Pokemon To Level Up First In Pokemon Go

Stardust is the most valuable resource in Pokemon Go, and XL Candies come in a close second. It’s essential to be strategic in spending these resources, as wasting them could set back your progress significantly. It’s like the philosopher’s stone of the game, but instead of turning lead into gold, it turns ordinary Pokemon into powerful creatures that can take down any gym.

But here’s the catch: Stardust is finite, and wasting it is like throwing away a winning lottery ticket. So, if you’re looking to power up your Pokemon game, you better be smart about how you use it. Because let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than investing all your resources in a weak Pokemon, only to get crushed by a rival trainer. So buckle up, grab your phone, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Pokemon Go and find out which Pokemon to prioritize.

Updated on April 12, 2025, by Ryan Hay: If there’s Pokemon Go is good at, its taking your favorite Pokemon and letting you take them anywhere you go. Among the best Pokemon in the game we have found that some Pokemon have found their way to the upper echelon of power, being some of the best to take with you to raids, on adventures, and against Team Go Rocket.

18

Rillaboom

By The Beat Of Their Own Drum

The final form of the Grass-type starter from Generation 8, Rillaboom comes in as a very solid attacker with a fairly high attack for a Grass-type Pokemon. The nicest thing about this Pokemon is that since it’s a starter, it is relatively easy to get Candies for, thanks to a lower Buddy distance and still being fairly common in the wilds.

If you can get a Dynamaxed Rillaboom, you get access to the exceptionally strong Max Overgrow to help you take down Dynamax battles, making it a solid addition to any team. While its regular moveset might leave a little to be desired, it does pretty well against any Rock, Water, or Ground-type Pokemon.

17

Dragonite

A Dragon Advantage

Dragonite has been a powerhouse since Pokemon Go launched in 2016, but it received a buff when Shadow Dragonite was introduced. Dragonite is a Dragon and Flying-type Pokemon that boasts both high defense and attack stats. Outside special events, Dratini candies are hard to farm, so the fastest way to level up Dragonite is to make it your buddy and feed it rare candy.

Shadow Dragonite’s best move is Dragon Tail, which deals 15 damage and generates nine energy, and Outrage, which deals 110 damage and costs 50 energy. Dragon Tail is a fast move, allowing you to quickly build Outrage to pummel your opponents, especially in PVP where speed is key. This combination lets Shadow Dragonite deal out 20.49 DPS and achieve a whopping 565.4 total damage output!

16

Rhyperior

The Rock-Type Crusher

Let’s talk about Rhyperior, the steadfast Pokemon that’s causing a stir among the Pokemon Go community. It’s a top-tier Rock-type that is accessible and available in both non-shadow and shadow variations. Finding Rhyhorn, the pre-evolution of Rhyperior, in the wild is simple, so gathering candies to help your Rhyperior evolve and power up won’t be difficult.

If you can teach your Rhyperior the Rock Wrecker move, you’ve struck gold. It’s one of the strongest Rock-type attacks in the entire game and, when paired with Rhyperior’s high Attack and Defense numbers, it creates a very terrifying foe that can compete in both raid battles and gym defense. Rhyperior is undoubtedly the way to go if you’re looking for a Pokemon that’s simple to catch and incredibly powerful.

15

Tyranitar

Take Down Mountains

The Rock and Dark-type Pokemon might be a bit weak against Fighting-type moves, but don’t let that stop you from running this vicious attacker in some of your more difficult raids. Tyranitar is in the top precentile for Raid attackers, making it a solid non-legendary choice to invest in, especially considering it has had a few Community Days to help stockpile candies.

Helping Tyranitar is the fact that it’s one of the best Dark-type attackers, with Bite and Brutal Swing being very strong moves, and with the STAB bonus, you get some extra damage to push through. Tyranitar is boosted in Fog, so if you’re off hunting raids in the early morning, you’ll want this powerhouse on your team.

14

Swampert

A Versatile Addition to Your Team

Swampert is a truly exceptional Pokemon that you’ll definitely want on your team. Its supreme performance in both shadow and non-shadow variations, plus its Mega Evolution, makes it a popular and formidable choice among trainers.

