Pokemon GO tends to rotate new in-game events and seasons on a regular basis. With each of these new seasons and events, the various battle Leagues and Cups also tend to change. Each battle format in Pokemon GO has a unique set of rules and restrictions involving CP ranges, eligible types, and banned Pokemon.

The Master League is one of these returning competitive formations, making a comeback for the Delightful Days Season in July 2025. Unlike other Leagues, which tend to only allow Pokemon under a certain CP range, Master League removes such limitations, therefore opening up the door for more powerful Pokemon to be utilized. If you're wondering about some of the best contenders for building your Master League team, all relevant information can be found in the guide below.

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Master League Rules in Pokemon GO

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In Pokemon GO, Trainers will be able to battle in the Master League between July 22 at 1 PM PT and July 29 at 1 PM PT. During this period, players will also have the opportunity to farm extra Std, as they will gain a 4x Stardust bonus for win rewards. Lastly, and most importantly, unlike other Leagues, the Master League has no CP cap, meaning players are free to use their highest-level Pokemon without restrictions.

Best Pokemon for Master League in Pokemon GO

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The sections below will detail the best Lead Pokemon, Safe Switch Pokemon, Attacker Pokemon, and Closer Pokemon for Master League in Pokemon GO.

Best Master League Lead Pokemon

In Pokemon GO battles, the Lead Pokemon enters the field as the first pick on your team and plays a crucial role in establishing momentum for the rest of the match. These picks generally have strong offensive capabilities and can play aggressively to apply early-game pressure on the enemy.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Crowned Shield Zamazenta

  • Ice Fang
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Bash

Rhyperior

Shadow Rhyperior

  • Mud Slap
  • Rock Wrecker
  • Breaking Swipe

Origin Forme Palkia

  • Dragon Breath
  • Aqua Tail
  • Spacial Rend

Crowned Sword Zacian

  • Metal Claw
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Blade

Single Strike Urshifu

  • Sucker Punch
  • Dynamic Punch
  • Payback

Solgaleo

  • Fire Spin
  • Psychic Fangs
  • Iron Head

Therian Landorus

  • Mud Shot
  • Sandsear Storm
  • Stone Edge

Dawn Wings Necrozma

  • Shadow Claw
  • Dark Pulse
  • Moongeist Beam

Groudon

  • Mud Shot
  • Fire Punch
  • Precipice Blades

Rhyperior

  • Mud Slap
  • Breaking Swipe
  • Rock Wrecker

Best Master League Safe Switch Pokemon

Safe Switch Pokemon are reliable backup picks that you can rotate in once your lead is in a tough spot. Safe Switches help you escape type disadvantages as well as other unfavorable matchups. Because of this, a strong, safe switch pick can create a big pivot moment in battle, enabling you to turn the tide and save your momentum.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Black Kyurem

  • Shadow Claw
  • Freeze Shock
  • Fusion Bolt

Groudon

Shadow Groudon

  • Mud Shot
  • Precipice Blades
  • Fire Punch

Origin Forme Palkia

  • Dragon Breath
  • Aqua Tail
  • Spacial Rend

Dawn Wings Necrozma

  • Shadow Claw
  • Dark Pulse
  • Moongeist Beam

Annihilape

Shadow Annihilape

  • Counter
  • Rage Fist
  • Close Combat

Crowned Shield Zamazenta

  • Ice Fang
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Bash

Dusk Mane Necrozma

  • Shadow Claw
  • Dark Pulse
  • Sunsteel Strike

Solgaleo

  • Fire Spin
  • Psychic Fangs
  • Iron Head

Groudon

  • Mud Shot
  • Fire Punch
  • Precipice Blades

Ho-Oh

  • Incinerate
  • Brave Bird
  • Sacred Fire
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Best Master League Attacker Pokemon

Attackers bring value through their high damage output and heavy pressure on the opposing team. These picks are especially effective at busting through Shields and creating openings for your closer to finish. Attackers carry a combination of strong moves, solid stats to enhance survivability, and advantageous type combinations.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Zamazenta

  • Ice Fang
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Bash

Solgaleo

  • Fire Spin
  • Psychic Fangs
  • Iron Head

Crowned Sword Zacian

  • Metal Claw
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Blade

Origin Forme Palkia

  • Dragon Breath
  • Aqua Tail
  • Spacial Rend

Complete Forme Zygarde

  • Dragon Tail
  • Crunch
  • Earthquake

Tapu Bulu

  • Bullet Seed
  • Grass Knot
  • Nature's Madness

Annihilape

  • Counter
  • Rage Fist
  • Close Combat

Lugia

  • Dragon Tail
  • Aeroblast
  • Fly

Origin Forme Giratina

  • Shadow Claw
  • Shadow Ball
  • Ominous Wind

Melmetal

  • Thunder Shock
  • Double Iron Bash
  • Thunderbolt

Best Master League Closer Pokemon

Closer Pokemon are chosen for their ability to dominate the final stages of battle, thriving in the end-game once all Shields have been consumed. These monsters usually have quite balanced stat spreads, wide type coverage, and powerful moves that make them efficient at cleaning up opponents.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Crowned Sword Zacian

  • Metal Claw
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Blade

Ho-Oh

Shadow Ho-Oh

  • Incinerate
  • Brave Bird
  • Sacred Fire

Crowned Shield Zamazenta

  • Ice Fang
  • Close Combat
  • Behemoth Bash

Lunala

  • Shadow Claw
  • Shadow Ball
  • Moonblast

Groudon

  • Mud Shot
  • Fire Punch
  • Precipice Blades

Dawn Wings Necrozma

  • Shadow Claw
  • Dark Pulse
  • Moongeist Beam

Origin Forme Palkia

  • Dragon Brwath
  • Aqua Tail
  • Spacial Rend

Marshadow

  • Sucker Punch
  • Close Combat
  • Ice Punch

Black Kyurem

  • Shadow Claw
  • Freeze Shock
  • Fusion Bolt

Xerneas

  • Geomancy
  • Close Combat
  • Moonblast
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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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Platform(s)
iOS, Android
Genre(s)
Augmented Reality, RPG