Want to know what the top Pokémon are right now? Want to know how to use them effectively? Well then this is the article for you!
In the most recent Global Link update (1/23/2017), the Top 30 Pokémon (usage-wise) were revealed for each format on the Battle Spot Ladder. Other information, such as most popular teammates, items, natures and more are shown when viewing each Pokémon, showing how most players like to use that Pokémon.
But we’re going to take it a step further.
Not only will we show you all of that, but we’ll also provide sample move sets and spreads for each Pokémon! This article will be updated to reflect current meta game trends and new Pokémon that break the Top 30 each week!
Note: This won’t be updated to resemble a traditional “Top X” List, so here’s how this will work:
-If a new Pokémon enters the Top 30, it will simply be added to this list along with all of the data associated with it.
-If there is a shift in placement for some Pokémon, that won’t be reflected here.
The Top 30 (1/24/2017)
Tapu Koko
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Tapu Koko @ Life Orb/Focus Sash/Fairium Z/Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
– Thunderbolt/Nature Power
– Dazzling Gleam
– Discharge/Hidden Power (Ice/Fire)/Taunt
– Protect
The most common set for Tapu Koko which mainly focuses on speed and attack power. There are many variations on this move set to fit certain teams or roles for Tapu Koko on a team. EV’s can also be changed depending on personal preference.
Tapu Koko @ Assault Vest
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 236 HP / 12 Def / 28 SpA / 132 SpD / 100 Spe
Timid Nature
– Volt Switch
– Dazzling Gleam
– Discharge
– Nature’s Madness
Assault Vest mainly takes advantage of Tapu Koko’s very diverse attacking move pool, while also giving it some added bulk.
Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 236 HP / 12 Def / 84 SpA / 76 SpD / 100 Spe
Timid Nature
– Volt Switch
– Dazzling Gleam
– Discharge
– Thunderbolt
This is the Choice Specs variant of Tapu Koko that Ray Rizzo featured in his video showcasing his set. You can check out his video here if you’re interested in seeing damage calcs or just want to hear his take on it.
Tapu Lele
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 84 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
– Psychic
– Moonblast
– Dazzling Gleam
– Thunderbolt/Shadow Ball/Hidden Power [Fire]
Standard Choice Scarf Tapu Lele designed to out-speed Pheromosa and deal tons of damage.
Tapu Lele @ Psychium Z/Life Orb/Sitrus Berry/Psychic Seed
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 28 HP / 44 Def / 228 SpA / 4 SpDef / 204 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Psychic
– Moonblast
– Taunt/Dazzling Gleam/Substitute
– Protect
A slower, more bulky Tapu Lele which allows for some support options in addition to standard attacking moves.
Tapu Fini
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Tapu Fini @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Def / 196 SpA / 4 SpD / 12 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Muddy Water
– Moonblast
– Calm Mind
– Substitute/Protect
Tapu Fini @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 20 Def / 164 SpA / 44 SpD / 28 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Muddy Water
– Hydro Pump
– Moonblast
– Dazzling Gleam/Ice Beam/Grass Knot/Shadow Ball
A Choice Specs set focused on just dealing damage. Tapu Fini has other cool attacking options, but most just stick to Water and Fairy-type attacks.
Tapu Bulu
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Tapu Bulu @ Miracle Seed
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 244 HP / 116 Atk / 140 Def / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Wood Hammer
– Horn Leech
– Substitute/Rock Slide/Superpower
– Protect
Tapu Bulu might not be so popular nowadays, but it still can deal a ton of damage with strong, Grassy-Terrain boosted attacks.
Tapu Bulu @ Lum Berry
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 60 Def / 140 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Horn Leech
– Leech Seed
– Substitute
– Protect
Here’s a set that was piloted by our current World Champion at the London International Championships. You can watch his team report here where he discusses the set more in depth.
Kartana
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Kartana @ Focus Sash
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Smart Strike
– Leaf Blade
– Sacred Sword
– Protect
Simple Focus Sash Kartana. Sacred Sword can be traded out for moves like Night Slash or X-Scissor depending on what kind of coverage you need.
Kartana @ Assault Vest
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 84 HP / 116 Atk / 4 Def / 52 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Leaf Blade
– Smart Strike
– Sacred Sword
– Night Slash
The EV’s for an Assault Vest vary largely among players, but this one is meant to get you started.
Celesteela
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Atk / 4 Def / 60 SpD / 76 Spe
– Heavy Slam
– Leech Seed
– Flamethrower/Substitute
– Protect/Wide Guard
The EV’s and Nature make it so Beast Boost raises your Attack stat.
