What is the best starter from every region in Pokemon GO Battle League? (September 2024)

Pokemon GO's Max Out season has finally brought the Galar Starter Pokemon into the game, making every current generation's starters available to catch. This has left some players wondering which of these special creatures perform the best in the game's competitive Battle League.

Rather than sporting the turn-based combat the franchise is known for, Pokemon GO hosts a real-time battle system that operates off a series of light and heavy attacks, so viability in the mobile game looks drastically different from the main series.

Since the Great League is used for official tournaments and sees the most players, this format will be the main consideration for this list.

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

Best starters in Pokemon GO's Great League from every region

1) Kanto - Venusaur

Venusaur offers a great offensive type combination and great bulk (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Venusaur is a Grass and Poison-type Pokemon that has great bulk and access to spammable charged attacks.

With access to both Frenzy Plant and Sludge Bomb, Venusaur is one of the few creatures in the Great League capable of taking out opposing Grass-type Pocket Monsters.

2) Johto - Feraligatr

Feraligatr and its Shadow variant have been top contenders in the Great League for a while now (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Feraligatr has incredible attacking power, as well as access to great coverage and same-type attack options.

With Shadow Claw, Hydro Cannon, and Ice Beam, Feraligatr can comfortably take down any Dragon-, Fire-, or Ground-type critter that it may encounter.

3) Hoenn - Swampert

Swampert has the best defensive typing of Water and Ground (Image via The Pokemon Company)

It should not come as a surprise that Swampert is considered to be one of the best starters in Pokemon GO.

With its high bulk, strength, and defensive typing of Water and Ground, Swampert has great survivability. In addition, it packs a devastating punch with Hydro Cannon and Earthquake.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

4) Sinnoh - Empoleon

Empoleon boasts an amazing secondary Steel typing (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Empoleon's Shadow variant has been the best-performing Sinnoh starter in Pokemon GO's Great League for a while now.

With access to Ice, Flying, Steel, and Water-type moves, Empoleon has both great offense and survivability. Its standard variant is also decent, but the shadow variety gets a boost to its attack stat.

5) Unova - Samurott

Samurott's access to Bug-type moves gives it decent utility against Dark- and Psychic-type foes (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Samurott has become a much more popular pick recently due to its access to Fury Cutter and Megahorn. This makes it a valuable choice against Psychic- and Dark-type creatures like Malamar, in addition to the standard match-ups where Water-type critters have the advantage.

6) Kalos - Greninja

Greninja is a strong Water-type critter, but it is somewhat frail (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Greninja has great burst damage potential in Pokemon GO with access to Night Slash and Hydro Cannon. However, its defensive stats leave it incredibly vulnerable in neutral and unfavorable match-ups.

As such, using Greninja effectively takes knowledge in proper team-building, as it will need teammates that can cover up many of its weaknesses.

7) Alola - Decidueye

Decidueye offers flexible type coverage but lacks in the bulk department (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Decidueye offers a similar playstyle to Greninja in Pokemon GO, being a glass cannon.

Unlike the Kalos Frog, Decidueye sports a Grass and Ghost typing, which has its fair share of match-ups, but it crumbles when put against a Dark-, Flying-, or Fire-type creature. However, its signature move, Spirit Shackle, does debuff the target, making it a great lead.

Also check: Pokemon GO CP calculator

8) Galar - Rillaboom

Rillaboom is still new, so it does not have access to Frenzy Plant (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While Rillaboom has high stamina and the ability to take on most Water-type creatures in Pokemon GO's Great League, it falls short compared to other Starter Pokemon available. This is due to it and the rest of the Galar starters' lacking access to Frenzy Plant, Hydro Cannon, or Blast Burn.

9) Hisui - Samurott

Hisuian Samurott does have the capability of taking down Feraligatr, but it still lacks Hydro Cannon (Image via Game Freak)

Much like the Galarian starters, the Hisui set lacks access to their elemental moves, meaning they should not be used over other Starter Pokemon in serious play.

Nevertheless, Hisuian Samurott proves to be the best of the bunch, with its access to Bug- and Dark-type moves giving it plenty of coverage options.

10) Paldea - Skeledirge

Skeledirge's Fire and Ghost typing gives it some pretty decent match-ups in the Great League (Image via Game Freak)

Being another new starter, Skeledirge does not have access to its signature Blast Burn attack. However, this has not stopped it from becoming a decent niche pick in the Great League.

Fire and Ghost is a great offensive typing, allowing Skeledirge to take on Cresselia, Alolan Sandslash, and other potent picks.

Check out other guides on Pokemon GO:

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Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
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