Tier S
Meta defining
Tier A
Top picks
Editor's notes
The state of Ultra League and how to build around it.
Ultra League meta — the state of play
The Ultra League meta is currently shaped by powerful Fire-types and versatile Flying-types, with Shadow versions of Pokémon taking the spotlight. The ongoing events, including the Twilight Trails and the presence of Shadow Thundurus in raids, have increased interest in Shadow Pokémon, amplifying their influence in battle. With a CP cap of 2500, trainers are leaning heavily towards fast, hard-hitting attackers that can handle the prevalent threats.
Core picks & archetypes
Key Pokémon defining the ladder this week include Shadow Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, and Turtonator. Shadow Talonflame, with its Shadow bonus, boasts a lethal combination of high damage and speed, making it a preferred lead. Mega Charizard Y, with its exceptional typing and access to moves like Blast Burn, provides both coverage and power. Turtonator stands out with its Dragon and Fire typing, allowing it to tank hits while dishing out respectable damage with moves like Overheat.
Team building — leads, safe swaps & closers
For team building, I recommend leading with Shadow Talonflame to pressure opponents right from the start. As a safe swap, Mega Charizard Y can take on threats like Steel-types and Fairy-types, creating openings for your team. For a closer, consider Turtonator, which can clean up weakened opponents with its bulk and strong moves. This setup provides both offense and defense, allowing flexibility against various team compositions.
IVs & investment
Focus on investing in high Attack and Defense IVs for your Pokémon, especially for leads like Shadow Talonflame and Mega Charizard Y. Since the CP cap is 2500, prioritize maximizing their performance at this level. A good target for Shadow Talonflame is around 15 Attack, 14 Defense, and 15 Stamina to ensure it hits hard while maintaining survivability.
Threats to watch
Watch out for Shadow Moltres and Dodrio, both of which can pose significant threats to your team. Shadow Moltres, with its high Attack and access to Sky Attack, can dismantle many Pokémon quickly. To counter it, ensure you have a strong Rock or Electric-type like Mega Manectric or Gyarados on your roster. Dodrio's speed and access to Brave Bird can catch you off guard, so having a solid counter like Tinkaton or another high-bulk Pokémon is essential.