Exploring the Galar Cup: Great League Edition in Pokémon Go
Occasionally, Pokémon Go’s Go Battle League introduces a new Special Cup to shake things up. While events like the Little Cup and the Psychic Cup provide a refreshing alternative to the usual Great League, Ultra League, and Master League, the latest offering is the Galar Cup: Great League Edition. This new cup comes with its own set of unique rules and an entirely different meta to navigate!
Crafting Your Team for the Galar Cup
When preparing for the Galar Cup, it’s important to note that there isn’t a universally accepted “best” team. This is primarily due to the unpredictable nature of battles and the varying Pokémon collections among players. However, you’ll benefit from a general list of Pokémon that can help you build a versatile team, catering to both newcomers and seasoned players.
A key strategy in team-building is to diversify your Pokémon choices to cover various type strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a team consisting solely of Fire-types would be vulnerable to Water-types, making your team an easy target for something like a Sobble.
To enhance your competitiveness in the Galar Cup, consider equipping each Pokémon with two Charged moves. This approach not only broadens your offensive options but may also provide counters against Pokémon that your team might naturally struggle against. While it can be tempting to save Stardust by relying on a single Charged move, this tactic may leave you at a disadvantage.
Recommendations for the Galar Cup Pokémon Teams
1. Clefable
- Type: Fairy
- Recommended IVs: 0/13/15
- Recommended Moveset: Fairy Wind (Fast), Swift (Charged), Moonblast (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Poison, Steel
Clefable, the first Pokémon on our recommended list, originates from Kanto, reiterating the fact that only one Pokémon from Galar made the cut. Clefable excels in applying pressure due to Fairy Wind, which charges Swift effectively while Moonblast serves as a strong nuke. Expect victories against Mandibuzz, Shadow Alolan Ninetales, and more, though it may falter against Toxapex and Ferrothorn.
2. Ninetales
- Type: Fire
- Recommended IVs: 0/15/15
- Recommended Moveset: Fire Spin (Fast), Weather Ball (Fire, Charged), Overheat (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Ground, Rock, Water
Both forms of Ninetales are formidable in the Galar Cup, with Kantonian Ninetales taking the lead. Utilizing Fire Spin to build energy for Weather Ball is an effective strategy, but use Overheat wisely, as it deals substantial damage to both your opponent and may lower your attack. It can dominate foes like Ferrothorn and Clefable but should beware of Toxapex and Gastrodon.
3. Galarian Weezing
- Type: Poison/Fairy
- Recommended IVs: 0/14/14
- Recommended Moveset: Fairy Wind (Fast), Brutal Swing (Charged), Play Rough (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Ground, Psychic, Steel
Galarian Weezing is the only Pokémon debuting from the Galar region in this cup. Its move set allows for rapid shield pressure and performs well against many meta threats. Expect success against Shadow Machamp and Shadow Drapion, while facing challenges from Gastrodon and Toxapex.
4. Togetic
- Type: Fairy/Flying
- Recommended IVs: 0/14/14
- Recommended Moveset: Fairy Wind (Fast), Aerial Ace (Charged), Dazzling Gleam (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Electric, Ice, Poison, Rock, Steel
Keeping with the Fairy type theme, Togetic’s fast moves and powerful Charged abilities make it a solid choice. With a robust defensive presence, it can effectively combat Shadow Machamp, and while vulnerable to Ninetales and Toxapex, its defensive capabilities can be leveraged to withstand challenges.
5. Gastrodon
- Type: Water/Ground
- Recommended IVs: 1/15/14
- Recommended Moveset: Mud Slap (Fast), Body Slam (Charged), Earth Power (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Grass (2x)
Gastrodon’s ability to counter both Fairy and Poison types makes it a stealthy powerhouse, although it does face threats from Grass types. Its move efficiency ensures decent damage output while causing disruption in enemy strategies.
6. Shadow Drapion
- Type: Poison/Dark
- Recommended IVs: 2/15/14
- Recommended Moveset: Poison Sting (Fast), Aqua Tail (Charged), Crunch (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Ground
The Shadow variant of Drapion offers significant advantages, especially due to its fast move set that forces opponents to make quick decisions. Look to best opponents like Ferrothorn and Clefable while strategizing around its vulnerabilities.
7. Mandibuzz
- Type: Dark/Flying
- Recommended IVs: 0/13/15
- Recommended Moveset: Snarl (Fast), Dark Pulse (Charged), Aerial Ace (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Electric, Fairy, Ice, Rock
As a tanky Pokémon, Mandibuzz provides durability alongside its offensive strategies. It excels against Shadow Drapion and Gastrodon, but encounters difficulties against Fairy opponents like Clefable.
8. Diggersby
- Type: Normal/Ground
- Recommended IVs: 0/15/13
- Recommended Moveset: Quick Attack (Fast), Fire Punch (Charged), Scorching Sands (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Fighting, Grass, Ice, Water
Regarded as a top contender in the Galar Cup, Diggersby’s bulk and dynamic moves make it a force to be reckoned with. It can proficiently handle a large portion of the meta, though it does struggle against Fairy types.
9. Toxapex
- Type: Poison/Water
- Recommended IVs: 0/15/15
- Recommended Moveset: Poison Jab (Fast), Brine (Charged), Sludge Wave (Charged)
- Weaknesses: Electric, Ground, Psychic
Rounding out the team, Toxapex offers a unique combination of offensive and defensive capabilities. With the ability to take down key threats while maintaining a solid presence, it effectively combats Fairy types with its Poison moves.
Conclusion
The Galar Cup presents players with exciting opportunities to experiment and refine their strategies. With new rules and a fresh meta, trainers are encouraged to explore different Pokémon, adapt to their opponents, and ultimately enjoy the thrilling dynamics of this special event in Pokémon Go’s competitive landscape.