Pokemon GO Master League Tier List — Best PvP Pokemon Today (May 23, 2026)
🏆 PvP Tier List
Global Meta Analysis & Rankings • May Week 4 (May 23, 2026)
Pokemon GO PvP tier list for May Week 4. Featuring Zacian (Crowned Sword), Palkia (Origin), Metagross and more. Full matchup data, counter analysis, and team recommendations powered by PvPoke simulations. Updated May 23, 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)
Zacian (Crowned Sword) achieves its #1 ranking in Master League with a commanding 99.1 score, leveraging its powerful Metal Claw, Close Combat, and Behemoth Blade moveset to decisively beat crucial meta titans like Dialga (Origin), Kyurem Black, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). Although vulnerable to Groudon and Necrozma Dawn Wings, these core losses are strategically managed by suggested teammates such as Kyurem White and Dialga (Origin), which provide essential coverage. Its exceptional offensive pressure and critical type matchups ensure Zacian remains an unparalleled force, consistently defining the Master League's top tier.
🤝 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) earns its #2 Master League ranking with an impressive 98.8 score, leveraging its Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and Spacial Rend moveset to decisively beat top threats like Ho Oh, Kyogre, and Zacian (Crowned Sword). This Water/Dragon titan effectively counters Landorus (Therian) and Kyurem Black, asserting significant pressure in the current meta. While it faces specific challenges against Dialga (Origin), Xerneas, and Lugia, Palkia (Origin) excels when paired with suggested teammates such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Metagross, or Xerneas to cover its few weaknesses.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Zacian (Crowned Sword)MetagrossXerneas
S+
#3
Metagross
SteelPsychic Score: 96.6
⚔️ Shadow Claw, Meteor Mash, Earthquake
✅ Beats
Zacian (Crowned Sword)Dialga (Origin)LugiaKyurem BlackZamazenta Shield (Crowned)
❌ Loses to
Kyurem WhiteHo OhKyogrePalkia (Origin)Landorus (Therian)
Metagross's impressive #3 Master League ranking (Score: 96.6) is significantly bolstered by the recent addition of Shadow Claw, vastly improving its energy generation for potent Meteor Mash and Earthquake coverage. This dynamic moveset allows Metagross to reliably dispatch key meta threats like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Lugia, asserting its dominance against crucial Steel, Dragon, and Flying types. While susceptible to counters such as Kyurem White, Ho Oh, and Kyogre, Metagross synergizes exceptionally well with suggested teammates like Kyurem White, Dialga (Origin), or Lugia to overcome these unfavorable matchups.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Kyurem WhiteDialga (Origin)Lugia
S
#4
Xerneas
Fairy Score: 95.2
⚔️ Geomancy, Close Combat, Moonblast
✅ Beats
Kyurem BlackKyurem WhitePalkia (Origin)LugiaDialga (Origin)
❌ Loses to
Ho OhZacian (Crowned Sword)KyogreZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Landorus (Therian)
Xerneas secures its #4 Master League ranking with an impressive 95.2 score, leveraging Geomancy and Moonblast to effectively counter top threats like Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Palkia (Origin), and Dialga (Origin). Despite its strong offensive presence, Xerneas faces significant challenges from dominant picks like Ho Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Kyogre, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Landorus (Therian), which prevent it from climbing higher. Its strategic value is further enhanced by synergistic teammates such as Palkia (Origin), Kyogre, and Lugia, which help cover its vulnerabilities and maintain its top-tier Master League viability.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Palkia (Origin)KyogreLugia
S
#5
Zamazenta Shield (Crowned)
FightingSteel Score: 94.8
⚔️ 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) secures its #5 ranking in Master League with a formidable score of 94.8, leveraging its Ice Fang, Close Combat, and Behemoth Bash moveset to decisively beat Landorus (Therian), Kyurem Black, Dialga (Origin), and Palkia (Origin). While highly effective, it struggles against Necrozma Dawn Wings, Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Lugia, necessitating strong team support from partners like Kyurem Black, Palkia (Origin), or Reshiram. Its Fighting/Steel typing provides robust meta coverage, solidifying its top-tier status without direct mention of current season move changes significantly impacting its immediate performance based on available data.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Kyurem BlackPalkia (Origin)Reshiram
S
#6
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 achieves its #6 Master League ranking with a 94.7 score, utilizing a potent Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, and Ice Burn moveset for wide type coverage. This comprehensive kit allows it to decisively beat key meta threats including Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Kyurem Black, Palkia (Origin), and Landorus (Therian). While it faces challenges against Xerneas, Dragonite, and Zacian (Crowned Sword), strategic teammates like Metagross and Marshadow (Shadow) effectively cover these vulnerabilities.
