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Power Up Your Squad: Which Pokémon are Worth Investing in Pokémon GO?

Choosing the right Pokémon to invest your precious Stardust and Candy in is crucial for success in Pokémon GO. With a vast roster of creatures and ever-changing meta, knowing which Pokémon will give you the best return on your investment can be daunting. The Pokémon worth investing in are those who excel in Raids, Gym Battles, and PvP (GO Battle League). High damage output, strong defensive capabilities, and coverage against common types are key factors to consider. Specifically, focus on Pokémon with high CP potential, favorable type matchups, and access to powerful Charged Attacks.

Top Pokémon to Power Up in Pokémon GO

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable Pokémon to invest in, categorized by their strengths:

Raid Bosses and Gym Domination

Mega Rayquaza: The undisputed king of damage output. This Dragon/Flying-type boasts incredible stats and access to devastating moves, making it a top pick for nearly any raid where its typing isn’t a major disadvantage.
Shadow Mewtwo: A Psychic-type powerhouse with unparalleled offensive capabilities. The Shadow boost amplifies its already impressive damage output, making it a must-have for tackling Psychic-weak raid bosses.
Primal Groudon/Kyogre: These Ground and Water-types respectively, are absolute titans. They offer incredible damage and bulk, making them excellent choices for their respective type advantages in raids.
Shadow Metagross: This Steel/Psychic-type is a tank with impressive damage output, making it valuable in both raids and gym battles.
Shadow Tyranitar: A versatile Rock/Dark-type that excels against a wide range of raid bosses. Its powerful moves and solid stats make it a consistent performer.

GO Battle League Stars

Registeel: This Steel-type is a defensive wall in the Great League, capable of withstanding significant damage while dishing out consistent attacks.
Azumarill: A Water/Fairy-type with a high attack and defense, offering crucial Fairy-type coverage and resistance to Dragon-type attacks in the Great League.
Medicham: This Fighting/Psychic-type can charge its attacks quickly and apply significant shield pressure in the Great League.
Golisopod: A Bug/Water-type Pokémon that can be difficult to take down. It can put out the damage while having the defense to withstand tough battles.
Cresselia: A Psychic-type that’s an excellent choice for the Ultra League due to its high bulk and access to powerful moves.
Giratina (Altered Forme): The best choice for the Master League, Ghost/Dragon-type, excellent attack and defense and capable of withstanding most attacks.

Budget-Friendly Options

Machamp: A readily available Fighting-type that can be highly effective against Gyms and certain raids. Community day move Payback is crucial.
Hariyama: A great alternative Fighting-type, also easy to find and level up quickly.
Gyarados: A powerful Water/Flying-type with a strong attack stat and is easy to access through evolution.
Swampert: A strong Water/Ground type, the evolved form of Mudkip, with balanced attack and defense.

Factors to Consider Before Investing

IVs (Individual Values): While not the be-all and end-all, high IVs generally indicate a Pokémon’s potential. Aim for Pokémon with at least 3-star ratings.
Moveset: A Pokémon’s moveset significantly impacts its performance. Research optimal movesets for your intended use.
Availability: How easy is it to obtain the Pokémon and its Candy? Rare Pokémon may not be worth investing in unless you have a reliable source of Candy.
Future Proofing: Consider how the Pokémon might fare in future updates and meta shifts. Power creep is a constant factor in Pokémon GO.

Shadow vs. Purified vs. Regular

Shadow Pokémon: Offer a significant attack boost but suffer from reduced defense. Generally, Shadow Pokémon are preferred for raids due to their increased damage output.
Purified Pokémon: Gain improved IVs and reduced Stardust/Candy costs for powering up. However, they lose the Shadow boost, making them less desirable for raids.
Regular Pokémon: Are generally the safest bet if you’re unsure about the Shadow or Purified versions.

Prioritize Pokémon Based on Your Needs

Ultimately, the best Pokémon to invest in depend on your specific goals. If you’re focused on raids, prioritize powerful attackers like Mega Rayquaza and Shadow Mewtwo. If you enjoy PvP, research the meta and invest in Pokémon that excel in your preferred league.

Consider how video games such as Pokémon Go enhance how we learn and interact with each other through competition and rewards. GamesLearningSociety.org provides more information on this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does CP mean in Pokémon GO?

CP (Combat Power) represents a Pokémon’s overall strength. It’s a combination of its Attack, Defense, and Stamina (HP) stats. Higher CP generally translates to better performance in battles.

2. Should I always evolve the Pokémon with the highest CP?

Not necessarily. Consider the Pokémon’s IVs, potential moveset, and eventual role in your team. A lower CP Pokémon with better IVs might be a better long-term investment.

3. What are IVs and why are they important?

IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential. They range from 0 to 15 for Attack, Defense, and Stamina. Higher IVs result in a stronger Pokémon at max level.

4. How do I check a Pokémon’s IVs?

You can use in-game appraisal tools or third-party IV checkers (ensure they comply with the game’s Terms of Service).

5. What does purifying a Shadow Pokémon do?

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon improves its IVs, reduces the Stardust and Candy cost for powering up and evolving, and replaces its Frustration Charged Attack with Return.

6. Is it always better to purify a Shadow Pokémon?

No. Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage than their regular counterparts. Only purify Shadow Pokémon if you prioritize IV perfection over damage output.

7. What is the best way to get Stardust?

Participate in events, complete research tasks, battle in Gyms and Raids, and catch Pokémon frequently. Star Pieces can temporarily increase Stardust gains.

8. What is the best way to get Candy?

Catch Pokémon, hatch Eggs, use Rare Candy, and walk with your Buddy Pokémon. Pinap Berries increase Candy gains when catching Pokémon.

9. How do I get Legendary Pokémon?

Legendary Pokémon are typically obtained through Raids and Special Research.

10. What are Community Days and why are they important?

Community Days are monthly events that feature a specific Pokémon with increased spawn rates, boosted Shiny rates, and an exclusive move. It’s a great opportunity to obtain powerful Pokémon with desirable movesets.

11. How do I choose the best moveset for my Pokémon?

Research optimal movesets online based on your Pokémon’s intended role. Websites and community forums dedicated to Pokémon GO can provide valuable information.

12. What is a “Legacy Move”?

A Legacy Move is a move that is no longer obtainable through regular means, such as evolution or TM usage. These moves can sometimes make a Pokémon significantly more valuable.

13. How do I get a Mewtwo in Pokémon GO?

Mewtwo is typically available in Raids during special events. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO’s official announcements for upcoming events featuring Mewtwo.

14. Are Pokémon with 0-star appraisals worth keeping?

Generally, no. Release 0-star Pokémon to free up storage space. Focus on keeping Pokémon with 2-star or 3-star appraisals.

15. How important are type matchups in Pokémon GO?

Type matchups are crucial. Understanding type advantages and disadvantages is essential for success in Raids, Gym Battles, and PvP.

What Pokémon are worth investing in Pokemon go?