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Best Master League Choices Pokemon GO: Best Picks for GOBattle Teams

By Jack O'Dwyer

Giratina faces off against Cresselia in the GOBattle League.
Giratina faces off against Cresselia in the GOBattle League. / Niantic Labs, The Pokémon Company

Best Master League Choices Pokemon GO are vital for players hoping to succeed in trainer battles.

Niantic Labs has announced that Master League teams can now be used to battle during the Pokemon GO League preseason. Trainers will now have the chance to show off their strongest Pokemon they caught this year. Be warned, this league has been throwing significant curve balls for trainers. Not every Pokemon that looks strong necessarily performs as well on the battle field.

Here is a list of the best picks for your GOBattle team.

Best Master League Choices Pokemon GO: Best Picks for GOBattle Teams

1. Dialga

Dialga from the Pokémon anime series. First of Its Name. Lord of Time. Reigning Champion of the Master League. Wielder of Dragon's Breath.
Dialga from the Pokémon anime series. First of Its Name. Lord of Time. Reigning Champion of the Master League. Wielder of Dragon's Breath. / The Pokémon Company

Unsurprisingly, the legendary Pokemon of time is snatching the spotlight in PvP. Dialga has always been a strong contender with a powerful move pool, high attack stat, and over 4000 CP ceiling. Its best moves are Dragon Breath, Iron Head, and Draco Meteor. Some trainers report success using Thunder as a charged move, as well.

2. Giratina

Giratina in its Altered Forme from the Pokémon anime. It's doing well, despite intense competition from Dialga.
Giratina in its Altered Forme from the Pokémon anime. It's doing well, despite intense competition from Dialga. / The Pokémon Company

Both of Giratina's forms are doing well out of the gate. With a CP ceiling of 3600 and 3300 for Origin and Altered, respectively, it still stands as one of the strongest ghost-type contenders in the Master League. Trainers should look out for moves such as Shadow Ball, Shadow Claw, Ominous Wind, Dragon Claw, and Ancient Power. The most impressive aspect of Giratina lies in its stats. Its altered form has a large stamina pool to draw from and makes a great tank if needed.

3. Togekiss

Dawn's Togekiss from the Pokémon anime. We'd imagine it's quite pleased with its place in the rankings.
Dawn's Togekiss from the Pokémon anime. We'd imagine it's quite pleased with its place in the rankings. / The Pokémon Company

Bet you didn't expect this one. Despite it's adorable appearance, Togekiss is quickly rising to within the top five Pokemon for the Master League. Using Charm paired with just about anything else is the key strategy for making this Pokemon effective. Trainers may find success using Flamethrower or Ancient Power with this move, as well. Its CP ceiling is 3300 and its most important stats are attack and stamina.

4. Dragonite

Isle of Dragonites from the Pokémon anime.
Isle of Dragonites from the Pokémon anime. / The Pokémon Company

Dragonite returns to the top of the heap in the Master League. It is the strongest Dragon Breath user behind Dialga and was known for topping charts in its heyday. Unfortunately, it has long since been surpassed, but still holds up well as a counter to opponents like Swampert and does well as a budget pick in a pinch. Its CP ceiling is 3700 and trainers should look to pair Dragon Breath with Dragon Claw or Outrage.

5. Swampert

Swampert from the Pokémon anime. Not so squishy anymore, is it?
Swampert from the Pokémon anime. Not so squishy anymore, is it? / The Pokémon Company

Swampert is one of the best counters to the top dog, Dialga, this pre-season. Though its CP ceiling is not much to be impressed with at 2900, it can still leave a lasting mark on the enemy's team with moves like Mud Shot, Earthquake, and Hydro Cannon.