best Moveset: Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb

Shadow Toxicroak is a very good Poison Type attacker... but it's still a Poison Type attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn*

Comments:

Shadow Charizard is a very good Fire Type attacker, able to hit very hard with Blast Burn. It's strong and worth investing in if you're lucky enough to find a good one.

Optimal Sets:

• Bug Bite + X-Scissor
• Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

One of the best bugs in the game without a doubt, but that title is a crown with little meaning. Even Shadow bugs lack the power needed to compete with other types outside of weather boosts and/or double effectiveness, making the value of this investment somewhat dubious.

Optimal sets:

• Charm + Play Rough

Comments:

Shadow Granbull falls through the cracks for a lot of players, but it's actually one of the best Fairy Types in the game. While it's not excessively powerful, the rarity of this potentially useful type gives Shadow Granbull some real utility when it's needed.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Fang + Wild Charge

Comments:

While a bit overshadowed, especially by its Mega Evolution, Shadow Manectric is actually a very solid Electric Type attacker that can shore up a team without breaking a sweat.

Best Movesets:

• Extrasensory + Aeroblast+

Good Movesets:

• Extrasensory + Aeroblast
• Extrasensory + Sky Attack

Comments:

Shadow Lugia is on this list for the same reason as normal Lugia; it's great at helping players get through select Tier-3 raids solo. However, Shadow Lugia takes on this role even better, and is also useful in general raids as an anchor without too much of a DPS loss in most cases. It's a solid Pokemon to raise, especially for newer players.

Note that an Apex Shadow Lugia with Aeroblast+ is the ideal way to go, but a normal Shadow Lugia with basic Aeroblast is still great.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Cannon (legacy)

Comments:

With its exclusive move Hydro Cannon, Feraligatr lived in the spotlight for a short 6 months before Swampert came along and did everything better. Still, it's definitely a solid Water Type that packs a major punch.

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Wild Charge

Comments

Shadow Luxray has great Electric Type DPS. It may not be the best in the game, but it's definitely a viable choice that can put out great damage.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Seed + Solar Beam

Good sets:

• Dragon Tail + Dragon Pulse

Comments:

The Shadow Boost was enough to actually put Alolan Exeggutor on the map. While its Dragon set is usable, its very synergetic dual-resistances list make it a great overall choice against specific raids. It's a bit niche, but it definitely pulls its weight when its time comes.

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw + Stone Edge
• Mud Slap + Earthquake

Comments:

The old-school Rock Type rises again! Shadow Golem is a great attacker, covering two types very effectively and standing near the top of each. If you happen to nab a good Shadow, this is a great investment.

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw or Roll Out* (Elite Move)+ Stone Edge
• Volt Switch + Wild Charge

Comments:

Alolan Golem is a decent option, but not the best. It's outclassed on both sides of the spectrum, but it's still viable.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn

Okay sets:

• Rock Smash + Close Combat

Comments:

Shadow Infernape is one of the better Shadow Starters, able to hit pretty hard as a Fire Type attacker. It's not top-tier, but it definitely can deal solid damage!

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Cannon 

Comments:

Shadow Empoleon has great performance when its Steel sub-typing comes into play, but most of the time it's a good-but-not-outstanding Water Type attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic 
• Psycho Cut + Psychic 

Great sets:

• Confusion + Future Sight
• Psycho Cut + Future Sight
• Counter + Focus Blast

Shadow Alakazam has DPS very similar to Psystrike Mewtwo, but with far less TDO. It's strong but frail, and is only best raised if you don't have a good Mewtwo yet. It can also pull duty as a Fighting Type attacker, though it's not outstanding on that front.

Optimal sets:

• Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant

Comments:

Shadow Venusaur sports a solid DPS/TDO mix and a useful typing that make it a very nice choice for relevant raids.

Best Moveset: Mud Shot + Earth Power

Good Movesets: Rock Throw + Rock Slide

Therian Forme outclasses Incarnate Forme.

Optimal sets:

• Bug Bite + X-Scissor
• Spark + Discharge

Comments:

One of the best bugs in the game, Vikavolt also has the advantage of having Electric Type damage output as well, though it's best sticking with the former.

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Dynamic Punch

Great sets:

• Bullet Seed + Grass Knot (legacy)

Comments:

Breloom was once well known for its slight DPS edge over Machamp, but that niche has long since closed. It's generally best to look elsewhere.

Optimal sets:

• Charm + Dazzling Gleam

Great sets:

• Confusion + Psychic

Comments:

Gardevoir was one of many run of the mill Machamp counters before it gained Charm and the buff to Psychic. Now it's also a great counter to Dragon types, although it needs the weather to be cloudy and / or the target to be using Dragon type moves in order to shine.

