Each cup that Pokemon Go brings to the game puts a unique spin on one of the competitions offered in the Go Battle League. In the case of the Master Premier Cup, this serves as a variation of the Master League, the home of Pokemon Go's most powerful Pokemon.

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Placing fewer restrictions on the Pokemon eligible for this competition than some of the other cups that have been introduced in the past, this cup functions similarly to the standard Master League. That being said, the restrictions that are placed are impactful, greatly altering the Pokemon that you will want to choose when striving for victory. Don't worry though, we've got you covered.

Pokemon Go Master Premier Cup Restrictions

Being a Master League competition, there is no CP limit placed on the Pokemon that you use, allowing you to battle with some of your strongest Pokemon. That being said, Pokemon that have been powered up using XL Candy are not allowed to be used.

The second restriction prohibits the use of Legendary or Mythic Pokemon in your team. This may not seem like a big change, but many of the most popular choices in the Go Battle League fall into one of these two categories. These restrictions combine to put a unique spin on the current Master League meta.

Best Master Premier Cup Leads

When it comes to your Lead Pokemon, you will want to choose one that has fast-filling Charged Attacks. This will either deal significant damage to your opponent or benefit you later on in the match if they counter with the use of their shields. Breaking these early leaves them vulnerable to attacks from your closer.

Additionally, it helps if this Pokemon is bulky, allowing you to withstand multiple attacks and outlast your competition. This will allow you to save your shields early on in the battle, giving you a way to defend yourself later on in the match.

Fast Moves are in normal text, Charge Moves in italic.

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Resistant means that the Pokemon takes less damage from moves of that type.

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Weak means that the Pokemon takes more damage from moves of that type.

Best Master Premier Cup Switches

For your Switch Pokemon, you will want to choose those that can cover for your Lead. This will allow you to quickly bring them into battle, preventing your Lead from taking a beating against a potentially strong counter.

For this reason, you will want a Pokemon that will cover multiple resistances, mainly those that your Lead does not. That being said, it is also best if these Pokemon are powerful, having the ability to deal significant damage to whichever Pokemon they are matched up against.

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Best Master Premier Cup Closers

For your Closer Pokemon, you will want a Pokemon that is relatively quick with its attacks, Additionally, it is helpful if these attacks are powerful, giving you the tools to finish off the last of your opponent's team.

Although they don't need to be the bulkiest Pokemon on your team, you still want to make sure that your closer has decent defensive stats. This is not the most important factor when deciding on your Closer Pokemon, but will come in handy if your opponent makes a late push for victory.

Master Premier Cup Recommended Team Comps

Now that we have covered the best Leads, Switches, and Closers for this competition, it's time to talk team comps. We have put together three different teams that will perform well throughout this cup, all found below.

Florges - Gyarados - Excadrill

This team consists of Pokemon with relatively high attacking stats, giving you the ability to deal massive damage to your opponent. Although this may lack in bulk compared to others, the damage output should outweigh this and lead you to victory.

For this reason, make use of as many attacks as possible, either forcing your opponent to use up their shields or, even better, quickly knocking out their team. If matched up against a strong counter, make sure that you switch to another member of this team, evading any quick knock-outs of your own.

Machamp - Snorlax - Metagross

This team focuses more on defense compared to others that we recommend. Although they still have strong attacks, your main goal with this team is to endure attacks and outlive your opponents.

With the bulk of your team in mind, make sure that you are enduring your opponent's Charged Attacks when possible. This will help to make sure that you have your shields available just in case you come up against a hard counter to any of your Pokemon.

Togekiss - Swampert - Mamoswine

This team functions as a more well-rounded team composition, providing you with a large array of strengths and weaknesses throughout your three Pokemon. With each member of this team being well-balanced with their stats, there isn't one Pokemon to center your gameplay around either.

Similar to other teams, make sure that you are switching out your Pokemon when matched against opponents that cause you trouble. With the diversity in your team's types, you should have most of your bases covered when it comes to avoiding vulnerabilities.

Next: Pokemon Go: Complete Guide