As the technology inside our smartphones progresses, so do the games inside of them. Pokemon Go has made a lot of changes and improvements since launching in 2016, and Raids and battles are more available than ever. So are the Pokemon, though, and between 730 different Pokemon, it can be daunting to pick who to send out first.
Especially when you have a huge lineup that you’ve been working on for years. Tried and tested, these are ten of the best leading Pokemon to open up your battles with, which might just be the difference between victory and going home empty-handed.
10 Garchomp, DPS Torpedo
The final Dragon-Ground type evolution in the Gible line, Garchomp, is a strong Pokemon to send out first. Dragon Tail and Outrage both feature high damage-per-second and give you a big opportunity to strike first and last at the same time.
Garchomp’s maximum CP is 3,962, making it a great Pokemon for raids and team battles. Garchomp is also capable of learning Earth Power from a TM for a powerful bonus punch. Garchomp is weak to Ice, Fairy, and Dragon types. Not perfect, but still tough.
9 Sylveon, Winning Ribbons
This pastel Fairy-Type Eeveelution is more useful as a lead Pokemon than it looks. Dazzling Gleam has a higher than average DPS, and when used in combination with Charm there’s a high chance of turning battles in your favor. Sylveon’s Max CP is a little over 3,000, so you won’t have much trouble pushing ahead in raids and gym battles.
If you want to use a more offensive move combo, you can also use Draining Kiss alongside Moonblast or Psychock. Sylveon may be adorable and frilly, but it’s fully capable of handing out a beatdown.
8 Houndoom, Devil Doggy
This Dark and Fire Type canine is more bite than bark. Houndoom is a strong leader and a great Pokemon to start your Raid battles with. This Pokemon is resistant to over half the types, so even without major damage in every hit, you’re still at an advantage often.
Houndoom’s Max CP is 2,635, but Fire Fang and Flamethrower are moves that exceed expectations. The shadowy fire puppy is an excellent choice to lead battles with, especially when you’re not sure what you might be up against.
7 Rhyperior’s Super Strength
Rhyperior was a later but welcome addition to the Rhyhorn evolution line. With its rock-hard design also came some earth-shattering moves. If Mud-Slap and Earthquake aren’t arena-shaking enough for you, Rhyperior can also learn Rock Wrecker via TM for even more quaking power.
If a surprise move combo is more your thing, you can also use Surf for an unexpected twist and a heavier hit when you need that water blast. Rhyperior itself is incredibly weak to water, though, so try to stay dry.
6 Venusaur, Old But Gold
Venusaur has been one heck of a leading Pokemon since the very beginning, and Pokemon Go is no exception. Vine Whip still stands up as a strong move, and Frenzy Plant is a newer move that Venusaur can add to its moveset. When in doubt, there’s always trusty old Razor Leaf.
Venusaur’s Max CP is 2,720, so it’s more suited to Raid battles and leading a gym for as long as it can hold its spot, which is a while if you have the right moves.
5 Jellicent, Only Squishy In Looks
This massive ghostly jellyfish may look soft and bubbly, but don’t let that fool you. With a high attack and loads of stamina, Jellicent is as strong as it is large. Jellicent gets a boost from Rain and Fog weather conditions, a perfect lead for those foggy morning sessions or a rainy day in with Remote passes.
Hex and Shadow ball are a spooky, formidable combination, and Jellicent packs a lot of potential Water and Ice type moves to pummel opponents with freezing rains.
4 Trevenant, Big Spooky Tree
Trevenant is as scary in battle as it looks in the wild and on the Pokedex. This horror tree boasts a combination of Ghost and Grass types, an offensive power pack. Shadow Ball is a hard hitter with the potential to whittle down an opposing party without even changing out.
Trevenant is a powerful lead in PVP, but don’t let that stop you from using its powerful attacks and heavy stamina as an edge in Raid and Gym battles as well.
3 Swampert The Muddy
The Mudkip evolution line has been a fan favorite since its entrance into the Pokemon series, and Swampert continues to be a strong Pokemon to head up your battle party with. Only vulnerable to Grass-types, Swampert is a Water and Ground-type that’s difficult to budge and even harder to defeat.
Mud Shot is a great choice and a fast move, but if you end up getting your hands on Hydro Cannon, you’re going to want it in Swampert’s arsenal. Muddy Water is another move that helps turn the tide.
2 Medicham, The Counter Artist
Fighting-type Pokemon are an easy choice when you’re trying to pack a punch. Medicham makes a strong lead, not just for the attack but also for the defense. Counter is a defensive move that gives you a strong offense when the time is right, and Dynamic Punch sends it home with a wallop.
Medicham’s Max CP is pretty low, so you want to keep an eye on what you’re going up against, but when you need to deal a lot of blows early on, Medicham has got you.
1 Scrafty, More Like Scrappy
Scrafty is a good beat-em-up-style, quick-hitter that’s sure to give you an advantage when it’s at the front of your party. Dark and Fighting types come together for a combination that’s hard to best.
Foul Play has high DPS and is a typical move for Scrafty to have, so you’re coming out the gate with a great amount of attack power. PVP is the perfect playing field for a quick and light Pokemon like Scrafty to lead a party into battle.