Optimal sets:

• Water Gun + Hydro Cannon (legacy)

Comments:

Swampert's solid stats are backed up by the insane power of Hydro Cannon. It's truly Kyogre-lite, with the added benefit of a Ground typing that adds Electric, Rock, and Poison resistances.

Optimal Sets:

• Vine Whip + Power Whip

Great Sets:

• Bite + Dark Pulse

Zarude is one of the first limited Mythical Pokemon to hit the game and actually make a bit of a splash. It's a very capable Grass Type attacker, and a usable Dark attacker as well.

Optimal sets:

• Bug Bite + Bug Buzz

Great sets:

• Low Kick + Focus Blast

Comments:

Pheromosa has a tremendous Attack stat that makes it super-competitive with virtually everything else in the game that uses Bug Type damage, but it's also a very easy bug to squish. If this thing had any bulk to speak of, it would be far higher on this list.

It's also... okay... as a Fighting Type.

Optimal sets:

• Acid + Gunk Shot

Comments:

While not strong enough to really put Poison Type on the map, Nihilego is a very capable Pokemon that can shore up a weakness that many players have in their teams. Though how much of an issue that weakness actually is stands as another matter altogether... 

Best Movesets:

• Incinerate + Sacred Fire

Movesets That Are Better But Should Not Exist:

• Incinerate + Sacred Fire++

Good Movesets:

• Hidden Power (Flying) + Brave Bird
• Hidden Power (Grass) + Solar Beam

Let's get this out of the way: don't purify your Shadow Ho-oh, Apex or otherwise! Sacred Fire++ is an amazing move, but purification results in a net-loss in power, even if going from a 13/13/13 shadow to a 15/15/15 purified.

That said: Ho-oh is a very solid Fire Type attacker that can definitely put in the work where needed. It's also a good Flying Type attacker and a passable Grass Type attacker given the proper Hidden Power typing, but Fire is definitely its forte.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Breath + Draco Meteor

Great sets:

• Metal Claw + Iron Head

Comments:

Dialga's TDO against Dragon-type foes makes it a top counter for most legendary bosses. Draco Meteor holds it back, but its unique ability to take neutral damage from Dragon-types is unrivaled.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Wild Charge

Great sets:

• Thunder Shock + Shadow Ball

Comments:

Electric’s favorable type coverage, Raikou's good bulk and damage output, and the frequent appearance of Water types on gym defense make Raikou a top attacker choice. The Shadow Ball set is not bad, but you're better off using a Ghost specialist.

Best Movesets:

• Ice Fang + Avalanche

With high base Attack and a stellar Ice Type moveset, Baxcalibur is is a potentially very strong Ice Type attacker that can put in a lot of work. It's not exactly one of the best, but investing in one isn't the absolute worst way to spend your stardust.

Best Movesets: 

• Mud Slap + Earth Power

Shadow Golurk is one of those easy-to-overlook Pokemon as it's not outstanding, but it's legitimately great for a Ground Type attacker, and can be pretty optimal when its Ghost sub-typing becomes useful.

Best Movesets:

• Air Slash + Sky Attack

Shadow Unfezant may not have the power of the absolute top Flying Types, but it's still very high-tier in terms of Flying Type damage output.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail or Dragon Breath + Outrage or Draco Meteor (legacy)

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail or Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw

Comments:

With great Dragons trickling onto the tier list, is Dragonite obsolete? Dragonite is still a fantastic attacker, as it doesn't require Rare Candy to power up. Historically, it has been far easier to obtain than the other Dragons on this tier list.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Overheat
• Wing Attack + Sky Attack (elite)

Comments:

Moltres is great for its high power and role compression, allowing it to be very effective as a Fire or Flying Type attacker.  While it's been outclassed in recent years, it still has the performance needed to be a viable investment in today's metagame.

Optimal sets:

• Bubble + Crabhammer

Comments:

It's Crabhammer time! Kingler finds the spotlight after 3 long years with a generous implementation of its signature move. It features slightly higher DPS than Kyogre, but Kyogre's tankiness is usually more valuable.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

With the buff to Psychic, Latios probably has a better niche as a Psychic type attacker, but it's a fine choice in Dragon type lineups as well.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Draco Meteor

Comments:

Palkia competes with the good Dragon-types like Dragonite and Salamence. Unfortunately, it can't touch Rayquaza's DPS. It would've been a great Water attacker if it had a Water fast move.

