
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
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
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 |
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Pangoro |
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Primeape Shadow Primeape |
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Jumpluff Shadow Jumpluff |
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Togedemaru |
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Jellicent |
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Toxtricity |
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Dusknoir Shadow Dusknoir |
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Gligar Shadow Gligae |
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Lapras |
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Gastrodon |
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 |
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Samurott Shadow Samurott |
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Feraligatr Shadow Feraligatr |
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Golisopod |
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Sableye Shadow Sableye |
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Dewott Shadow Dewott |
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Galarian Weezing Shadow Galarian Weezing |
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Emolga |
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Gligar Shadow Gligar |
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Drapion Shadow Drapion |
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 |
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Forretress |
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Diggersby |
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Mandibuzz |
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Steelix |
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Dusclops |
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Bastiodon |
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Araquanid |
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Carbink |
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Clodsire |

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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 |
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Electivire Shadow Electivire |
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Toxicroak Shadow Toxicroak |
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Registeel |
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Clodsire |
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Carbink |
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Galarian Moltres |
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Raikou Shadow Raikou |
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Registeel Shadow Registeel |
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Samurott Shadow Samurott |

Pokémon GO
- Released
-
July 6, 2016
- ESRB
-
e
- Engine
-
Unity
- Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
-
ios, andriod