But that’s not all — teach Swampert the Hydro Cannon move, and you’ll have a true warrior at your fingertips. This deadly Water-type attack can defeat even the toughest of opponents, making Swampert a force to be reckoned with in any battle.

Steel-Type Titan

Metagross is a Steel-type powerhouse that any trainer would be lucky to have on their team. With its impressive Attack and Defense stats, it’s a top-tier choice for any Steel-type enthusiast. And the best part? Its pre-evolution Beldum can still be found in the wild during special events, making it a relatively easy Pokemon to obtain and power up.

But don’t let its accessibility fool you — Metagross is a force to be reckoned with. Its shadow and non-shadow iterations are both strong contenders, with the shadow version, in particular, dominating the Steel-type game. Add Mega Evolution to the mix, and Metagross is a ‘mon to be reckoned with!

12

Garchomp

The Ground-Type Menace

Garchomp is one of the top-tier Ground-type attackers in all of Pokemon Go. Sure, finding its pre-evolution Gible may not be the easiest task, but investing in a Garchomp with good IVs is definitely worth it.

This Pokemon is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Its high Attack and Defense stats make it a formidable opponent against any electric or poison types that dare to challenge it. So, if you’re looking to add a strong and versatile Ground-type Pokemon to your team, Garchomp should definitely be at the top of your list.

11

Lucario

Can’t Punch Metal

The Fighting and Steel-type puppy is a strong attacker that can rush down opposing Pokemon, being particularly good at taking down raids. Lucario has resistance to nine different types, ranging from Dark to Rock-type moves, while only being weak to three: Fighting, Fire, and Ground.

Lucario is capable of Mega Evolving, gaining not only a cooler design but a huge boost to its stats. Once Mega Evolved, Mega Lucario counts itself among the top attackers from Fighting-type Pokemon, making it a vital choice for any player.

10

Gengar

The Ultimate Ghost-Type

Gengar, ah. The king of spookiness. It has the move Lick in addition to being a Ghost-type, one of the most helpful in the game, making it an absolute threat. Lick can deal ten DPS while accruing six energy in Gym and Raid battles. You shouldn’t mess with this ‘mon.

Gengar can only learn Lick with an Elite Fast TM.

Gengar is the ideal choice for those difficult Psychic-type raid bosses and legendary raids. With the added benefit of mega evolution, it becomes an even more potent and versatile opponent. So, Gengar is a good choice if you’re looking for a Pokemon that can compete in even the toughest battles.

9

Rayquaza

Signature Move Slinger

Rayquaza’s usefulness as a PvP competitor has varied over the years; for a while, it was the best Dragon-Type option available. It was overcome by some really strong Shadow Pokemon, but it became a strong contender again when its signature move, Dragon Ascent, was added to the game.

Teaching Rayquaza Dragon Ascent requires a special item, a Meteorite. It arrived as part of Go Fest 2023, so the only way to get a Meteorite was to complete the associated quest. You could get a second Meteorite if you purchased a ticket to, and completed all the quests for, the special Sky High event on August 27, 2023. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a Meteorite during Go Fest 2023, there’s no other way to get it, at least for now. On the bright side, if you did get it and use it on a strong Rayquaza, you’ve got a strong competitor on your hands!

8

Hydreigon

Dual-Type Powerhouse

In addition to being the top non-mega Dark-type in the game, Hydreigon also ranks among the most powerful Pokemon you can have in your collection thanks to its signature move, Brutal Swing.

Additionally, Hydreigon is a formidable opponent due to its high Special Attack and Speed stats. It also has the advantage of being a dual-type Dragon and Dark, which allows it to compete with a wide range of foes. Hydreigon is unquestionably a Pokemon to think about enhancing if you want one that can punch above its weight.

7

Mamoswine

The Easy-To-Obtain, Hard-To-Defeat Pokemon

Swinub may be a common spawn in the wild, but that doesn’t make its evolution, Mamoswine, any less impressive. In fact, Mamoswine is considered one of the best Ice-type attackers in the game, thanks to its high Attack and Defense stats and its access to powerful moves like Avalanche and Bulldoze.

And the good news is that, because Swinub is so common, it’s easy to accumulate the candies you need to power up and evolve Mamoswine. So, if you’re looking for a reliable Ice-type attacker to add to your roster, Mamoswine is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to teach it the right moves and invest in its stats to make it the best it can be.