Best Movesets:

• Dragon Breath + Glaciate

With Glaciate at its disposal against a target that's equally weak to Ice and Dragon alike, Kyurem is actually a pretty decent pick, hovering right around Dragonite in terms of realistic performance. Its one comparative drawback, however, is the plethora of weaknesses that having an Ice sub-typing grants.

Optimal sets:

• Frost Breath or Ice Shard + Avalanche

Great sets:

• Frost Breath or Ice Shard + Ice Beam

Comments:

Glaceon is on par with Weavile as an Ice attacker, putting out nearly as much DPS with significantly better bulk. Like its fellow Eeveelutions, it's overall more accessible than its competition.

Optimal sets:

• Ice Fang+Avalanche

Comments:

Galarian Darmanitan is a glass cannon of an Ice Type, sporting high power and great overall performance that really can't be understated. However, it's also frail, so it's best used by players comfortable with dodging.

Optimal Set:

Snarl + Foul Play

While not the best Dark Type, Zoroark manages to keep fairly relevant thanks to its solid power and good moveset.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Fang + Overheat

Comments:

Darmanitan is the new king of Fire-type DPS. Despite this, Fire Pokemon aren't immediately useful and most of Darmanitan's competition on this list have useful secondary typings, making them better investments.

Optimal sets:

• Shadow Claw or Lick (legacy) + Shadow Ball

Great sets:

• Shadow Claw or Lick (legacy) + Sludge Bomb
• Hex or Sucker Punch + Shadow Ball

Comments:

Gengar's DPS is a standout among Psychic and Ghost counters. Its durability was awful and its DPS used to hinge on the legacy Shadow Claw. Changes in late 2018 gave Gengar access to Lick and 25% more bulk, catapulting its viability as a top attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down + Meteor Beam*

Comments:

Probably the most vanilla flavored Rock Type out there, Gigalith was given new life with the introduction of Meteor Beam, which puts it on a par with many of the "good" Rock Type attackers in the game.

Optimal sets:

• Magical Leaf+ Grass Knot

Saved in the September 2023 update with Grass Knot, Shaymin - Sky Forme is a strong Grass Type attacker that can definitely put in great work.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Future Sight

Great sets:

• Extrasensory + Future Sight

Comments:

Azelf is a minor upgrade to Alakazam or Espeon as a Psychic attacker. It has the same offensive stat distribution, but overall slightly better stats. If you want to burn Rare Candy, Mewtwo is a far better choice.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Wild Charge

Comments:

Players are quick to write off Raikou as obsolete, with Electivire claiming the Electric DPS throne. But this DPS lead is insignificant, and Raikou is way more durable. It's a matter of preference.

Optimal sets:

• Wing Attack + Brave Bird

Comments:

A nice addition to any early-game team, Staraptor has solid power for potentially small cost. Just raise a high-leveled one and go to town on some raids!

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Wild Charge

Comments:

Though not quite matching the DPS of Raikou or Electivire, Magnezone stands out in matchups where it can leverage one of its 12 resistances. It's the only top counter to Water, for example, that resists Blizzard.

Optimal sets:

• Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant (legacy)

Comments

Frenzy Plant makes Chesnaught good, but not really great. It's a solid Greass Type filler.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Outrage
• Rock Throw + Stone Edge

Best Movesets:

• Geomancy + Moonblast

Once one of the poster-Pokemon for great Pokemon turned bad in Pokemon Go, Xerneas is now an objectively great Fairy Type attacker thanks to the sheer power of Moonblast. While it can't quite keep up with the Shadow Fairy Types, it's still great in its own right!

Optimal sets:

• Ice Shard + Avalanche
• Snarl + Foul Play

Comments:

Few Pokemon in GO can claim to excel at multiple roles, and Weavile is one of them. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the top DPS in either Ice or Dark (or Ghost), and it's frailer than the top options, thus relegating it to this part of the tier list.

Optimal sets:

• Peck + Sky Attack

Great sets:

• Snarl + Dark Pulse

Comments:

After gaining Sky Attack, Honchkrow can finally live up to its hype. It's a top attacker into types weak to Flying, though they are less represented in the raid roster. It's a decent Dark attacker, but it's strictly worse than Weavile.

Optimal sets:

• Razor Leaf + Grass Knot
• Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb

Comments:

Roserade was nominally the game's top DPS Grass attacker with Solar Beam, but it later secured that title with the more reliable Grass Knot. It's also the best Poison attacker, for what that's worth.

