Pokemon GO has come a long way since its early days. Incorporating massive events, raids, and even PVP, there's no doubt it has evolved. Niantic is even considering raising the level cap since so many people have reached it. Pokemon GO has gone from a strange phenomenon to a stable gaming community.
The PVP element of Pokemon GO has become a defining part of its community. The regular PVP is separated into three sequential leagues, each with a different CP cap. The first of these, the Great League (CP cap 1500), is entering its third season. Because of the limitations, this is a league where knowing the meta is very important. Here are some notes on the best teams to take into Pokemon GO's third Great League season.
The Ubiquity of Altaria
The first thing to realize is that one Pokemon is extraordinarily popular in the meta right now: Altaria. Despite having several exploitable weaknesses, this flying/dragon type has one big advantage... being a dragon. Few dragon types slip under the 1500 CP limit in Great League, and Altaria is the most viable right now. Sky Attack has been the secondary charged attack of choice, but that may change in Season 3: Brave Bird is getting a significant buff. Not only will Brave Bird deal more damage, it will also lower an opponent's attack significantly. How important is Altaria overall? According to data gathered by Silph.gg, out of the top ranked 34 team compositions at this time, Altaria is present in ALL of them. No matter the team comp, playing alone or together, try for this Pokemon. It's a keeper.
Registeel/Altaria/Stunfisk (Galarian)
The above is the current top ranked team according to Silph.gg's gathered data. Actually, it's the top three ranked teams. The only difference between those teams is who gets chosen for the opener, with the above composition being the most effective. Registeel and Galarian Stunfisk are fantastic, tanky openers, able to take a lot of punishment. Pokemon GO may be having a great year, but not in terms of diversity at the top of this league. The message is clear: two tanky defenders and a powerful attacker (preferably Altaria).
Filling in the Missing Pieces
The above may be the most effective combination, but it is only the fourth most popular. Not everyone can get that exact team composition, so it's a matter of filling in the gaps effectively. Good Great League choices like Azumarill and Skarmory can substitute for Registeel, as can Deoxys (Defense Form). Hypno is a popular attacker when paired with Wishcash and Umbreon. In fact, Wishcash, Skarmory and Deoxys (Defense) is a popular team in and of itself.
Know the Changes
Several moves are getting nerfed, which will reduce the usefulness of Pokemon that use them. Flash Cannon and Focus Blast, Registeel's most popular Charge Moves, are getting nerfed. Formerly popular Medicham has largely fallen out of favor in the ranking charts. Keep these in mind when forming a team, and once the daily quests have been completed, take the Pokemon you have that stick the closest to the magic team mentioned above into the Great League. But, even then, be prepared to switch things around if things go wrong. The meta is shifting, and will likely shift more before the League is over. Be sure to share your favorite composition and keep abreast of how things change.
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Source: Silph.gg