In Pokemon GO, the PvP battle formats available to players in-game are generally rotated with each new season or special event. Because of this, there is always a need for players to adapt their Pokemon and team compositions to reflect the ongoing rules and restrictions, as well as consider which monsters have the greatest advantages or disadvantages in each league or cup.

The Great League is one of several different Leagues implemented and rotated through in Pokemon GO, complete with its own unique set of rules and restrictions. As of July 2025, the Great League has returned, allowing players to participate in it once again. If you're looking to enter battles under this format, a complete guide covering all the rules and most competent monsters for Pokemon GO's July Great League has been outlined below.

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Great League Rules in Pokemon GO

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During July 2025, the Great League is available for players to participate in , from July 22 at 1 PM PT to July 29 at 1 PM PT. Additionally, players will receive 4x Stardust for win rewards during this period; however, this does not include end-of-set rewards. Lastly, players will need to adhere to the CP restrictions when participating in the Great League. These restrictions are listed below:

  • Pokemon must be at or below 1,500 CP to enter.

Best Pokemon for Great League in Pokemon GO

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Best Great League Lead Pokemon

Lead Pokemon are the first to enter battle, and they play a crucial role in setting the pace of a match. These monsters are quite aggressive and built to apply instant pressure on the opponent. A well-chosen lead can give you an early advantage, chip away at key threats, and influence your opponent’s strategy right from the start, making the right choices a crucial matter in the Great League. The best Lead Pokemon for the Great League have been outlined below:

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Pangoro

  • Karate Chop
  • Close Combat
  • Night Slash

Primeape

Shadow Primeape

  • Karate Chop
  • Rage Fist
  • Close Combat

Jumpluff

Shadow Jumpluff

  • Fairy Wind
  • Aerial Ace
  • Acrobatics

Togedemaru

  • Thunder Shock
  • Fell Stinger
  • Wild Charge

Jellicent

  • Hex
  • Surf
  • Shadow Ball

Toxtricity

  • Acid
  • Wild Charge
  • Power-Up Punch

Dusknoir

Shadow Dusknoir

  • Astonish
  • Dynamic Punch
  • Shadow Punch

Gligar

Shadow Gligae

  • Fury Cutter
  • Aerial Ace
  • Dig

Lapras

  • Psywave
  • Sparkling Aria
  • Ice Beam

Gastrodon

  • Mud Slap
  • Body Slam
  • Earth Power

Best Great League Safe Switch Pokemon

Safe Switch Pokemon are reliable backups brought in when your lead is at a disadvantage, allowing you to pivot out of a tough matchup without wasting valuable Shields or falling too far behind. The best Pokemon to use as Safe Switch options in the Great League are listed below:

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Primeape

Shadow Primeape

  • Karate CHop
  • Rage Fist
  • Close Combat

Samurott

Shadow Samurott

  • Fury Cutter
  • Hydro Cannon
  • Megahorn

Feraligatr

Shadow Feraligatr

  • Shadow Claw
  • Hydro Cannon
  • Ice Beam

Golisopod

  • Fury Cutter
  • X-Scissor
  • Aqua Jet

Sableye

Shadow Sableye

  • Shadow Claw
  • Foul Play
  • Power Gem

Dewott

Shadow Dewott

  • Fury Cutter
  • Aqua Tail
  • X-Scissor

Galarian Weezing

Shadow Galarian Weezing

  • Fairy Wind
  • Sludge
  • Brutal Swing

Emolga

  • Thunder Shock
  • Acrobatics
  • Discharge

Gligar

Shadow Gligar

  • Fury Cutter
  • Aerial Ace
  • Dig

Drapion

Shadow Drapion

  • Poison Sting
  • Crunch
  • Aqua Tail

Best Great League Attacker Pokemon

Attackers are selected for their ability to maintain pressure and wear down opponents, taking on the role of the team's heavy hitters. They are particularly good at breaking through the opponent's Shields to create openings for the late game, and they utilize strong survivability and offensive power alongside high-impact moves to make a mark. The Best Attacker Pokemon for Pokemon GO's Great League are listed below:

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Forretress

  • Bug Bite
  • Sand Tomb
  • Rock Tomb

Diggersby

  • Quick Attack
  • Fire Punch
  • Scorching Sands

Mandibuzz

  • Snarl
  • Dark Pulse
  • Aerial Ace

Steelix

  • Thunder Fang
  • Psychic Fangs
  • Breaking Swipe

Dusclops

  • Hex
  • Ice Punch
  • Shadow Punch

Bastiodon

  • Smack Down
  • Stone Edge
  • Flamethrower

Araquanid

  • Bug Bite
  • Water Pulse
  • Bubble Beam

Carbink

  • Rock Throw
  • Power Gem
  • Moonblast

Corviknight

  • Sand Attack
  • Sky Attack
  • Iron Head

Clodsire

  • Poison Sting
  • Sludge Bomb
  • Earthquake
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Best Great League Closer Pokemon

Closers are selected for their ability to thrive in the final moments, or the late-game, of battle, particularly when both sides have no more Shields remaining. These monsters typically have fairly balanced stats, good Type coverage, and powerful attacks that enable them to clean up matches without needing the support of Shields or swaps. The best Closer Pokemon for the Great League are outlined below:

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Aegislash // Shield

  • Psycho Cut
  • Shadow Ball
  • Flash Cannon

Electivire

Shadow Electivire

  • Thunder Shock
  • Ice Punch
  • Wild Charge

Toxicroak

Shadow Toxicroak

  • Poison Sting
  • Dynamic Punch
  • Shadow Ball

Registeel

  • Lock On
  • Focus Blast
  • Zap Cannon

Clodsire

  • Poison Sting
  • Earthquake
  • Stone Edge

Carbink

  • Rock Throw
  • Power Gem
  • Moonblast

Galarian Moltres

  • Sucker Punch
  • Fly
  • Brave Bird

Raikou

Shadow Raikou

  • Thunder Shock
  • Wild Charge
  • Shadow Ball

Registeel

Shadow Registeel

  • Lock On
  • Focus Blast
  • Zap Cannon

Samurott

Shadow Samurott

  • Fury Cutter
  • Hydro Cannon
  • Megahorn
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Pokemon Go Tag Page Cover Art
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Augmented Reality
RPG
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Systems
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Released
July 6, 2016
Developer(s)
Niantic
Publisher(s)
Niantic
Engine
Unity
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
Augmented Reality, RPG