Optimal sets:

• Counter or Karate Chop (legacy) + Dynamic Punch

Great sets:

• Counter + Close Combat or Cross Chop

Comments:

The Champ ruled the Fighting Type meta for years, but it's finally given up its title to some of the newer faces.... and eventually took that title back in its Shadow forme, oddly. Either way, Machamp is still perfectly viable, and an outstanding choice for building up your raid team. 

Optimal sets:

• Iron Tail + Iron Head

Comments:

Mega Aggron is not the strongest Mega Evolution, but it's certainly reliable. 

Optimal Sets:

• Fury Cutter + X-Scissor
• Bullet Punch + Iron Head

One of the best bugs in the game without a doubt, but that title is a crown with little meaning. Even Shadow bugs lack the power needed to compete with other types outside of weather boosts and/or double effectiveness, making the value of this investment somewhat dubious.

Best Moveset: Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade

Great Moveset: Snarl* or Feint Attack + Foul Play

It can work fairly well as a Dark or Grass attacker, but it's pretty frail.

Optimal sets:

• Powder Snow + Weather Ball (Ice)
• Razor Leaf + Energy Ball

Comments:

A solid Ice/Grass Type attacker, Shadow Abomasnow is worth a second look.

Best Moveset: Hex + Shadow Ball

Shadow Mismagius is viable, but not great. Overall it's better to invest in other ghosts.

Best Moveset: Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball

Shadow Banette is a glass cannon, without a doubt. It has very high DPS that is second only to Megas of its type, but it's so remarkably frail that it's not an outstanding investment.

Optimal sets:

• Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb
• Bite + Crunch

Comments:

A decent Poison Type, and a decent Dark Type. Shadow Skuntank isn't great, but it's okay.

Optimal sets:

• Sucker Punch + Dark Pulse

Great sets:

• Sucker Punch + Grass Knot

Comments:

Yet another overlooked Pokemon, Shadow Cacturne can definitely put in some work as a Dark Type attacker. It can do a bit as a Grass Type too, but its lack of a Grass Type Fast Move limits it a bit on that side.

Optimal sets:

• Water Fall + Hydro Pump
• Bite + Crunch

Comments:

Shadow Sharpedo actually has a fair bit of damage behind its nam-...aaand it's already fainted.

Optimal sets:

• Charge Beam + Zap Cannon

Great sets:

• Volt Switch + Zap Cannon

Comments:

A decent Electric Type attacker if you happen to have one.

Optimal Sets:

Fire Spin + Fire Punch

Comments:

Despite being cursed with a bad moveset, Shadow Magmortar definitely isn't a bad Pokemon. It's costly and has very real competition that can be raised for cheaper, but it's not a horrible place to drop your Stardust if you genuinely need Fire power.

Optimal sets:

• Sand Attack + Scorching Sands

Comments:

Shadow Hippowdon has a great Ground Type moveset, but its attack is too low to be genuinely impressive in its own right.

Best Movesets:

• Dragon Breath + Outrage
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Shadow Latias has steep competition for both of its types, and isn't great on either side of the spectrum. However, it's not a terrible choice for newer players who don't mind dropping a ton of resources due to its role-compression of covering two types.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Fang + Flamethrower
• Thunder Fang + Wild Charge

Comments:

A bit of an oddity, Shadow Arcanine is decent as a Fire Type attacker and... also okay as an Electric Type attacker? Yeah, I guess that a great moveset and good stats can do wonders. It's not super-great, but it's nice.

Optimal sets:

• Razor Leaf + Solar Beam
• Acid + Sludge Bomb

It's easy to say "skip" when you see Oddish on a Rocket's lineup, but Shadow Vileplume is actually a pretty solid attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Mud Shot + Earth Power* (Elite)
• Dragon Tail + Dragon Claw

Great sets:

• Mud Shot + Earthquake

Comments:

While okay as a Dragon, Shadow Flygon shines as a Ground Type attacker. Not too brightly, mind you, but enough to be worth considering.

Best Moveset: Snarl + Foul Play

Great Moveset: Fire Fang + Flamethrower

Shadow Houndoom has some very high damage behnd it, but is best as a Dark Type attacker without a doubt. It's inferior to its Mega Forme, but is still viable.

Optimal sets:

• Hidden Power + Tri-Attack
• Lock On + Tri-Attack

Comments:

"What's this?", I hear you say. "A Normal Type in my Tier List", you continue. Well, yeah! Despite its entirely unimpressive typing, Shadow Porygon-Z actually has some great potential, as This Article will elaborate on. Note that without these circumstances, it's pretty mediocre all-in-all.

