In Pokemon GO, the game follows a live-service format, meaning that many of the in-game events and mechanics frequently change and rotate bosses, rewards, encounters, and battling restrictions with each season of the game that comes and passes. One of these ever-changing features of the game is the PvP Cup events that occur every so often, giving certain themed rule sets about which Pokemon can be included based on values such as Type and Maximum CP.

The Willpower Cup returned in November 2024 as part of Pokemon Go's Max Out Season. During this opportunity, players will have the chance to build their own team of suitable Pokemon and battle it out across seven days. Of course, like many other Cups, the Willpower Cup has certain restrictions on which specimens can be included in your team composition, so knowing the best candidates ahead of time will help you find success. Everything you need to know about the best Pokemon for Willpower Cup has been included in the guide below.

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Best Pokemon For Willpower Cup in Pokemon GO

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The most important thing to consider when selecting Pokemon to take into Willpower Cup is the restrictions and guidelines for this event. This includes a restriction on both the Maximum CP of the Pokemon you can bring into the Cup, as well as the particular Pokemon Types that are allowed.

Willpower Cup Rules in Pokemon GO

  • Pokemon must not exceed 1500 CP
  • Only Fighting, Psychic, and Dark Type Pokemon will be eligible

Best Willpower Cup Lead Pokemon

Lead Pokemon are offensive Pokemon that are played first in battle to deal damage and apply pressure to your opponent. Selecting a good lead is important part of building a suitable team, as a strong start can certainly make all the difference in certain matchups.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Hisuian Qwilfish

  • Poison Jab
  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Ice Beam

Overqwil

  • Poison Jab
  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Ice Beam

Skuntank

  • Poison Jab
  • Trailblaze
  • Flamethrower

Claydol

  • Mud-Slap
  • Scorching Sands
  • Ice Beam

Mandibuzz

  • Snarl
  • Dark Pulse
  • Aerial Ace

Best Willpower Cup Safe Switch Pokemon

Safe Switch Pokemon come into play to save your Lead Pokemon from any significant threats or dangers that would otherwise cause you to waste valuable resources such as Shields if you remained in the matchup.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Hisuian Qwilfish

  • Poison Jab
  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Ice Beam

Overqwil

  • Poison Jab
  • Poison Sting
  • Aqua Tail
  • Ice Beam

Skuntank

  • Poison Jab
  • Trailblaze
  • Flamethrower

Alolan Muk

  • Poison Jab
  • Dark Pulse
  • Gunk Shot

Alolan Grimer

  • Poison Jab
  • Sludge Bomb
  • Crunch

Mandibuzz

  • Snarl
  • Dark Pulse
  • Aerial Ace

Drapion

  • Poison Sting
  • Crunch
  • Aqua Tail

Best Willpower Cup Attacker Pokemon

Attackers are great picks for their offensive potential, with the ability to pierce through leftover Shields that your opponent may have left in play. These Pokemon often have valuable combinations of Defensive capabilities - allowing them to take incoming hits, as well as Type advantages, resistances, and very heavy-hitting moves.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Drapion

  • Poison Sting
  • Crunch
  • Aqua Tail

Gardevoir

  • Charm
  • Shadow Ball
  • Triple Axel

Skuntank

  • Poison Jab
  • Trailblaze
  • Flamethrower

Hatterene

  • Charm
  • Psyshock
  • Power Whip

Pawniard

  • Fury Cutter
  • X-Scissor
  • Night Slash

Mandibuzz

  • Snarl
  • Dark Pulse
  • Aerial Ace

Guzzlord

  • Dragon Tail
  • Brutal Swing
  • Dragon Claw

Best Willpower Cup Closer Pokemon

Closer Pokemon shine once there are no Shields left in play between either player. These Pokemon have very strong moves, great Type combinations, solid stats, and powerful moves that help them not have to rely on Shields such as some other Pokemon.

Pokemon

Fast Move

Charged Move

Morpeko

  • Thunder Shock
  • Aura Wheel
  • Psychic Fangs

Claydol

  • Mud-Slap
  • Scorching Sands
  • Ice Beam

Sableye

  • Shadow Claw
  • Foul Play

Cresselia

  • Psycho Cut
  • Moonblast
  • Grass Knot

Mandibuzz

  • Snarl
  • Dark Pulse
  • Aerial Ace

Alolan Raticate

  • Quick Attack
  • Hyper Fang
  • Crunch
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Pokémon GO
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Released
July 6, 2016
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Franchise
Pokemon
Platform(s)
iOS, Android
Genre(s)
Augmented Reality, RPG
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