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The Ultimate Elite TM Investment: Which Pokémon Benefits Most?

So, you’ve snagged yourself a coveted Elite TM, eh? Congratulations! These babies are rare and powerful, capable of unlocking a Pokémon’s true potential. But with great power comes great responsibility, and the question becomes: Which Pokémon deserves this precious resource?

While the absolute best choice is subjective and depends on your playstyle and current team composition, generally speaking, the Pokémon that gains the most significant boost in performance with an exclusive move, making it a top-tier contender in raids, PvP (Go Battle League), or both, is the best candidate. Right now, in the current meta, that distinction often falls to Groudon with its signature move, Precipice Blades.

Groudon benefits immensely from having its signature move Precipice Blades. Other than Groudon, other top-tier Pokémon that highly benefit from Elite TMs include Mewtwo, Metagross, and several others, depending on their current move sets and the specific roles you need them to fill. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore other valuable Elite TM candidates.

Understanding Elite TMs: The Key to Unlocking Potential

First, let’s recap what makes Elite TMs so special. Unlike regular TMs, Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs allow you to choose the Fast or Charged Attack your Pokémon learns. More importantly, they grant access to legacy moves: those previously available only during special events like Community Days or Raid Days. These moves are often significantly better than the standard options, transforming a good Pokémon into a great one.

Top Contenders for Your Elite Charged TM

The decision of who to Elite TM is not something to take lightly. Several Pokémon are frequently debated by the community as the best choice. Here’s a breakdown of Pokémon that significantly benefit from the investment of an Elite TM.

Groudon (Precipice Blades): We’ve already highlighted Groudon, but it deserves repeating. Precipice Blades is a game-changer, elevating Groudon to the top of the Ground-type attackers list. The move deals substantial damage at a rapid rate, making Groudon a powerhouse in raids and a threat in Master League PvP. If you regularly raid against Electric, Rock, Steel, Fire, and Poison Pokemon, or battle in the Master League, and have a Groudon without Precipice Blades, this is an excellent choice.
Mewtwo (Psystrike): The article mentions Niantic Mewtwo’s Psystrike as the best use of your Elite Charged TM, and it’s still often true. Psystrike is simply Mewtwo’s best Charged Attack, offering high damage output and speed. It makes Mewtwo an exceptional Psychic-type attacker in raids and a dominant force in Master League. Mewtwo is a great generalist attacker, making it a great option in many raid battles.
Metagross (Meteor Mash): Another top contender, Metagross with Meteor Mash is arguably the best Steel-type attacker in the game. The difference between Metagross with and without Meteor Mash is significant, making this Elite TM investment well worth it if you lack a strong Steel-type attacker for taking down Fairy, Ice, and Rock types in raids.
Swampert (Hydro Cannon): Often a great choice for both PvP and PvE battles. Hydro Cannon makes Swampert one of the best water type attackers and a viable choice in any PvP Master League scenario. It is a powerful Community Day move that would significantly benefit Swampert.
Rayquaza (Hurricane): Hurricane makes Rayquaza a top flying type attacker. The Dragon typing is also a great option to have for a team of diverse raiders. This is an excellent choice for those lacking a strong flying type raid attacker.
Giratina (Shadow Force): This exclusive move makes Giratina a significant threat in the Ultra League format of the GO Battle League.

Other Considerations: Is it Worth It For You?

Before pulling the trigger, consider these factors:

Do you actively use the Pokémon? There’s no point in investing in a Pokémon you rarely use, no matter how good the move is. As the article states, “If you like your Groudon and use it, then do it.“
What are your current team needs? Are you lacking a strong Ground-type attacker? A reliable Steel-type? An Elite TM can fill those gaps.
How good is the Pokémon’s existing moveset? If the Pokémon already has a decent moveset, the Elite TM might provide a smaller boost. Weigh the cost against the benefit.
Is the Legacy move crucial for PvP performance? Some legacy moves drastically improve a Pokémon’s viability in the Go Battle League.

Alternatives to using an Elite TM.

Before using an Elite TM on a Pokemon, consider other options such as trading with friends. Often players are able to acquire the Pokemon they want with their legacy moves via trading. However, in most cases, this is not an option.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the best Pokémon to use an Elite TM on depends on your specific needs and goals. However, Groudon with Precipice Blades, Mewtwo with Psystrike, and Metagross with Meteor Mash consistently rank among the top choices due to the significant power boost they provide. Evaluate your team, identify your weaknesses, and choose wisely. And most importantly, have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Elite TMs to help you make an informed decision:

1. Are Elite TMs rare?

Yes, Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs are rare items and they are only available during limited times.

2. How do you get Elite Fast TMs?

You can obtain an Elite Fast TM in Pokemon Go by securing Rank 19 in the Go Battle League, where it is a guaranteed reward. They also appear in Community Day event boxes, so be sure to stay up to date with the latest in-game Shop boxes.

3. How hard is it to get an Elite TM?

Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs are rare items that are only available during limited times. They may be available for purchase in the Shop during special events like Community Days or as part of end-of-season rewards in GO Battle League if you reach a high rank.

4. What are Elite Fast TMs good for?

Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs allow you to choose a Fast or Charged Attack you’d like to teach to a Pokémon. Elite TMs also allow Pokémon to learn attacks previously available only during events such as Community Days or Raid Days.

5. Is it worth using an Elite TM on Groudon?

The article addresses this directly: “If you like your Groudon and use it, then do it. It’s a massive power boost and you aren’t going to get it any way other than elite TM.” Precipice Blades is a significant upgrade for Groudon.

6. What Pokémon Cannot learn TMs?

The article provides a list including: Beldum, Blipbug, Burmy, Cascoon, Caterpie, Combee, Cosmog, Cosmoem, and more. Some Pokémon are inherently unable to learn TMs.

7. Is an Elite TM the same as a regular TM?

No, Elite TMs also allow Pokémon to learn attacks previously available only during events such as Community Days or Raid Days. These items differ from regular TMs, which teach a Fast or Charged Attack to your Pokémon at random and can’t teach moves exclusive to events.

8. What is the most powerful TM?

The article lists several, but “Fire Blast” is named as the most powerful TM. Keep in mind that context is important. This ranking is for overall power of the TM itself. The value of an Elite TM move depends entirely on how it impacts a specific Pokemon’s viability.

9. What are the 3 best Pokémon types?

According to the article: 1. Steel, 2. Fairy, 3. Dragon. This is subjective and changes with meta shifts.

10. Can you buy Elite TMs?

11. Can you use an Elite TM to get rid of Frustration?

Unlike other Charged Attacks, you can’t use a Charged TM to help your Shadow Pokémon forget Frustration unless there’s a special event going on.

12. How much does an Elite TM cost?

Depending on the value you ascribe to the very few other items of value in the box (3 incense, 3 incubators, a few random balls), the purchased coin value/cost of the Elite TM is between $5 and $8. The coin box needed to purchase this box of items costs up to $14.99.

13. Does Ditto learn any moves other than Transform?

Answers. 1) Transform is the only move a Ditto can learn without cheating.

14. Can Elite TMs teach exclusive moves?

Yes, Elite TMs also allow Pokémon to learn attacks previously available only during events such as Community Days or Raid Days.

15. Should I choose Groudon or Kyogre?

Groudon is superior to other ground types because of Mud Shot, but has lower damage output than Kyogre in comparable single SE matchups.

Further Education on Games and Learning

Interested in the intersection of gaming and education? Explore the innovative research and resources at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). They offer valuable insights into how games can enhance learning and development.

Which Pokémon has the best elite TM?