Best Movesets:

• Hidden Power (Fighting) + Focus Blast
• Hidden Power (Electric) + Thunder
• (Any) + Giga Impact

Shadow Regigigas can be a real work-horse for any team, providing great neutral damage or on-type damage with a bit of Hidden Power luck. However, it's not really valuable enough to consider investing in unless you happen to get high IVs and great Hidden Power type, and also just really, really like Regigigas.

Optimal sets:

• Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant (legacy)

Comments

Venusaur is viable, and is overall a good and solid Pokemon to use. However, it's nowhere near as good as it once was. Still, it's worth raising one or two Frenzy Plant Venusaur to round out a raid team

Best Movesets:

• Water Gun + Crab Hammer

Crab Hammer is just too good, and so Clawitzer finds its way onto our tier list. It's a vanilla-flavored Water Type in a sea of the same, so it's not a huge deal if you don't have a good one to raise. Still, it can do the job if you're in need of some Water Type damage!

Optimal sets:

• Smack Down + Stone Edge
• Iron Tail + Heavy Slam

Comments:

Don't use Aggron, but Shadow Aggron gets a pass.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion or Psycho Cut + Future Sight

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Close Combat

Comments:

Galarian Zapdos is a decent Fighting Type that can shore up team weaknesses.

Optimal sets:

• Varies

Comments:

Zacian relies on its semi-high Attack to carry it, as its moveset is a mismatched hodge-podge. 

Best Movesets:

• Powder Snow + Weather Ball Ice
• Charm + Dazzling Gleam

While not the best Fairy or Ice attacker, Shadow Alolan Ninetails can definitely put in some work, especially when fighting Dragon Type movesets.

Best Moveset : Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

Great Moveset: Metal Claw + Magnet Bomb

A solid choice for a Bug Type attacker, Genesect is basically an improved version of Scizor/a less powerful Shadow Scizor. It has a strong Bug Type presence, but Bug Type's lackluster general performance means it's not exactly a priority most of the time.

As a Steel attacker, Genesect is.... usable. 

Best Moveset : Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

Great Moveset: Metal Claw + Magnet Bomb

A solid choice for a Bug Type attacker, Genesect is basically an improved version of Scizor/a less powerful Shadow Scizor. It has a strong Bug Type presence, but Bug Type's lackluster general performance means it's not exactly a priority most of the time.

As a Steel attacker, Genesect is.... usable. 

Best Moveset : Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

Great Moveset: Metal Claw + Magnet Bomb

A solid choice for a Bug Type attacker, Genesect is basically an improved version of Scizor/a less powerful Shadow Scizor. It has a strong Bug Type presence, but Bug Type's lackluster general performance means it's not exactly a priority most of the time.

As a Steel attacker, Genesect is.... usable. 

Optimal sets:

• Charm + Dazzling Gleam

Comments:

Easily one of the most accessible Fairy Types, Sylveon can help to shore up a team weakness at rock-bottom cost.

Best Moveset : Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

Great Moveset: Metal Claw + Magnet Bomb

A solid choice for a Bug Type attacker, Genesect is basically an improved version of Scizor/a less powerful Shadow Scizor. It has a strong Bug Type presence, but Bug Type's lackluster general performance means it's not exactly a priority most of the time.

As a Steel attacker, Genesect is.... usable. 

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw + Rock Slide

Comments:

The classical Pterosaur, Aerodactyl makes for a pretty decent Rock Type attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Crabhammer

Comments:

Though not a crab, Crawdaunt is eligible to wield its pincers like one. It's strong, but rather frail. Note that Snarl is preferred vs. targets weak to both Water and Dark. 

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock (legacy) + Thunderbolt

Great sets:

• Charge Beam  + Thunderbolt

Comments:

Zapdos's higher Attack compared to Raikou is more than offset by a worse charged move. Zapdos isn't bad, but it's difficult to justify spending Rare Candy on it when Raikou could get it instead. Thunder Shock closes that gap by a lot, but Zapdos is still not as bulky.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Cannon (legacy)

Comments:

With its exclusive move Hydro Cannon, Feraligatr lived in the spotlight for a short 6 months before Swampert came along and did everything better.

Optimal sets:

• Charm + Play Rough

Comments:

Need a Fairy Type? Granbull is pretty okay if you do.

Optimal sets:

• Fury Cutter + X-Scissor 
• Bullet Punch + Iron Head

Comments:

One of the classical Bugs, Scizor has the added advantage of being good on the Steel Type side of the spectrum as well.

Optimal sets:

• Magical Leaf + Leaf Storm

Comments:

While throwing leaves around, Celebi is actually a bit of a stand-out among most of the Mythcial Pokemon as it can do a bit in raids. It's not great, but it's definitely not bad either.