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 180 HP / 180 Atk / 148 SpD
Careful Nature
– Heavy Slam
– Substitute/Flamethrower
– Leech Seed
– Wide Guard/Protect
The EV’s and Nature make it so Beast Boost raises your Special Defense.
Nihilego
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Nihilego @ Focus Sash
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Power Gem
– Sludge Bomb
– Hidden Power [Ice]
– Protect
Pheromosa
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Pheromosa @ Focus Sash/Fightinium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature/Naughty Nature
– Lunge/U-Turn
– High Jump Kick/Low Kick/Brick Break
– Poison Jab/Ice Beam/Feint/Taunt
– Protect
Pheromosa can have a TON of moves on it, though the item choice and EV’s are pretty simple.
Garchomp
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Garchomp @ Groundium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Earthquake
– Dragon Claw/Fire Fang
– Poison Jab/Rock Slide
– Protect
Garchomp @ Assault Vest
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 28 HP / 172 Atk / 4 Def / 52 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Earthquake
– Dragon Claw
– Poison Jab
– Fire Fang/Rock Slide
Assault Vest allows Garchomp to survive crucial Special hits like Golduck’s Hydro Vortex in Rain and a Moonblast from Tapu Lele.
Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 36 HP / 252 Atk / 220 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Earthquake
– Dragon Claw
– Poison Jab
– Rock Slide
Probably the least common of all main Garchomp sets, but this set can be useful to snag surprise KO’s on some of Garchomp’s faster threats.
Alolan Muk
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Muk-Alola @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 108 Def / 100 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Poison Jab
– Knock Off
– Curse/Shadow Sneak/Imprison
– Protect
Another set from our current World Champion. Mukl EV’s can be all over the place, Figy Berry (or whatever variant) will more than likely be your item of choice. The third move slot has changed a lot, and which one you go with is entirely dependent on what works for you.
Alolan Ninetales
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Ninetales-Alola @ Light Clay/Focus Sash
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 4 HP /252 SpA/ 252 Spe
Timid Nature
– Blizzard/Freeze Dry
– Icy Wind
– Aurora Veil
– Protect/Encore
Ninetales has a pretty standard set. You can mess around with the EV’s a bit if you want to add a bit of bulk.
Alolan Marowak
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Marowak-Alola @ Thick Club
Ability: Lightning Rod
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Atk / 4 Def / 68 SpD / 12 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Flare Blitz
– Shadow Bone
– Bonemerang/Substitute/Perish Song
– Protect
Marowak EV’s are pretty diverse, so here’s a starter set. You could ditch the speed for a Trick Room attacking variant.
Alolan Raichu
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Raichu-Alola @ Psychium Z/Alolaraichium Z/Focus Sash
Ability: Surge Surfer
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
– Fake Out
– Psychic
– Thunderbolt
– Protect/Encore/Feint
Even though Raichu will double its Speed in Electric Terrain, it’s still worth running max Speed since Raichu is naturally fast.
Porygon2
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Download
EVs: 252 HP / 92 Def / 164 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Trick Room
– Return
– Ice Beam
– Recover
Porygon2 can be run a ton of different ways, but the set above is probably the most basic way to use it.
Snorlax
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Snorlax @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 68 HP / 196 Atk / 244 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Return
– High Horsepower
– Curse
– Protect/Recycle
Standard Curse Snorlax. You have the choice of Recycle (much like Markus Leipzig’s Snorlax) to keep using your Figy Berry.
Arcanine
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Arcanine @ Iapapa Berry/Sitrus Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpD / 164 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Extreme Speed
– Flare Blitz
– Snarl/Wild Charge/Will-O-Wisp
– Protect
The new standard Arcanine that leans more on the offensive side. Wild Charge can be added in place of a support move for more coverage.
Arcanine @ Firium Z/Sitrus Berry/Aguav Berry/Safety Goggles
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 148 HP / 164 SpA / 4 Def / 28 SpD / 164 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Will-O-Wisp
– Flare Blitz
– Snarl
– Protect
The more supportive Arcanine runs a Special-Attacking set with Snarl and Flamethrower. The EV’s can be changed pretty freely on this set depending on personal preference.
Pelipper
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Pelipper @ Focus Sash
Ability: Drizzle
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest/Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Scald
– Hurricane
– Tailwind
– Protect
The most standard Pelipper set. Primarily functions to set up Tailwind and the Rain for a likely Golduck partner.
