Is Primeape with Rage Fist good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

Primeape with Rage Fist is making its Pokemon GO debut during Mankey Community Day on November 10, 2024. Evolving the featured Pocket Monster from 2 - 10 pm local time on the day will give you a version of Primeape that knows the Charged Attack Rage Fist. However, the real question is whether it is any good or not. In PvP battles, Rage Fist pushes Primeape to top-meta status but doesn't have any remarkable impact on the PvE arena.

Rage Fist is a Ghost-type Charged Attack that costs 35 energy and deals 50 damage in Trainer Battles. It also boosts the user's Attack stat by one stage. In PvE, it has near-identical stats as Shadow Ball, dealing 100 damage for 50 energy over a three-second window.

This article discusses the viability of Primeape with Rage Fist in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Is Primeape with Rage Fist good in Pokemon GO PvP?

Primeape with Rage Fist is the next big thing in the Pokemon GO Battle League. As of November 10, 2024, both the Shadow and non-Shadow variants of this creature are ranked within the top 20 of the Great League and the Ultra League. Of these, the non-Shadow variant appears to be more potent, standing at #2 in the Great and #3 in the Ultra League.

In the Great League, Rage Fist Primeape has an over 50% win rate against the meta in all even shielded scenarios. With an energy or shield advantage, there are few battles that the creature cannot win.

Due to its negligible defenses, the 2-2 shield scenario is Primeape's strongest zone, while 0-0 is its weakest link. However, if you pivot the creature well and keep it away from creatures with incredible Fast Move pressure, it will help you gain a lot of elo.

The 2-2 shield situation is where Primeape shines the brightest in the Ultra League as well, boosting its way through its opponents with the lightning-fast energy generation of Karate Chop and the cheap new move, Rage Fist. When set up with a shield advantage, there is barely anything that Primeape cannot beat.

However, even with Rage Fist, Primeape struggles a bit without shields to hide behind. It is still on the frail side, so make sure to pair it with bulkier Pokemon so you can save shields for it.

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Is Primeape with Rage Fist good in Pokemon GO PvE?

No, Primeape with Rage Fist is not anything to write home about. Rage Fist Annihilape is the way to go if you are looking for a PvE attacker. However, even in that case, you have much better options.

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How to get Primeape with Rage Fist in Pokemon GO

To get Primeape that knows Rage Fist, you must evolve Mankey using 25 Candy between 2 pm and 10 pm local time on November 10, 2024. If you have a Shadow Mankey that still knows Frustration, make sure to teach it a second Attack before evolving it.

If you miss this window, you will have to wait until December 2024 Community Day or the next time Niantic decides to make this move available. Alternatively, you can use an Elite Charged TM to get it.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts

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