Optimal Sets:

• Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
• Volt Switch or Quick Attack + Nature's Madness

Good Sets:

• Volt Switch + Dazzling Gleam

Tapu Koko is a decent Fairy Type attacker and an okay Electric Type attacker. Though it lacks a Fairy-type Fast Attack, it gets by thanks to Nature's Madness being a really good move. As an Electric Type attacker, if you're short on Electric Types, then it can help to shore up your team, but it shouldn't be a top priority by any stretch.

Best Movesets:

• Confusion + Psyshock

Good Movesets

• Confusion + Future Sight
• Confusion + Moonblast

Tapu Lele is... okay. It's got decent damage output, but its lack of a Fairy Type fast move hurts it pretty badly. And on the other side of the spectrum, Psychic is one of the absolute strongest types in the game, so it's pretty hard to make an impact there.

Tapu Lele can be helpful for newer players who lack better options, as its dual resistance to Fighting makes it solid for specific raids.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Seed + Grass Knot

Comments:

A solid Grass Type attacker, you could definitely do worse than Tapu Bulu.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Seed + Frenzy Plant (legacy)

Comments:

Sceptile is decent, but outclassed by many shadow Pokemon as a Grass Type attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn (Elite)

Great sets:

• Counter + Focus Blast
• Fire Spin + Blaze Kick

Comments:

Blaziken is a great Fire starter thanks to its superior moveset and decent Attack stat. It can definitely put in the work when needed, but its competition contains some of the highest-DPS Pokemon in the game, so its investment should be weighed carefully. Still, raising a Blaziken will also have use for Mega Blaziken, so it's not a bad idea in truth.

As a Fighting Type... it's okay. Don't raise it specifically for this role.

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Dynamic Punch

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Fang + Wild Charge

Comments:

While not near the top of the list, Manectric is a decent Electric Type in its own right.

Optimal sets:

• Razor Leaf + Frenzy Plant (legacy)

Comments

Torterra with its Community Day move is comparable to Venusaur. It has better stats but a worse Fast Move, and its defensive typing can hurt more than help.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Thunder
• Thunder Shock + Thunder Punch

Comments:

While its alternate forme is stronger, Thundurus - Incarnate Forme is still decent on its own.

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Wild Charge

Comments

Luxray is a solid choice for filling in any Electric Type team. It's decently strong, and not the hardest Electric Type Pokemon to get.

Optimal sets:

• Vine Whip + Power Whip

Comments

Tangrowth is back on the market with Power Whip, though it doesn't particularly stand out. There exist edge cases where its bulkiness gives it a slight advantage.

Optimal sets:

• Charm + Dazzling Gleam

Comments:

Togekiss functions almost the same as Gardevoir, trading some Attack for bulk. It can leverage useful double resistances to Fighting and Dragon, among others. Don't bother messing around with Hidden Power. 

Optimal sets:

• Bug Bite + Bug Buzz
• Wing Attack + Aerial Ace

Comments:

One of the classical bugs, Yanmega can also work as a Flying Type for added value.

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw or Roll Out* (Elite Move)+ Stone Edge
• Volt Switch + Wild Charge

Comments:

Golem's tropical cousin, Alolan Golem trades off its Ground Type set for an Electric Type set, which it actually manages pretty well.

Optimal sets:

• Ember + Blast Burn (Legacy)

Comments:

Definitely overshadowed by many of the other Fire Type starters, but definitely still viable based on its own merit. 

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Cannon (Elite)

Comments:

While frequently overlooked in favor of many of the other Water Type starters, Samurott has the raw power and moveset needed to be worth an investment if you need more Water-power.

Best Movesets:

• Air Slash + Sky Attack

Despite being the Unova region's Pidgey evolution, Unfezant has solid attack and a very nice moveset, which is just enough to make it a very viable Flying Type attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Snarl + Crunch
• Mud Slap + Earthquake

Comments:

Able to attack from two different types, Krookodile is a decent Pokemon worthy of consideration if you need Ground or Dark Type damage.

Optimal sets:

• Bug Bite + Megahorn

Comments:

While newer on the list than many of the classical Bugs, Escavalier is actually a fine Bug Type attacker itself.

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Tail + Breaking Swipe*

Comments:

Haxorus's access to Dragon Tail and Breaking Swipe makes it a surprisingly powerful Dragon Type attacker that's genuinely worth a spot on many teams. It's a bit frail and can't quite keep up with the top Shadows, but it's still objectively great!

Optimal sets:

• Air Slash + Brave Bird

Comments:

Braviary is a decent Flying Type attacker.

