Pokemon GO: Best Moves For Runerigus

Runerigus is a new evolution of Generation V’s Yamask, which could only evolve into Cofagrigus pre-Generation VIII. Obtaining Runerigus can only be done by evolving the Galarian variant of Yamask by following a series of steps. In Pokemon GO, the requirements are a little different from Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, but still require their share of time and patience.

As a Pokemon, Runerigus has high defense, abysmal speed, and a shallow movepool. The same applies in Pokemon GO, where its quick and main moves don't fare better than what it was given in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. Additionally, Runerigus' Ground-typing gives it three more weaknesses: Grass, Water, and Ice. However, like any Pokemon, Runerigus can stand on its own with the right moveset.

Runerigus' Movepool

Unfortunately, Runerigus' only Quick Move is Astonish. On the plus side, Astonish is a Ghost-type move, meaning Runerigus will gain STAB by using it.

The list of moves Runerigus has in Pokemon GO are:

Quick Moves	Type	Damage	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8	8.7

Charged Moves	Type	Damage	DPS
Rock Tomb	Rock	70	21.9
Shadow Ball	Ghost	100	40
Sand Tomb	Ground	60	18
Return	Normal (Purified)	35	50
Frustration	Normal (Shadow)	10	5

Because of its typing, Runerigus will gain STAB from the following:

Astonish
Shadow Ball
Sand Tomb

Runerigus Moveset - Offense

The best offensive moveset for Runerigus is:

Move	Type	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8.7
Shadow Ball	Ghost	40

As Ghost-type moves, both Astonish and Shadow Ball are strong against Ghost and Psychic types, but will only deal half-damage to Dark-type Pokemon.

For more variety, players can also try one of the following:

Move	Type	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8.7
Return	Normal	50

Move	Type	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8.7
Sand Tomb	Ground	18

Runerigus will not gain STAB from the Astonish + Return moveset, but Return has a higher DPS in exchange for a weaker damage output (Return: 35 Damage, Sand Tomb: 65 Damage).

In short, if a player wants maximum STAB, they should go with Astonish + Sand Tomb, but if they want higher DPS, then they should choose Astonish + Return.

Runerigus Moveset - Defense

A defensive moveset for Runerigus is the same as its best offensive moveset.

Move	Type	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8.7
Shadow Ball	Ghost	40

However, unlike the previous movesets, Runerigus does better without Normal-type as its Charged Moves.

Move	Type	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8.7
Sand Tomb	Ground	18

Move	Type	DPS
Astonish	Ghost	8.7
Rock Tomb	Rock	21.9

Between the two, Astonish + Sand Tomb is the better defense moveset because Sand Tomb has fewer EPS (energy per second) than Rock Tomb. However, Runerigus gains coverage from Ice-type Pokemon with Rock Tomb, something it doesn't have with the Astonish + Sand Tomb moveset.