6

Kyogre

Harness The Power Of A Tsunami

Kyogre is one of the most versatile Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon Go, especially when battling in raids and PVP. Adding to Kyogre’s power is its ability to Primal Revert, a powered-up version of Mega Evolution. When deployed on the field, Primal Kyogre can boost Water, Electric, and Bug-type moves. It also managed to sidestep the nine percent debuff given to most Pokemon who pass the 4,000 CP mark, allowing Primal Kyogre to retain its power.

When building your Kyogre, try to unlock a second charge attack and equip Kyogre with both Origin Pulse and Surf. While Origin Pulse does more damage (156), it takes longer to charge (60 energy). Surf, on the other hand, charges faster (40 energy), making it more useful in PVP where speed is key to wearing down your opponent’s shields.

5

Groudon

Bulky And Firey In A Big Red Package

Groudon stands tall (literally) as one of the absolute best Pokemon to have on your competitive PVP team. It was first released in Pokemon Go in December 2017 and has been impressing us ever since. However, keep in mind that it performs best at the Master League level; in the Ultra League, its stats are restricted too heavily to be useful.

Like Kyogre, Groudon also has a Primal Reversion form.

Groudon’s incredible bulk means it can stand on its own against almost anything else you can throw at it. As a Ground-Type Pokemon with access to Fire-Type moves, it is bound to decimate any Steel-Type Pokemon, including Dialga and Metagross. If you can save up enough candy, we recommend you invest in a second move for Groudon, because that can give you access to Fire Punch, which is great as shield-bait, and Precipice Blades, which provides STAB (same type attack bonus) as a Ground-Type move.

4

Gyarados

The Charming Monster

Gyarados is a must-have Pokemon for any serious trainer looking to build a formidable team. This majestic creature packs a punch with its high Attack stat, making it a formidable opponent in battle. Plus, its unique typing as a Water and Flying-type gives it a surprising amount of versatility in combat.

With its Mega Evolution, Gyarados becomes even more fearsome, making it a great choice for trainers who want to take their game to the next level. So why not add some joy and power to your team by powering up a Gyarados today?

3

Sylveon

The Dragon Slayer

Sylveon is known as a formidable ‘dragon slayer’ thanks to its Fairy-typing and access to powerful Fairy-type moves. With the right move set, Sylveon can take down even the toughest Dragon-type opponents in battle, making it a valuable addition to any trainer’s team.

In addition to its dragon-slaying abilities, Sylveon also has high Special Defense and Special Attack stats, allowing it to dish out strong attacks while withstanding hits from opponents. And with its cute and charming appearance, Sylveon is not only a strong battler, but also a beloved Pokemon among fans. So, if you’re looking for a Pokemon that can take down dragons and look adorable while doing it, consider powering up Sylveon in Pokemon Go.

2

Mewtwo

A Superior Investment

Mewtwo is an absolute powerhouse in the world of Pokemon Go and definitely worth considering when it comes to powering up your team. Not only is Mewtwo an impressive Pokemon to look at, but it also boasts the highest damage output in the entire game, making it a real force to be reckoned with.

If you’re looking for a Pokemon that can dominate as a Psychic attacker, then look no further than Mewtwo. Its shadow version in particular is known for its devastating attacks, making it a dragon slayer and a top choice for taking on tough opponents in raids. It’s considered by many to be one of the best stardust investments in the game, so, if you’re looking to add a strong and versatile Pokemon to your team, Mewtwo is definitely a great choice.

1

Zygarde (Complete Forme)

Simply Unstoppable

Zygarde was added to Pokemon Go in July 2023 and has basically dominated the PvP scene since — for those willing to put in the effort. For Zygarde to reach its Complete Forme, you’ll need to invest 250 Zygarde Cells. Those can only be acquired while following in-game Routes; they appear as green lights, and you can only obtain three per day. That means you need to follow Routes on at least 84 different days!

The effort is well worth the results, though. No surprise, but not a lot of other players have Zygarde in its Complete Forme. It dominates, thanks to a balance of tankiness and DPS, in both Ultra League and Master League. If Niantic ever allows Zygarde to be traded, it could also have a low enough CP to compete in the Great League, where it would still be on top.