Metagross
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Metagross @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 204 Atk / 52 SpD
Adamant Nature
– Meteor Mash
– Zen Headbutt
– Bullet Punch
– Protect
This is the Metagross that Collin Heir used to get 2nd place at Dallas Regionals. Metagross has a ton of other viable items if Weakness Policy doesn’t suit your needs.
Gigalith
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Gigalith @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 228 HP / 228 Atk / 52 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Rock Slide
– Stone Edge
– Heavy Slam
– Earthquake
Standard attacking set with added bulk from the Assault Vest.
Gigalith @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 196 HP / 124 Atk / 188 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Stone Edge
– Heavy Slam
– Wide Guard/Rock Slide/Earthquake
– Protect
If Assault Vest is already taken, this is an ideal set with a possible support option.
Torkoal
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Torkoal @ Charcoal/Life Orb
Ability: Drought
EVs: 116 HP / 252 SpA / 140 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
– Eruption
– Heat Wave/Flamethrower/Solar Beam
– Overheat/Flamethrower/Solar Beam
– Protect
The EV’s are pretty flexible as long as you max your Special Attack and make sure you’re as slow as possible.
Gastrodon
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Gastrodon-East @ Sitrus Berry/Aguav Berry
Ability: Storm Drain
Level: 50
EVs: 236 HP / 156 Def / 12 SpA / 100 SpD / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Scald
– Ice Beam
– Recover/Protect
– Toxic
Purpose just to suck up Water attacks and Toxic stall. Just watch out for Kartana.
Araquanid
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Araquanid @ Sitrus Berry/Waterium Z/Life Orb
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Liquidation
– Leech Life/Lunge
– Wide Guard/Poison Jab
– Protect
Simple spread mainly to maximize bulk and Attack. Can switch up some of the moves to make Araquanid more offensive.
Mimikyu
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Mimikyu @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Disguise
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Play Rough
– Shadow Claw
– Taunt
– Trick Room
If you want a good Mimikyu spread, look no further than Gavin Michael’s one he used to win San Jose Regionals. Max Speed on a Trick Room setter might not make sense at first, but Gavin wanted to be able to out-speed and KO Tapu Lele with Never Ending Nightmare. Mimikyu basically gets Trick Room up for free as long as it doesn’t get double targeted.
Gyarados
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Gyarados @ Waterium Z
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 52 HP / 196 Atk / 76 Def / 4 SpD / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Waterfall
– Dragon Dance
– Ice Fang/Earthquake
– Protect
Standard Dragon Dance set meant to spread Intimidate and get off boosted attacks.
Porygon-Z
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Porygon-Z @ Normalium Z
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 50
EVs: 20 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Shadow Ball/Thunderbolt/Ice Beam
– Tri Attack/Shadow Ball/Thunderbolt/Ice Beam
– Conversion
– Protect
You can run a ton of different attacks on Porygon-Z, any of these types (Ghost, Electric, Ice, etc.) are viable.
Porygon-Z @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Tri Attack
– Dark Pulse
– Hyper Beam
– Ice Beam
This is the Porygon-Z that Sejun Park used on his Tapu Fini team that had a bit of time in the meta spotlight. If you want to know more on how Sejun used this Porygon-Z, you can read a translated team report here.
Vanilluxe
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Coldstone (Vanilluxe) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 52 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
– Blizzard
– Freeze-Dry
– Icy Wind
– Sheer Cold
I would consider Vanilluxe a more offensive Nintetales. Scarf is to account for Vanilluxe’s lack of speed so it may be free to spam Blizzard.
Talonflame
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Talonflame @ Life Orb/Flynium Z/Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Brave Bird
– Flare Blitz
– Tailwind/U-Turn
– Taunt/Will-O-Wisp/Protect
Talonflame functions pretty much the same way it did in past formats. Now just without full-power Gale Wings.
Oranguru
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Oranguru @ Sitrus Berry/Mental Herb
Ability:Telepathy
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Def / 20 SpA / 92 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
– Psychic/Foul Play
– Instruct
– Trick Room
– Protect
Hariyama
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Hariyama @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Fake Out
– Close Combat
– Feint
– Knock Off
Salamence
Top 5 Moves
Top 5 Items
Top 3 Natures
Top 6 Teammates
Popular Sets
Salamence @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Draco Meteor
– Flamethrower
– Substitute
– Protect
Dragonium Z basically gives Salamence two Draco Meteors before it take a hit to its Special Attack. If the damage output disappoints you, Life Orb or Choice Specs are also great items for Salamence.
Art of Pokemon courtesy of Pokémon Global Link and Ken Sugimori
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