Pokemon GO Master League Tier List — Best PvP Pokemon Today (Apr 18, 2026)
🏆 PvP Tier List
Global Meta Analysis & Rankings • April Week 3 (April 18, 2026)
Pokemon GO PvP tier list for April Week 3. Featuring Zacian (Crowned Sword), Palkia (Origin), Metagross and more. Full matchup data, counter analysis, and team recommendations powered by PvPoke simulations. Updated April 18, 2026.
⚔️ Master League (CP Unlimited)
S+
#1
Zacian (Crowned Sword)
FairySteel Score: 99.1
⚔️ Metal Claw, Close Combat, Behemoth Blade
✅ Beats
Dialga (Origin)Kyurem BlackZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Kyurem WhiteLandorus (Therian)
❌ Loses to
GroudonNecrozma Dawn WingsHo OhKyogrePalkia (Origin)
With an impressive score of 99.1, Zacian (Crowned Sword) dominates the Master League meta as the #1 ranked Pokemon, boasting unparalleled offensive pressure. Its devastating moveset of Metal Claw, Close Combat, and Behemoth Blade allows it to unequivocally beat critical threats such as Dialga (Origin), Kyurem Black, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). Despite specific losses to Groudon and Ho Oh, Zacian's core strength against the majority of top-tier picks and strong synergy with suggested teammates like Kyurem White and Dialga (Origin) firmly cement its top position.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Kyurem WhiteDialga (Origin)Kyurem Black
S+
#2
Palkia (Origin)
WaterDragon Score: 98.8
⚔️ Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, Spacial Rend
✅ Beats
Ho OhKyogreLandorus (Therian)Kyurem BlackZacian (Crowned Sword)
❌ Loses to
Dialga (Origin)XerneasLugiaKyurem WhiteZamazenta Shield (Crowned)
Palkia (Origin) secures its #2 Master League rank with a commanding 98.8 score, leveraging its Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and Spacial Rend moveset to decisively beat meta titans like Ho-Oh, Kyogre, and Zacian (Crowned Sword). Despite succumbing to matchups against Dialga (Origin), Xerneas, and Lugia, it forms a potent core when paired with suggested teammates such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Metagross, or Xerneas to cover these weaknesses. The recent introduction and power of its signature move, Spacial Rend, is pivotal to its dominant performance and current high placement in the evolving Master League meta.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Zacian (Crowned Sword)MetagrossXerneas
S+
#3
Metagross
SteelPsychic Score: 96.7
⚔️ Shadow Claw, Meteor Mash, Earthquake
✅ Beats
Zacian (Crowned Sword)Dialga (Origin)LugiaKyurem BlackZamazenta Shield (Crowned)
❌ Loses to
Kyurem WhiteHo OhKyogrePalkia (Origin)Landorus (Therian)
Metagross earns its #3 Master League rank with an outstanding 96.7 score, utilizing Shadow Claw, Meteor Mash, and Earthquake to decisively beat top threats like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). While vulnerable to Kyurem White, Ho Oh, and Kyogre, its potent Steel/Psychic typing and diverse coverage allow it to exert immense pressure across the meta. This strong offensive and defensive utility, enhanced by excellent synergy with suggested teammates such as Kyurem White and Dialga (Origin), solidifies its top-tier position.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Kyurem WhiteDialga (Origin)Lugia
S
#4
Xerneas
Fairy Score: 95
⚔️ Geomancy, Close Combat, Moonblast
✅ Beats
Kyurem BlackKyurem WhitePalkia (Origin)LugiaDialga (Origin)
❌ Loses to
Ho OhZacian (Crowned Sword)KyogreZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Landorus (Therian)
Xerneas earns its #4 Master League ranking with a formidable score of 95, leveraging Geomancy, Close Combat, and Moonblast to decisively beat top threats such as Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Palkia (Origin), Lugia, and Dialga (Origin). Despite its strong offensive pressure, Xerneas faces notable counters like Ho Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Kyogre, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Landorus (Therian), requiring strategic team composition with suggested partners like Palkia (Origin), Kyogre, or Lugia. Its consistent ability to overcome multiple meta-defining Dragon and generalist threats firmly establishes its crucial role and high placement in the current Master League meta.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Palkia (Origin)KyogreLugia
