Electric-type Pokémon are essential assets in any Pokémon GO trainer’s arsenal. With their powerful attacks and strategic advantages against certain types, mastering the use of Electric Pokémon can significantly boost your performance in battles, raids, and gym conquests. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best Electric Pokémon in Pokémon GO, their strengths, and how to use them effectively.
Introduction to Electric-Type Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Electric-type Pokémon are known for their high attack power and speed. In Pokémon GO, they play a crucial role in the meta due to their effectiveness against Water and Flying-type Pokémon, which are commonly used in battles and raids.
Key strengths of Electric-type Pokémon include:
- Super effective against Water and Flying types
- Resistance to Electric, Flying, and Steel-type moves
However, they do have a significant weakness:
- Vulnerable to Ground-type attacks
Understanding these strengths and weaknesses is crucial for maximizing the potential of your Electric Pokémon in battles. It’s worth noting that while Electric types are powerful, they’re not the only formidable Pokémon in the game. For a comprehensive list of strong non-legendary options, check out our guide on the strongest non-legendary Pokémon.
Top 10 Best Electric Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Let’s dive into the cream of the crop when it comes to Electric-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. These powerhouses will give you a significant edge in battles and raids.
1. Zekrom
Zekrom, a legendary Dragon/Electric-type Pokémon, stands at the top of our list with impressive stats:
- Max CP: 4565
- Attack: 275
- Defense: 211
- Stamina: 205
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Charge Beam
- Charged Move: Fusion Bolt
Zekrom’s dual typing gives it additional resistances, making it a versatile choice for various battle scenarios.
2. Mega Manectric
Mega Manectric is a powerhouse with its mega evolution boosting its stats significantly:
- Max CP: 4048
- Attack: 286
- Defense: 179
- Stamina: 172
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Thunder Fang
- Charged Move: Wild Charge
As a pure Electric-type, Mega Manectric excels in dealing massive damage to Water and Flying types.
3. Mega Ampharos
Another mega evolution that dominates the Electric-type category:
- Max CP: 4799
- Attack: 294
- Defense: 203
- Stamina: 207
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Volt Switch
- Charged Move: Dragon Pulse
Mega Ampharos’s Dragon-type secondary move gives it additional coverage against Dragon types.
4. Shadow Raikou
Shadow Raikou, the powered-up version of the legendary Electric-type, boasts impressive stats:
- Max CP: 3902
- Attack: 241
- Defense: 195
- Stamina: 207
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Thunder Shock
- Charged Move: Wild Charge
The shadow boost makes Raikou an even more formidable attacker, though at the cost of reduced defense.
5. Shadow Electivire
A non-legendary option that packs a serious punch:
- Max CP: 3481
- Attack: 249
- Defense: 163
- Stamina: 181
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Thunder Shock
- Charged Move: Wild Charge
Shadow Electivire’s high attack stat and shadow boost make it one of the top Electric-type attackers in the game.
6. Shadow Zapdos
This legendary bird gets an extra kick with its shadow form:
- Max CP: 3987
- Attack: 253
- Defense: 185
- Stamina: 207
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Thunder Shock
- Charged Move: Drill Peck
Shadow Zapdos combines the power of Electric and Flying types, making it a unique attacker with diverse resistances.
7. Xurkitree
An Ultra Beast with extraordinary attack power:
- Max CP: 4451
- Attack: 330
- Defense: 144
- Stamina: 195
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Thunder Shock
- Charged Move: Discharge
Xurkitree’s massive attack stat makes it a top choice for raids and gym battles where pure damage output is key.
8. Therian Forme Thundurus
Another legendary option with a unique typing:
- Max CP: 4137
- Attack: 295
- Defense: 161
- Stamina: 188
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Bite
- Charged Move: Thunderbolt
Therian Forme Thundurus offers a mix of Electric and Flying-type moves, providing good coverage against various Pokémon.
9. Magnezone
A reliable non-legendary option with dual typing:
- Max CP: 3623
- Attack: 238
- Defense: 205
- Stamina: 172
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Spark
- Charged Move: Wild Charge
Magnezone’s Steel/Electric typing gives it numerous resistances, making it a solid defensive option as well.
10. Jolteon
An easily obtainable Electric-type that still holds its own:
- Max CP: 2888
- Attack: 232
- Defense: 182
- Stamina: 163
Best moveset:
- Fast Move: Volt Switch
- Charged Move: Discharge
Jolteon’s accessibility and decent stats make it a good choice for newer players building their Electric-type team.
Legendary Electric Pokémon
Legendary Electric Pokémon often top the charts due to their superior stats. Here’s a quick overview of the best legendary Electric types:
- Zekrom
- Therian Forme Thundurus
- Shadow Raikou
- Shadow Zapdos
These Pokémon are typically available through special events or raids, so keep an eye out for opportunities to add them to your team. If you’re looking to get a head start, you might want to explore free Pokémon GO accounts that sometimes come with rare Pokémon already caught.
