Pokemon GO Attacker and Defender Tier List August 2023, Best Pokemon Ranked
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Aug 07, 2023
Pokemon GO
Pokémon Go, stylized as Pokémon GO, is an augmented reality (AR) mobile game introduced in 2016 as part of the beloved Pokémon franchise. Developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, the game is available for both iOS and Android devices. It leverages GPS technology to immerse players in a unique experience where they can locate, capture, train, and engage in battles with virtual creatures known as Pokémon.
These Pokémon appear as if they inhabit the real-world surroundings of the player. The game follows a freemium model, allowing players to play for free while offering in-app purchases for additional items to enhance gameplay. It also incorporates local advertising to support its operations.
Upon its initial release, Pokémon Go received a mix of reviews. While its innovative concept was praised, technical issues drew criticism. Despite this, the game achieved immense popularity and profitability in 2016. It garnered over 500 million downloads globally within its first year and played a pivotal role in bringing location-based and AR technology into mainstream gaming.
Beyond entertainment, the game encouraged physical activity and bolstered foot traffic for local businesses. However, it wasn't without challenges, as concerns arose about accidents and public disturbances related to the game. Some governments took regulatory measures due to these issues.
By May 2018, Pokémon Go boasted over 147 million monthly active users, and its global downloads had surpassed a billion by early 2019. The game's financial success was also remarkable, generating more than $6 billion in revenue by 2020. Through its journey, Pokémon Go has left an indelible mark on gaming culture, showcasing the potential of AR technology while sparking discussions about safety, regulations, and the impact of video games on society.
Pokemon GO Attacker and Defender Tier List
The gym gameplay in Pokemon GO may not have undergone significant changes over the years, but it remains one of the most socially immersive experiences within the mobile game. This mode offers players the opportunity to earn premium currency without spending money. Additionally, it provides rewards and a taste of battling against the strongest creatures of other players.
Similar to other gameplay aspects in the mobile game, certain Pokemon are better suited for attacking and defending these gyms compared to others in the Pokemon franchise. Consequently, knowing which creatures are the most effective can greatly assist newer players in establishing their gameplay foundation
S-Tier: Elite Performers
The S-tier encompasses the cream of the crop. Among attackers, this tier features Pokémon like Primal Groudon, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Blaziken, known for their access to potent charged attacks and signature moves. These abilities enable them to swiftly dismantle teams that have been weakened from extended stays in gyms.
In the realm of defenders, only two creatures truly achieve the "top tier" status. Metagross and Blissey shine as the premier defenders. Blissey's exceptional stamina stat, the highest in the game, makes it a stalwart choice. On the other hand, Metagross boasts a perfect blend of type synergy and a pseudo-legendary stat distribution, solidifying its position as an outstanding defender.
A-Tier Attackers and Defenders
In the realm of attackers, the A-tier comprises Pokémon that are exceptional but are overshadowed by those with access to more potent temporary forms like Megas or Primals. Noteworthy members here are Shadow Ho-oh, Shadow Machamp, Rampardos, and Zekrom. On the defensive front, the A-tier defenders, such as Snorlax and Drifblim, are viable and can even outperform some in the S-tier under specific circumstances. However, the S-tier defenders tend to offer more advantages in most scenarios.
B-Tier: Attackers and Defenders
Occupying the B-tier are Pokémon that hold their ground but are surpassed by others in similar roles. Mega Venusaur, for instance, is a strong Grass-type attacker, but Mega Sceptile outshines it due to superior damage output and a secondary Dragon typing. Mega Venusaur, Mega Pidgeot, and Shadow Tangrowth are part of this tier for attackers. Defensively, creatures in this tier perform better in attacking roles or possess specialized niches rather than excelling as all-around defenders. Garchomp, Gyarados, and Dragonite find themselves in this category.
C-Tier: Accessible and Transitional
The C-tier is composed of creatures that serve as accessible options for newcomers. Nevertheless, as players progress and gain access to more powerful Pokémon, these initial choices gradually lose their effectiveness. Members of this tier, such as Zarude, Tyrantrum, and Chesnaught, cater to early-game players but are overshadowed by higher-tier options as the game advances.