S
#5
Kyurem White
DragonIce Score: 94.7
⚔️ Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, Ice Burn
✅ Beats
KyogreHo OhKyurem BlackPalkia (Origin)Landorus (Therian)
❌ Loses to
XerneasDragoniteZacian (Crowned Sword)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)Dialga (Origin)
Kyurem White commands a #5 Master League ranking with a 94.7 score, leveraging its Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, and Ice Burn moveset to dominate key meta threats like Kyogre, Ho Oh, and Kyurem Black. The significant power increases to Fusion Flare and Ice Burn in recent updates have notably amplified its offensive capabilities, allowing it to also consistently defeat Palkia (Origin) and Landorus (Therian). While powerful, Kyurem White struggles against Xerneas, Dragonite, and Zacian (Crowned Sword), making teammates such as Metagross and Kyogre essential for balanced team construction.
🤝 Suggested teammates
MetagrossMarshadow (Shadow)Kyogre
S
#6
Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)
FightingSteel Score: 94.7
⚔️ Ice Fang, Close Combat, Behemoth Bash
✅ Beats
Landorus (Therian)Kyurem BlackDialga (Origin)Palkia (Origin)Kyurem White
❌ Loses to
Necrozma Dawn WingsKyogreHo OhZacian (Crowned Sword)Lugia
Zamazenta Shield (Crowned) achieves a strong #6 rank in the Master League with an impressive 94.7 score, leveraging its unique Fighting/Steel typing to decisively beat key meta threats like Landorus (Therian), Kyurem Black, Dialga (Origin), Palkia (Origin), and Kyurem White. Its moveset of Ice Fang, Close Combat, and Behemoth Bash provides excellent offensive coverage, allowing it to exert significant pressure against a diverse range of top-tier opponents. However, its notable losses to Necrozma Dawn Wings, Kyogre, Ho Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Lugia necessitate careful team composition, making partners like Kyurem Black, Palkia (Origin), and Reshiram essential for coverage.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Kyurem BlackPalkia (Origin)Reshiram
S
#7
Dialga (Origin)
SteelDragon Score: 94.5
⚔️ Dragon Breath, Roar Of Time, Iron Head
✅ Beats
Palkia (Origin)Ho OhKyurem BlackKyogreKyurem White
❌ Loses to
Zacian (Crowned Sword)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)GroudonXerneasNecrozma Dusk Mane
Dialga (Origin) earns its #7 Master League rank with a 94.5 score, utilizing its powerful Dragon Breath, Roar of Time, and Iron Head moveset to defeat prominent threats like Palkia (Origin), Ho-Oh, and Kyogre. Conversely, it struggles significantly against top-tier counters such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Groudon, which cap its overall dominance. This strong performance against meta staples, coupled with excellent synergy alongside recommended teammates like Kyogre and Metagross, cements its role as a strategic cornerstone for many Master League teams this season.
🤝 Suggested teammates
KyogreMetagrossLunala
S
#8
Lunala
PsychicGhost Score: 94.1
⚔️ Shadow Claw, Shadow Ball, Moonblast
✅ Beats
LugiaKyogrePalkia (Origin)XerneasZamazenta Shield (Crowned)
❌ Loses to
Ho OhKyurem BlackKyurem WhiteZacian (Crowned Sword)Dialga (Origin)
Lunala secures its #8 Master League position with a 94.1 score, primarily leveraging its potent Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball moveset to apply significant Ghost-type pressure. This allows it to confidently defeat key meta threats such as Lugia, Kyogre, and Palkia (Origin), while its Moonblast provides crucial coverage to overcome Xerneas and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). Despite its strengths, Lunala's vulnerabilities to Ho Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Dialga (Origin) make teammates like Reshiram and Zekrom essential for a well-rounded team composition.