Mega Evolutions in the Electric Category
Mega Evolutions provide a significant boost to a Pokémon’s stats. In the Electric category, two stand out:
- Mega Manectric
- Mega Ampharos
Both of these Mega Evolutions dramatically increase their base forms’ attack power, making them excellent choices for raids and gym battles. Remember, you can only have one Mega Evolution active at a time, so choose wisely based on your team composition and the battle at hand.
Shadow Pokémon: The Electric Powerhouses
Shadow Pokémon receive a 20% boost to their attack at the cost of a 20% reduction in defense. For Electric types, this trade-off often results in incredibly powerful attackers. Top shadow Electric Pokémon include:
- Shadow Raikou
- Shadow Electivire
- Shadow Zapdos
- Shadow Magnezone
- Shadow Luxray
While these Pokémon are glass cannons, their increased attack power can be game-changing in raids where time is of the essence.
Non-Legendary Electric Pokémon Worth Considering
While legendary and shadow Pokémon often steal the spotlight, several non-legendary Electric types are worth adding to your team:
- Electivire
- Magnezone
- Jolteon
- Raichu
- Wash Rotom
These Pokémon are generally easier to obtain and power up, making them excellent choices for filling out your Electric-type roster.
Best Moveset Combinations for Electric Pokémon
The right moveset can make a significant difference in a Pokémon’s performance. Here are some of the best Electric-type moves:
Fast Moves:
- Thunder Shock
- Volt Switch
- Charge Beam
- Thunder Fang
Charged Moves:
- Wild Charge
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder
- Discharge
- Fusion Bolt (Zekrom exclusive)
When choosing moves, consider the energy generation of fast moves and the damage output of charged moves. A balance between the two often yields the best results.
How to Effectively Use Electric Pokémon in Battles
To make the most of your Electric Pokémon:
- Use them against Water and Flying types for super-effective damage.
- Be cautious when facing Ground-type Pokémon or moves.
- In raids, Electric types excel against Water and Flying-type bosses.
- In PvP, use Electric types to counter common Water-type defenders like Gyarados or Swampert.
Remember, type advantages can often outweigh raw CP in battles, so don’t hesitate to use a lower CP Electric type against a higher CP Water or Flying type.
Tips for Catching and Powering Up Electric Pokémon
To build a strong team of Electric Pokémon:
- Participate in events featuring Electric-type Pokémon.
- Look for nests of Electric types in your area.
- Use Pinap Berries when catching to earn extra candy.
- Make Electric types your buddy to earn candy while walking.
- Use Rare Candy on legendary Electric types to power them up faster.
- Don’t forget to TM your Pokémon for optimal movesets.
For those looking to maximize their candy gains, there are some Pokémon GO candy cheats that can help you power up your Electric types faster. However, always ensure you’re playing within the game’s terms of service to avoid potential bans.
Advanced Techniques: Pokémon GO Sniping
For seasoned players looking to catch rare Electric Pokémon, Pokémon GO sniping is a technique that allows you to catch Pokémon in different locations quickly. However, it’s important to note that this method is controversial and may violate the game’s terms of service, so use it at your own risk.
Conclusion
Electric-type Pokémon are invaluable assets in Pokémon GO, offering powerful attacks and strategic advantages in various battle scenarios. Whether you’re using legendary powerhouses like Zekrom and Shadow Raikou, or more accessible options like Magnezone and Jolteon, understanding how to leverage their strengths can significantly improve your performance in the game.
While Electric types are formidable, don’t forget to diversify your team. Some of the biggest Pokémon in the game, regardless of type, can be great additions to your roster for their sheer power and impressive stats.
Keep collecting and powering up these Electric types, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable trainer in Pokémon GO.
FAQs About Electric Pokémon in Pokémon GO
What’s the easiest strong Electric Pokémon to obtain for new players? Jolteon is a strong and relatively easy-to-obtain Electric Pokémon. You can evolve it from Eevee, which is common in many areas.
What are Electric Pokémon strong against in Pokémon GO? Electric Pokémon are super effective against Water and Flying-type Pokémon.
What is the best Electric Pokémon for raids? Zekrom, Mega Manectric, and Shadow Raikou are top choices for raids due to their high attack stats and powerful movesets.
How can I get legendary Electric Pokémon? Legendary Electric Pokémon are typically available through special events, raids, or research tasks. Keep an eye on in-game announcements for opportunities.
Are shadow Electric Pokémon worth powering up? Yes, shadow Electric Pokémon like Shadow Raikou and Shadow Electivire are excellent attackers due to their increased damage output, making them valuable for raids and gym battles.