Pokémon GO Sunshine Cup – Great League Edition: Best Pokémon

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It’s high time you get your sunglasses, slather on some sunblock, and step out for the “Sunshine Cup: Great League” event in Pokémon GO!

From June 3 to 10, 2025, the limited-time GO Battle League will follow unique rules distinct from those in the regular Great League. However, some aspects remain the same: The CP limit for participating Pokémon is still 1,500, meaning you can’t use your overpowering champions. Also, similar to the Great League, only Normal-, Fire-, Grass-, and Ground-type Pokémon may be used, except for Charizard – the flying lizard has been disallowed due to its impressive (and powerful) nature in this format.

Showcase an exceptional, fiery display using the top-tier Pokemon for the Sunshine Cup – Great League Edition in Pokemon GO, as suggested by PvPoke.com’s statistical analysis and simulations.

Sunshine Cup – GL Edition: Best Leads

In the initial stages of a battle, these Pokémon relentlessly harass opponents, often setting the tone for the entire fight. They also have impressive durability, allowing them to withstand tough encounters for extended periods. This makes them ideal for opening matches as they can either score an early victory or establish a robust strategy for a subsequent counterattack.

  1. Gligar [S] (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Dig)
  2. Talonflame (Incinerate, Fly, Brave Bird)
  3. Magcargo (Incinerate, Rock Tomb, Overheat)
  4. Cradily (Acid, Rock Tomb, Grass Knot)
  5. Shadow Jumpluff (Fairy Wind, Aerial Ace, Acrobatics)
  6. Gliscor (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Earthquake)
  7. Furret (Sucker Punch, Swift, Brick Break)
  8. Shadow Ursaring (Shadow Claw, Swift, Close Combat)
  9. Zangoose (Fury Cutter, Close Combat, Night Slash)
  10. Shadow Ninetales (Ember, Weather Ball (Fire), Overheat)

Pokémon marked with [S] perform comparably in their regular and Shadow forms.

Sunshine Cup – GL Edition: Best Safe Switches

If the first Pokémon you’ve chosen isn’t working well for you, it might be wise to replace it with another one. This is when Safe Switches can be useful. They could be strong initial picks or skilled at dealing with common opponents in the game format. Essentially, an early swap will let your original Pokémon rest and re-enter the fight later, possibly making your opponent change their strategy too.

  1. Cradily (Acid, Rock Tomb, Grass Knot)
  2. Shadow Gligar (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Dig)
  3. Shadow Cradily (Acid, Rock Tomb, Grass Knot)
  4. Furret (Sucker Punch, Swift, Brick Break)
  5. Gliscor (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Earthquake)
  6. Armarouge (Incinerate, Psyshock, Flame Charge)
  7. Gligar (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Dig)
  8. Shadow Gliscor (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Earthquake)
  9. Runerigus (Shadow Claw, Rock Tomb, Shadow Ball)
  10. Spinda (Sucker Punch, Rock Tomb, Icy Wind)

Sunshine Cup – GL Edition: Best Closers

In situations where both sides have exhausted their shields and the fight reaches its climax, these Pokémon prove exceptionally beneficial. Known as “Closers,” they are either extremely durable or possess powerful Charge Moves that conclude battles swiftly. These moves can’t be dodged without a shield.

  1. Shadow Staraptor (Quick Attack, Fly, Close Combat)
  2. Shadow Swampert (Mud Shot, Hydro Cannon, Sludge)
  3. Cradily [S] (Acid, Rock Tomb, Grass Knot)
  4. Staravia [S] (Quick Attack, Fly, Brave Bird)
  5. Clodsire (Poison Sting, Earthquake, Stone Edge)
  6. Gligar [S] (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Dig)
  7. Shadow Mamoswine (Powder Snow, Icicle Spear, High Horsepower)
  8. Lileep [S] (Acid, Ancient Power, Grass Knot)
  9. Shadow Piloswine (Powder Snow, Icicle Spear, High Horsepower)
  10. Swampert (Mud Shot, Hydro Cannon, Sludge)

Sunshine Cup – GL Edition: Best Attackers

In a battle, Pokémon that excel are particularly useful when an opponent still has protective shields, whereas you don’t have any yourself – essentially, they can help you mount a comeback. These attackers possess crucial resistances and potent Fast Moves to offset the absence of shields. However, Shadow forms are less common in this category because they sustain more damage than their normal versions, making them a potentially risky choice to use.

  1. Magcargo (Incinerate, Rock Tomb, Overheat)
  2. Gligar (Fury Cutter, Aerial Ace, Dig)
  3. Diggersby (Quick Attack, Fire Punch, Scorching Sands)
  4. Cradily (Acid, Rock Tomb, Grass Knot)
  5. Quagsire (Mud Shot, Aqua Tail, Stone Edge)
  6. Jumpluff (Fairy Wind, Aerial Ace, Acrobatics)
  7. Alolan Marowak (Fire Spin, Bone Club, Shadow Bone)
  8. Talonflame (Incinerate, Fly, Brave Bird)
  9. Pidgeot (Gust, Air Cutter, Brave Bird)
  10. Clodsire (Poison Sting, Earthquake, Stone Edge)

Over time, the strategies for the Sunshine Cup tournament have significantly evolved. In earlier days, it was predominantly a domain for Normal-type flying creatures such as Pidgeot and Staraptor. However, while these beings still contribute, they now find themselves in lower tiers. The enhancements to moves like Acid and Fury Cutter have added to this shift in rankings.

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2025-06-04 10:46