Defenders: Specialized and Limited
When it comes to defenders in Pokémon GO, this tier consists of creatures that exhibit utility when paired strategically with specific gym compositions or roles. However, in the broader context of the defense metagame, they lack versatility and are seldom optimal picks. Conkeldurr, Magnezone, and Azumarill fall into this category, serving as niche defenders rather than widespread choices.
Pokemon GO Gameplay
Upon setting up their game accounts, players embark on the journey to personalize and craft their own avatars. Once designed, these avatars come to life on the in-game map, aligned with the player's real-world location.
This virtual landscape is adorned with essential landmarks known as 'PokéStops' and 'Pokémon Gyms'. PokéStops are enhanced with 'Lure Modules' that allure additional wild creatures, occasionally including rare ones. Meanwhile, Gyms act as arenas for team-based competitive battles.
These key points of interest are typically situated at real-world locations. The origins of these locations trace back to Ingress, Niantic's prior augmented reality (AR) game. However, this reuse has led to instances of placing PokéStops and Gyms in potentially hazardous or inconvenient areas.
Examples include a now-removed Gym at the Korean Demilitarized Zone and Bagram Airforce Base, abandoned by U.S. forces in July 2021. Subsequently, player submissions have been considered for these sites since 2019, often reviewed by fellow players.
As players traverse their actual surroundings, their avatars mirror their movements on the in-game map. Different species of Pokémon inhabit specific geographical regions; for instance, Water-type Pokémon tend to dwell near bodies of water. When encountering a Pokémon, players can opt for either an augmented reality (AR) mode or a basic, live-rendered backdrop.
If a player chooses to flee from the encounter, the Pokémon will remain oriented towards the spot of their last interaction, with the exception of Nosepass, which always faces north due to its Pokédex entry. AR mode employs the camera and gyroscope of the player's mobile device to seamlessly merge Pokémon into the real world, enabling users to capture screenshots of the creatures with or without AR mode active.
While the game is accessible without charge, it incorporates in-app purchases. Players have the option to acquire additional Poké Balls and various in-game items. These items encompass Incense, which lures Pokémon to the player's vicinity during a sixty-minute period of movement, Lure Modules, which attract Pokémon to the current location near a PokéStop, and Lucky Eggs, doubling the experience points earned for thirty minutes.
All Pokémon are represented with a Combat Power (CP) value, offering a rough estimate of their battle prowess. As players advance in levels, they encounter Pokémon with higher CP values, making them slightly more challenging to catch. A Pokémon's strength can be assessed using the "Appraisal" system
What is Pokemon GO Plus?
The Pokémon Go Plus, a wearable device utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy, was developed by Nintendo's Platform Technology Development division. Its purpose is to enable players to engage with the game without needing to focus on their smart devices. When a player is in proximity to a Pokémon or a PokéStop, the Plus emits vibrations.
By pressing the button, the player can capture the Pokémon or collect items from the PokéStop. However, the specifics of the items obtained can only be checked once the player logs into the mobile app at a later time. The design of the device takes the form of a Poké Ball and is reminiscent of the Google Maps pin symbol.
The decision to create this dedicated device, as opposed to developing a smartwatch application, aimed to make the game more accessible for players who might find a smartwatch cost-prohibitive. The Pokémon Go Plus was officially launched in the United Kingdom and North America on September 16, 2016.
Pokemon GO Attacker and Defender Tier List -FAQs
Pokémon GO is an augmented reality (AR) mobile game released in 2016 as part of the Pokémon franchise. It allows players to locate, capture, train, and battle virtual creatures known as Pokémon in real-world surroundings using GPS technology.
Pokémon GO was developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Pokémon GO is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Players create avatars that move on the in-game map based on their real-world location. They can find and catch Pokémon, interact with PokéStops, and engage in battles at Pokémon Gyms.
PokéStops are locations where players can collect items, and Pokémon Gyms are battle locations for team-based matches.
Attackers and defenders in Pokémon GO are categorized into different tiers based on their battle capabilities. These tiers include S-Tier (Elite Performers), A-Tier (Strong Choices), B-Tier (Solid Options), and C-Tier (Accessible and Transitional).