🤝 Suggested teammates
ReshiramZekromMarshadow (Shadow)
A+
#9
Reshiram
DragonFire Score: 94.1
⚔️ Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, Draco Meteor
✅ Beats
Ho OhKyurem BlackZacian (Crowned Sword)Kyurem WhiteKyogre
❌ Loses to
Dialga (Origin)Palkia (Origin)LugiaLandorus (Therian)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)
Reshiram secures a strong #9 ranking in Master League with an impressive 94.1 score, leveraging its powerful Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, and Draco Meteor moveset. Its Dragon/Fire typing allows it to decisively beat key meta threats such as Ho-Oh, Kyurem Black, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Kyurem White, and Kyogre. However, it struggles against Dialga (Origin), Palkia (Origin), Lugia, Landorus (Therian), and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), often benefiting from synergistic teammates like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Metagross, and Xerneas to cover its vulnerabilities.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Zacian (Crowned Sword)MetagrossXerneas
A+
#10
Kyurem Black
DragonIce Score: 92.9
⚔️ Dragon Tail, Freeze Shock, Fusion Bolt
✅ Beats
KyogreHo OhLugiaNecrozma Dawn WingsLandorus (Therian)
❌ Loses to
Zacian (Crowned Sword)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)Kyurem WhiteDialga (Origin)Palkia (Origin)
Kyurem Black earns its #10 Master League ranking with a 92.9 score, driven by its potent Dragon Tail, Freeze Shock, and Fusion Bolt moveset, allowing it to decisively beat top threats like Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Lugia, Necrozma Dawn Wings, and Landorus (Therian). However, its powerful kit is tempered by significant losses to key meta players including Zacian (Crowned Sword), Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), Kyurem White, Dialga (Origin), and Palkia (Origin). To optimize its battlefield impact, Kyurem Black benefits greatly from strategic teammates such as Marshadow (Shadow), Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Metagross, who can cover its vulnerabilities and amplify its offensive pressure.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Marshadow (Shadow)Zacian (Crowned Sword)Metagross
A+
#11
Zekrom
DragonElectric Score: 92.6
⚔️ Dragon Breath, Outrage, Fusion Bolt
✅ Beats
Ho OhKyogreKyurem BlackZacian (Crowned Sword)Dialga (Origin)
❌ Loses to
Kyurem WhitePalkia (Origin)XerneasZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Landorus (Therian)
Zekrom holds the #11 rank in Master League, achieving a formidable 92.6 score, primarily due to its potent Dragon Breath, Outrage, and Fusion Bolt moveset that enables crucial victories against top threats like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Kyogre. Its path to a higher ranking is challenging, however, as it faces critical losses to prominent Pokémon such as Xerneas, Palkia (Origin), and Kyurem White. Nevertheless, Zekrom remains a powerful core breaker, offering significant offensive pressure and synergistic potential when paired with suggested teammates like Zacian (Crowned Sword) or Zamazenta Shield (Crowned).
