In Pokemon GO, the types of battles that players can participate in are constantly rotated with each new season and in-game event. This includes the PvP Leagues and various Cups that players can enter to go head-to-head against one another in battle, attempting to climb the Ranks and earn various rewards along the way.

One such opportunity is the Hisui Cup, which has made a return to Pokemon GO in July 2025 as part of the Delightful Days Season. However, just as with any themed Cup in Pokemon GO, the Hisui Cup has its own set of rules and restrictions when it comes to which Pokemon you are allowed to use in battle. If you're wondering what these rules are and some of the best monsters to consider for this occasion, all relevant information has been outlined in the guide below.

Pokemon GO Ultra Unlock Hisui Celebration Guide (Collection Challenges, Tasks, & Rewards)
Pokemon GO Ultra Unlock Hisui Celebration Guide (Collection Challenges, Tasks, & Rewards)

Get all the Pokemon Go Ultra Unlock Hisui Celebration event rewards following this guide with all Challenges and Tasks.

Hisui Cup Rules in Pokemon GO

pogo battle 3

In Pokemon GO, the Hisui Cup is available for players to participate between the dates of July 8, 2025, at 1 PM PT, to July 15, 2025, at 1 PM PT. The Hisui Cup featured is also a Great League addition, which determines the CP range of the monsters eligible for entering. Furthermore, only Pokemon discovered in the Hisui Region will be eligible for this opportunity, so players will need to plan their teams carefully.

  • Pokemon must be at or below 1,500 CP to enter.
  • Only Pokemon first discovered in the Hisui region or Pokemon with a Pokedex number from #387 to #493 will be allowed.

Best Pokemon For Hisui Cup in Pokemon GO

pogo battle 2

Best Hisui Cup Lead Pokemon

Lead Pokemon are aggressive battlers sent out at the start of a match to inflict early damage and put immediate pressure on the opposing side. Choosing an effective opener is a key part of team composition, as gaining early momentum can significantly impact how some battles unfold.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Drapion

Shadow Drapion

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Crunch

Hisuian Electrode

  • Thunder Shock
  • Wild Charge
  • Swift

Dusknoir

Shadow Dusknoir

  • Astonish
  • Dynamic Punch
  • Shadow Punch

Mamoswine

  • Powder Snow
  • Icicle Spear
  • High Horsepower

Gliscor

Shadow Gliscor

  • Fury Cutter
  • Earthquake
  • Aerial Ace

Overqwil

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Shadow Ball

Hisuian Qwilfish

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Shadow Ball

Roserade

  • Poison Sting
  • Weather Ball // Fire
  • Leaf Storm

Heatran

Shadow Heatran

  • Fire Spin
  • Magma Storm
  • Stone Edge

Gallade

Shadow Gallade

  • Psycho Cut
  • Close Combat
  • Leaf Blade
Pokemon GO Hisuian Zorua
Pokemon GO: How To Get Hisuian Zorua (Can Hisuian Zorua Be Shiny)

You can get Hisuian Zorua in Pokemon GO and if Shiny Hisuian Zorua is available by following this guide.

1

Best Hisui Cup Safe Switch Pokemon

Safe Switch Pokemon are used to replace your lead when facing a dangerous threat, helping you avoid burning crucial resources like Shields by staying in a losing battle.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Sneasler

  • Shadow Claw
  • Close Combat
  • Aerial Ace

Hisuian Qwilfish

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Shadow Ball

Drapion

Shadow Drapion

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Crunch

Overqwil

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Shadow Ball

Spiritomb

  • Sucker Punch
  • Rock Tomb
  • Shadow Ball

Hippowdon

Shadow Hippowdon

  • Sand Attack
  • Weather Ball // Rock
  • Scorching Sands

Gliscor

Shadow Gliscor

  • Fury Cutter
  • Earthquake
  • Aerial Ace

Electivire

  • Thunder Shock
  • Ice Punch
  • Wild Charge

Hippopotas

  • Sand Attack
  • Rock Tomb
  • Dig

Hisuian Electrode

  • Thunder Shock
  • Wild Charge
  • Swift

Best Hisui Cup Attacker Pokemon

Attackers are chosen for their strong offensive power, often able to break through any remaining Shields on the opposing side. These Pokemon typically offer a blend of durability by withstanding incoming attacks, as well as strategic advantages like favorable typing, resistances, and access to high-damage moves.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Gastrodon

  • Mud Slap
  • Body Slame
  • Earth Power

Drapion

Shadow Drapion

  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Crunch

Togekiss

  • Charms
  • Psyshock
  • Aura Sphere

Drifblim

  • Hex
  • Icy Wind
  • Shadow Ball

Gliscor

Shadow Gliscor

  • Fury Cutter
  • Earthquake
  • Aerial Ace

Hippopotas

  • Sand Attack
  • Rock Tomb
  • Dig

Vespiquen

  • Fury Cutter
  • X-Scissor
  • Power Gem

Bastiodon

  • Smack Down
  • Stone Edge
  • Flamethrower

Hippopotas

  • Sand Attack
  • Rock Tomb
  • Dig

Wormadam // Trash

  • Bug Bite
  • Bug Buzz
  • Iron Head

Best Hisui Cup Closer Pokemon

Closers excel in the late stages of a battle, when neither side has Shields remaining. These Pokemon stand out thanks to their strong typing, well-rounded stats, and powerful attacks that allow them to perform effectively without needing Shield support like other roles.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Electivire

Shadow Electivire

  • Thunder Shock
  • Ice Punch
  • Wild Charge

Gallade

Shadow Gallade

  • Psycho Cut
  • Close Combat
  • Leaf Blade

Sneasler

Shadow Sneasler

  • Shadow Claw
  • Close Combat
  • Aerial Ace

Drifblim

  • Hex
  • Icy Wind
  • Shadow Ball

Gliscor

Shadow Gliscor

  • Fury Cutter
  • Earthquake
  • Aerial Ace

Mamoswine

Shadow Mamoswine

  • Powder Snow
  • Icicle Spear
  • High Horsepower

Empoleon

Shadow Empoleon

  • Metal Claw
  • Hydro Cannon
  • Drill Peck

Toxicroak

Shadow Toxicroak

  • Poison Sting
  • Dynamic Punch
  • Shadow Ball

Wormadam // Trash

  • Bug Bite
  • Bug Buzz
  • Iron Head

Spiritomb

  • Sucker Punch
  • Rock Tomb
  • Shadow Ball
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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
Platform(s)
iOS, Android