Pokemon GO PvE Tier List: Best Attackers and Defenders for Gyms

In this article, we will look at the best choices for Pokemon GO PvE. Learn which Pokemon are best suited as Gym Attackers and Defenders.

Pokemon GO Gym (Image via TPC)
Pokemon GO Gym (Image via TPC)

In Pokemon GO, the PvE scene focuses on the Gyms. This meta has a completely different tier list compared to Pokemon GO PvP. So, in this article, we will look at the best Pokemon both for attacking Gyms and for defending them.

Best Pokemon GO PvE Gym Attackers

These Pokemon are considered the best Gym attackers for PvE:

  • Shadow Rhyperior
  • Shadow Salamence
  • White Kyurem
  • Zacian Crowned Sword
  • Zamazenta Crowned Shield

5) Shadow Rhyperior

Rhyperior in the anime (Image via TPC)
Rhyperior in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
Rock/GroundMud Slap, Smack DownEarthquake, Rock Wrecker*, Surf, Stone Edge, Skull Bash, Superpower, Breaking Swipe241 Atk
190 Def
251 Sta
4221 Max CP

Due to not having to deal with the low-speed issues that plague it in the main series, Rhyperior shines in Pokemon GO PvE. Especially if Rhyperior has a Shadow boost, which heightens its offensive capabilities drastically.

4) Shadow Salamence

Salamence in the anime (Image via TPC)
Salamence in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
Dragon/FlyingDragon Tail, Fire Fang, BiteDraco Meteor, Hydro Pump, Fire Blast, Fly, Brutal Swing, Crunch, Outrage*277 Atk
168 Def
216 Sta
4239 Max CP

Salamence remains a top-tier choice for PvE, despite the competition from the many Dragon-types in the game. Like Rhyperior, it also benefits from a Shadow boost to make it even more powerful.

3) White Kyurem

White Kyurem in the anime (Image via TPC)
White Kyurem in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
Dragon/IceDragon Breath, Steel Wing, Ice FangDragon Pulse, Ice Burn*, Blizzard, Ancient Power, Focus Blast, Fusion Flare310 Atk
183 Def
245 Sta
5206 Max CP

With access to a useful Fast Attack in Ice Fang and a Charged Attack in Ice Burn, White Kyurem is an offensive menace with its Ice STABs. Especially coming off a base Atk stat of 310, letting it KO neutral targets, let alone super effective ones, with ease.

2) Zacian Crowned Sword

Zacian Crowned Sword (Image via TPC)
Zacian Crowned Sword (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
Fairy/SteelMetal Claw, Air SlashBehemoth Blade*, Play Rough, Close Combat, Giga Impact332 Atk
240 Def
192 Sta
5629 Max CP

The mascot of Pokemon Sword is a menace in PvE. Thanks to its exclusive move Behemoth Blade, coming off an Atk stat of 332, it earns quick KOs even if Steel doesn’t hit many Pokemon for super effective damage.

1) Zamazenta Crowned Shield

Zamazenta in the anime (Image via TPC)
Zamazenta in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
Fighting/SteelMetal Claw, Ice FangBehemoth Bash*, Moonblast, Close Combat, Giga Impact250 Atk
292 Def
192 Sta
4717 Max CP

Somehow, the more defensive of the two Galar mascots ended up being the stronger of the two. This is because its exclusive move, Behemoth Bash, ended up being the stronger of the two when added to Pokemon GO. So even with an Atk stat lower than 300, it’s the best choice to attack Gyms.

Best Pokemon GO PvE Gym Defenders

These Pokemon are considered the best Gym defenders for PvE:

  • Avalugg
  • Umbreon
  • Snorlax
  • Chansey
  • Blissey

5) Avalugg

Avalugg in the anime (Image via TPC)
Avalugg in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
IceIce Fang, BiteAvalanche, Earthquake, Icy Wind, Body Slam, Mirror Coat, Crunch196 Atk
240 Def
216 Sta
3615 Max CP

Avalugg’s high Def and Sta stats make it great for sitting in a Gym and shrugging off attacks, despite its poor defensive Ice-typing.

4) Umbreon

Umbreon in the anime (Image via TPC)
Umbreon in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
DarkSnarl, Feint AttackDark Pulse, Foul Play, Psychic*, Last Resort*126 Atk
240 Def
216 Sta
2416 Max CP

While Umbreon has lower Atk and CP than Avalugg, it has the same Def and Sta as it. Paired with a much better defensive typing in Dark, Umbreon takes hits better.

3) Snorlax

Snorlax in the anime (Image via TPC)
Snorlax in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
NormalYawn*, Lick, Zen HeadbuttBody Slam, Hyper Beam, Earthquake, Heavy Slam, Outrage, Skull Bash, Superpower190 Atk
169 Def
300 Sta
3647 Max CP

Stamina is Snorlax’s key stat and the main thing that makes the Pokemon from here onwards amazing Gym defenders. With 300 Sta, Snorlax has amazing longevity to just wait in Gyms for some time. And its 190 Atk is actually decent enough to hit back attackers.

2) Chansey

Chansey in the anime (Image via TPC)
Chansey in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
NormalPound, Zen HeadbuttHyper Beam, Dazzling Gleam, Psychic60 Atk
128 Def
487 Sta
1418 Max CP

Not only does Chansey have amazing Stamina (487 Sta), but it isn’t fully evolved. This means its motivation will drop at a lower rate compared to its evolution, Blissey, making it a viable choice for Gym defense in its own right.

1) Blissey

Blissey in the anime (Image via TPC)
Blissey in the anime (Image via TPC)
TypeFast AttacksCharged AttacksStats
NormalPound, Zen HeadbuttHyper Beam, Dazzling Gleam, Psychic, Wild Charge*129 Atk
169 Def
496 Sta
3117 Max CP

Blissey has been the best Gym defender since it was introduced in Pokemon GO. A whopping 496 Sta stat and the occasional Berry to maintain its motivation and this pink blob doesn’t need much else.

“*” indicates a move that has to be taught by TM.


Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Pokemon GO. Also, watch Deltia play on Twitch or visit the YouTube channel!