• Best Moveset: Gust + Bleakwind Storm

Bleakwind Storm is strong enough to push Tornadus - Therian up to  "useable" tier despite being weaker than its Incarnate forme, but it's still not really worth investing in.

Best Moveset : Fury Cutter + X-Scissor

Great Moveset: Metal Claw + Magnet Bomb

A solid choice for a Bug Type attacker, Genesect is basically an improved version of Scizor/a less powerful Shadow Scizor. It has a strong Bug Type presence, but Bug Type's lackluster general performance means it's not exactly a priority most of the time.

As a Steel attacker, Genesect is.... usable. 

Optimal sets:

• Dragon Breath + Dazzling Gleam

Great sets:

• Dragon Breath + Dragon Pulse
• Dragon Breath + Moonblast (Elite)

Comments:

Want to know why this weak little cotton-dragon ranks on the tier list? Here's why.

Optimal sets:

• Iron Tail + Heavy Slam
• Anything + Earthquake

Optimal sets:

• Fury Cutter + X-Scissor
• Air Slash + Aerial Ace

Comments:

While we don't normally rate not-fully-evolved Pokemon, Shadow Scyther's ability to keep pace with Shadow Pinsir leaves it barely worth considering. Its typing is less useful in general, but it can also work as a Flying Type if you wanted to try something a bit different.

Best Moveset: Confusion + Psychic

Good Moveset: Low Kick + Focus Blast

Shadow Gallade definitely exists!

Optimal sets:

• Poison Jab + Gunk Shot

Optimal sets:

• Frost Breath or Ice Shard + avalanche

Optimal sets:

• Frost Breath + Icicle Spear
• Water Fall + Water Pulse

Optimal sets:

• Water Fall + Hydro Pump
• Dragon Breath + Outrage

Best Movesets:

• Poison Jab + Gunk Shot
• Bite + Dark Pulse

Shadow Alolan Muk can operate on the Poison and Dark sides, with the former being a bit stronger. However, it's not outstanding on either front.

Optimal Sets:

• Double Kick + Sacred Sword

Good Sets:

• Metal Claw + Iron Head

Comments:

Cobalion has always been pretty "meh" overall, but the September 2022 moveset update gave it access to Double Kick, completing a Fighting Type moveset with the obscenely strong Sacred Sword. Now it's... still pretty "meh", but at least it can put in some work.

Optimal sets:

• Snarl + Dark Pulse
• Metal Claw + Iron Head

Optimal sets:

• Infestation + Signal Beam

Optimal sets:

• Double Kick + Sacred Sword

Comments:

While not a great attacker, the introduction of Double Kick in September 2022 gave Virizion a viable STAB set that makes it a decent choice when Fighting Types are needed.

Optimal sets:

• Air Slash + Hurricane

Comments:

A decent Flying Type.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psyshock

Comments:

A Psychic Type attacker with the bonus of resisting Ghost Types... but also the disadvantage of not resisting Fighting Types.

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Thunderbolt

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn (legacy)

Comments

Charizard lived in Flareon's shadow until its Community Day came along. It's functionally a strictly worse Moltres, but it's a top Fire attacker that doesn't need Rare Candy.

Optimal sets:

• Water Shuriken + Hydro Cannon

Optimal sets:

• Counter + Close Combat

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Wild Charge

Comments:

It's okay, but just forme change to Unbound.

Optimal sets:

• Air Slash + Brave Bird
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

Similar to normal Braviary, but with a better typing and less power.

Optimal sets:

• Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb

Optimal sets:

• Spark + Wild Charge

Best Movesets:

• Hex + Shadow Ball

Need a Ghost attacker? Shadow Drifblim can work. It's not great at what it does, but its Flying sub-typing will occasionally let it stand out.

Optimal sets:

• Wing Attack or Steel Wing + Any

Comments:

Look at that messed up moveset! If poor Archeops just had a coherent moveset, it would be amazing. But as-is, it's a gap-fill at best.

Optimal sets:

• Vine Whip + Grass Knot

Optimal sets:

• Confusion or Psycho Cut + Psychic (legacy)

Great sets:

• Confusion or Psycho Cut + Future Sight
• Confusion or Psycho Cut + Shadow Ball

Comments:

Alakazam is still a viable attacker with a high DPS, but its niche has virtually disappeared since the release of Psystrike Mewtwo, which puts Alakazam to shame. Still, Alakazam is a worthwhile budget attacker.

Optimal sets:

• Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade
• Acid + Sludge Bomb

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw + Stone Edge
• Mud Slap + Earthquake

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Seed + Solar Beam
• Confusion + Psychic

Comments:

Exeggutor can work on both the Grass and Psychic sides of the fence, so it's a pretty decent Pokemon overall.

