Gear Up Your Strongest Pokémon for the Willpower Cup
The Willpower Cup in Pokémon Go is a themed competition that brings together the best Dark, Fighting, and Psychic-type Pokémon to battle it out in the Great League. This cup is the first of the Might and Mastery season, which will run for the next three months, offering a unique and exhilarating challenge for trainers. To succeed in the Willpower Cup, you must assemble a team of three Pokémon, each not exceeding 1,500 CP, and each belonging to one of the specified types. Excluding Gardevoir, the pool of eligible Pokémon is limited, making it crucial to choose each member wisely. Here are some of the best teams you can use to dominate in the Willpower Cup.
Mandibuzz, Grumpig, and Pangoro: A Bulky Trio
For trainers looking to build a sturdy and defensive team, Mandibuzz, Grumpig, and Pangoro form an excellent combination. Mandibuzz, a Dark and Flying-type Pokémon, is known for its robust defense, making it a reliable choice to absorb initial attacks and set the stage for your team’s strategy. Grumpig, a Psychic-type Pokémon, will likely see increased usage during the Willpower Cup due to its versatility and solid defensive stats. It can withstand several hits before you swap it out for the more aggressive Pangoro, a Dark and Fighting-type Pokémon. Pangoro is a formidable attacker and can also serve as a solid final defender, thanks to its well-rounded stats.
Best Movesets:
- Mandibuzz: Snarl, Dark Pulse, and Aerial Ace
- Grumpig: Psywave, Dynamic Punch, and Shadow Ball
- Pangoro: Karate Chop, Close Combat, and Night Slash
Malamar, Primeape, and Guzzlord: The Dark Dynasty
If you’re a fan of Dark-type Pokémon, Malamar, Primeape, and Guzzlord offer a powerful and strategic lineup. Malamar leads as a bulky and versatile choice, capable of withstanding multiple attacks and setting up your team. Primeape, a pure Fighting-type Pokémon, follows as a high-damage dealer, perfect for breaking through your opponent’s defenses. For the final position, Guzzlord, a Dark and Dragon-type Pokémon, serves as a strong defensive anchor. While Guzzlord might not be as common in players’ collections, its unique type combination and robust stats make it an excellent choice. If you don’t have Guzzlord, consider other Dragon-type Pokémon like Garchomp or Goodra to fill the gap.
Best Movesets:
- Malamar: Psywave, Superpower, and Foul Play
- Primeape: Karate Chop, Rage Fist, and Close Combat
- Guzzlord: Dragon Tail, Brutal Swing, and Sludge Bomb
Machamp, Zweilous, and Gallade: The Fighting Force
For trainers who prefer a more aggressive approach, Machamp, Zweilous, and Gallade form a formidable trio. Machamp, a pure Fighting-type Pokémon, starts the battle by delivering powerful attacks that can quickly whittle down your opponent’s HP. Zweilous, a Dark and Dragon-type Pokémon, follows with its own potent moveset, dealing significant damage and providing a strong defense against Dragon-types. Gallade, while slightly less defensive, can be a valuable addition due to its speed and powerful attacks, particularly in the mid-to-late stages of the battle.
Best Movesets:
- Machamp: Karate Chop, Cross Chop, and Stone Edge
- Zweilous: Dragon Breath, Dark Pulse, and Body Slam
- Gallade: Psycho Cut, Close Combat, and Leaf Blade
Annihilape, Cresselia, and Overqwil: The Ghostly Trio
If you’re a fan of Primeape and its evolutionary line, you might also be intrigued by Annihilape, a Ghost-type Pokémon that can participate in the Willpower Cup. While Annihilape might not be as strong as some of the other options, its Ghost-type can provide an interesting strategic edge. Supporting Annihilape are Cresselia and Overqwil, both powerful in their own right. Cresselia, a Legendary Psychic-type Pokémon, brings a massive moveset and strong defensive capabilities. Overqwil, a Dark-type Pokémon, rounds out the team with its balanced stats and versatile move options.
Best Movesets:
- Annihilape: Counter, Rage Fist, and Close Combat
- Cresselia: Psycho Cut, Grass Knot, and Moonblast
- Overqwil: Poison Jab, Aqua Tail, and Shadow Ball
Sableye, Mew, and Kommo-O: The Mythical Mix
This team features a Mythical Pokémon, Mew, which is a rare and powerful choice. Sableye, a Dark-type Pokémon, starts the battle with its solid defense, making it a reliable starter or final defender. Mew, a Psychic-type Pokémon, brings a wide array of moves and can be surprisingly effective in battle. Its versatility allows you to adapt to different opponents and situations. Kommo-O, a Dragon and Fighting-type Pokémon, is the perfect choice to counter Dragon-types, making it a versatile and powerful addition to your team.
Best Movesets:
- Sableye: Shadow Claw, Foul Play, and Return
- Mew: Shadow Claw, Wild Charge, and Psyshock
- Kommo-O: Dragon Tail, Close Combat, and Dragon Claw
Preparing for the Willpower Cup
To maximize your chances of success in the Willpower Cup, it’s essential to not only choose the right Pokémon but also to optimize their movesets and IVs. Focus on Pokémon with high attack and defense stats, and ensure they have moves that complement their typing. For example, Machamp benefits from moves like Cross Chop and Stone Edge to maximize its damage output, while Sableye’s Shadow Claw and Foul Play provide a solid defensive and offensive balance. Additionally, consider the meta and popular choices among other trainers to tailor your team accordingly. The Willpower Cup is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your strongest Dark, Fighting, and Psychic-type Pokémon and climb the ranks in the Great League. With the right preparation and strategic thinking, you can emerge victorious and earn valuable rewards during this exciting season.