🤝 Suggested teammates
Zacian (Crowned Sword)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)Lunala
A+
#12
Marshadow (Shadow)
FightingGhost Score: 92
⚔️ Shadow Claw, Close Combat, Ice Punch
✅ Beats
Kyurem BlackZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Dialga (Origin)Kyurem WhiteZacian (Crowned Sword)
❌ Loses to
Ho OhXerneasGroudonKyogrePalkia (Origin)
Marshadow (Shadow) holds a robust #12 Master League ranking and a 92 score, primarily due to its potent Shadow Claw, Close Combat, and Ice Punch moveset that allows it to decisively beat key meta picks such as Kyurem Black, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Dialga (Origin). Despite its offensive power, Marshadow (Shadow) is kept in check by significant counters including Ho Oh, Xerneas, Groudon, and Kyogre. Its strategic value is further highlighted by strong synergy with teammates like Kyurem White, Dialga (Origin), and Lunala, effectively patching team vulnerabilities.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Kyurem WhiteDialga (Origin)Lunala
A+
#13
Kyogre
Water Score: 91.8
⚔️ Waterfall, Avalanche, Origin Pulse
✅ Beats
Ho OhLandorus (Therian)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)XerneasZacian (Crowned Sword)
❌ Loses to
Kyurem BlackKyurem WhitePalkia (Origin)Dialga (Origin)Lugia
Kyogre secures its #13 Master League ranking with a strong 91.8 score, wielding powerful Water and Ice coverage through Waterfall, Origin Pulse, and Avalanche. This robust moveset allows it to reliably defeat key meta threats such as Ho-Oh, Landorus (Therian), and Zacian (Crowned Sword), yet it consistently falls to major counters like Kyurem Black, Origin Forme Palkia, and Origin Forme Dialga. Its effectiveness against several top Pokémon, coupled with strong synergy alongside suggested teammates like Xerneas and Zamazenta (Crowned Shield), solidifies Kyogre's position as a potent option in the current competitive landscape.
🤝 Suggested teammates
XerneasZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Zacian (Crowned Sword)
A+
#14
Palkia (Shadow)
WaterDragon Score: 90.8
⚔️ Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, Draco Meteor
✅ Beats
Landorus (Therian)KyogreHo OhDialga (Origin)Lugia
❌ Loses to
Zacian (Crowned Sword)Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)Palkia (Origin)Kyurem WhiteKyurem Black
Palkia (Shadow) secures its #14 Master League ranking with a 90.8 score, largely propelled by its powerful Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and Draco Meteor moveset. This formidable Water/Dragon type provides critical wins against top-tier threats such as Landorus (Therian), Kyogre, Ho Oh, and Dialga (Origin). However, its pronounced weaknesses to Zacian (Crowned Sword), Palkia (Origin), and the Kyurem forms prevent a higher placement, dictating its strategic application on the battlefield.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Marshadow (Shadow)Zacian (Crowned Sword)Metagross
A+
#15
Lugia
PsychicFlying Score: 90.6
⚔️ Dragon Tail, Aeroblast, Fly
✅ Beats
Landorus (Therian)Palkia (Origin)KyogreHo OhZamazenta Shield (Crowned)
❌ Loses to
Kyurem BlackKyurem WhiteZacian (Crowned Sword)Dialga (Origin)Xerneas
Lugia earns its #15 Master League rank with a score of 90.6, primarily utilizing its potent Dragon Tail, Aeroblast, and Fly moveset to apply substantial pressure. This move pool enables it to decisively beat top-tier threats such as Landorus (Therian), Palkia (Origin), Kyogre, Ho Oh, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). However, its limited climb is due to significant struggles against dominant forces like Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Xerneas in the current meta.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Marshadow (Shadow)Zacian (Crowned Sword)Metagross
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Pokemon for Master League (CP Unlimited) right now?
As of April 18, 2026, Zacian (Crowned Sword) leads the Master League (CP Unlimited) meta based on PvPoke simulation data.
How often does the PvP meta change?
Open league meta shifts mainly at the start of each GBL season (~every 3 months) when move rebalances happen. Themed cups rotate every 1-2 weeks with completely different metas.
Where does this tier list data come from?
All rankings are sourced from PvPoke, which simulates every possible matchup to generate objective scores. AI analysis adds context on team building and current meta trends.
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DY
Written by DY (Chief Researcher)
Game QA Professional specializing in technical analysis and meta-data research. Founder of DY Game Lab, dedicated to providing high-fidelity gaming insights, market trends, and competitive tier lists with professional analytical depth.
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