Optimal sets:

• Frost Breath + Avalanche
• Confusion + Psyshock

Optimal sets:

• Bug Bite + X-Scissor

Comments:

The old classical Bug Type, Pinsir is a pretty solid Bug Type.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Pump

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail (legacy) + Outrage

Comments:

Gyarados is just a good Water attacker not dependent on Rare Candy or Community Day windows. Its Dragon and Dark movesets are usable but subpar. Gyarados's Flying typing helps vs. Ground but hurts vs. Rock.

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt 

Optimal sets:

• Ember + Blast Burn* (Elite)

Comments:

Another solid Fire Type starter.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic

Great sets:

• Confusion + Future Sight
• Zen Headbutt + Psychic

Comments:

Espeon’s high Attack stat and good movesets make it a great Psychic attacker, useful in the enduring Machamp raid. Its boon is how easy it is to obtain compared to its competitors.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Fang + Overheat

Great sets:

• Fire Spin + Overheat
• Fire Fang + Flamethrower

Comments:

Entei does less DPS than Moltres, but its bulk allows it to do much more TDO. It also has a viable 2 bar charge move with Flamethrower, which is better for gym attacking.

Best Movesets:

• Extrasensory + Aeroblast

Movesets That Are Better But Should Not Exist:

• Extrasensory + Aeroblast++

Good Movesets:

• Extrasensory + Sky Attack
• Extrasensory + Future Sight

Let's get this out of the way: don't purify your Shadow Lugia, Apex or otherwise! Aeroblast++ is an amazing move, but purification results in a net-loss in power, even if going from a 13/13/13 shadow to a 15/15/15 purified.

So why is a Pokemon like Lugia on our tier list when DPS is king and TDO is a footnote? Because this is the Pokemon that can secure several Tier-3 solos for many players. It has just enough DPS to stay viable in relevant matchups, and the TDO needed to stay in the game until the bitter end. Even if you lack top counters, Lugia can be the Pokemon that you need to get into solo raiding, making it a solid investment for newer players who don't have a consistent raid group to go to.

Optimal sets:

• Peck + Drill Peck

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic

Comments:

Despite being well known for its massively powerful Fire Type Signature move, Victini is generally best used as a Psychic Type.

Optimal sets:

• Rock Throw + Stone Edge

Best Moveset:

• Confusion + Psychic

Good Movesets:

• Confusion + Shadow Ball

A mix of Ghost and Psychic makes Lunala an outstanding counter to Fighting Types, as it triple-resists their STAB moves. However, its damage output is also pretty low.

Optimal sets:

• Sucker Punch + Dark Pulse or Grass Knot

Optimal sets:

• Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball

Comments:

A decent but glassy Ghost.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic

Comments:

Despite Doom Desire being a powerful attack, Jirachi is generally relegated to its role as a Psychic Type attacker due to a lack of a Steel Type fast move.

Optimal Sets:

• Shadow Claw + Shadow Force*

It feels a bit strange to see Giratina - Altered Forme on this list, but access to Shadow Force gave it just enough power to make it worth considering as a tanky option for a number of raids. It's nowhere near perfect, but it puts in work.

Optimal sets:

• Fire Spin + Blast Burn

Okay sets:

• Rock Smash + Close Combat

Comments:

As with basically every other viable Fire starter, Infernape's claim to its very meager fame is Blast Burn. This move drives it to be a solid attacker that can put in the work and fill in team holes until better options become available.

It can also operate as a Fighting Type, but it's woefully outclassed in this regard.

Optimal sets:

• Waterfall + Hydro Cannon (legacy)

Comments:

While several other Water-types remain better, the addition of Community Day Hydro Cannon puts Empoleon on equal footing with Feraligatr, despite a few differences with its defensive typing.

Optimal sets:

• Confusion + Psychic

Comments:

An okay second-string Psychic or Fighting Type.

Optimal sets:

• Bullet Seed + Solar Beam

Great sets:

• Dragon Tail + Dragon Pulse

Comments:

Alolan Exeggutor's Grass / Dragon typing gives it a double Water resistance and neutrality to Fire. Alolan Exeggutor does better in those matchups. As a Dragon attacker, it's severely outclassed by everything above it, but it can do in a pinch. 

Optimal sets:

• Thunder Shock + Wild Charge

Optimal sets:

• Poison Jab + Dark Pulse

Best Movesets:

• Gust + Brave Bird

Bird hit enemies, but bird not do a good job.