🤝 Suggested teammates
MetagrossMarshadow (Shadow)Kyogre
S
#7
Dialga (Origin)
SteelDragon Score: 94.4
⚔️ 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 an impressive 94.4 score, leveraging its Dragon Breath, Roar Of Time, and Iron Head moveset to decisively beat top threats like Palkia (Origin), Ho Oh, and Kyogre. Despite these strengths, it faces significant challenges against powerful counters such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Groudon, and Necrozma Dusk Mane. Its high placement is further solidified by synergistic teammates like Kyogre and Metagross, which effectively cover its weaknesses and amplify its considerable offensive presence.
🤝 Suggested teammates
KyogreMetagrossLunala
S
#8
Lunala
PsychicGhost Score: 94.2
⚔️ Shadow Claw, Shadow Ball, Moonblast
✅ Beats
LugiaKyogrePalkia (Origin)XerneasZamazenta Shield (Crowned)
❌ Loses to
Ho OhKyurem BlackKyurem WhiteZacian (Crowned Sword)Dialga (Origin)
Lunala's impressive #8 ranking in the Master League, with a score of 94.2, is primarily driven by its devastating Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball moveset complemented by Moonblast. This allows Lunala to secure critical wins against prominent meta threats including Lugia, Kyogre, Palkia (Origin), Xerneas, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). Despite its strength, significant losses to Ho Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Dialga (Origin) necessitate strategic team building with partners like Reshiram, Zekrom, or Marshadow (Shadow) to mitigate its vulnerabilities.
🤝 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 commands the #9 spot in Master League with a 94.1 score, utilizing its powerful Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, and Draco Meteor moveset to secure critical wins against threats like Ho-Oh, Kyurem Black, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Kyurem White, and Kyogre. However, it faces significant challenges from common meta stalwarts such as Dialga (Origin), Palkia (Origin), Lugia, Landorus (Therian), and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), necessitating strong support from teammates like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Metagross, or Xerneas. The consistent efficacy of Fusion Flare remains a pivotal factor in Reshiram's current season performance, solidifying its role as a premier offensive threat despite its exploitable weaknesses.
🤝 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 secures its position at #10 in Master League with a strong score of 92.9, largely due to its potent Dragon Tail, Freeze Shock, and Fusion Bolt moveset, which has been notably enhanced by recent season move changes to its charged attacks. This formidable attacker consistently triumphs over key meta threats including Kyogre, Ho Oh, Lugia, Necrozma Dawn Wings, and Landorus (Therian). While it faces significant challenges against Zacian (Crowned Sword), Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), Kyurem White, Dialga (Origin), and Palkia (Origin), its viability is reinforced when paired with synergistic teammates like Marshadow (Shadow), Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Metagross.
🤝 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 a strong #11 ranking in Master League with a score of 92.6, leveraging its Dragon Breath, Outrage, and Fusion Bolt moveset for crucial wins against prominent threats like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Ho Oh. Despite these strengths, its upward mobility is constrained by decisive losses to top-tier Pokémon such as Kyurem White, Palkia (Origin), Xerneas, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), which expose its vulnerabilities. Not directly impacted by current season move changes based on available data, Zekrom's position is solidified by its ability to fit into strong core teams alongside suggested partners 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) secures its #12 Master League ranking with a potent 92 score, proving an invaluable asset capable of decisively beating major threats like Kyurem Black, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Dialga (Origin). Its moveset of Shadow Claw, Close Combat, and Ice Punch provides critical coverage, enabling key wins against Kyurem White and Zacian (Crowned Sword), solidifying its offensive presence. While it faces challenges against Ho Oh, Xerneas, Groudon, Kyogre, and Palkia (Origin), Marshadow (Shadow) integrates effectively with suggested teammates such as Kyurem White, Dialga (Origin), and Lunala to mitigate these 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 (Water), holding the #13 rank in Master League with a score of 91.8, leverages its Waterfall, Avalanche, and Origin Pulse moveset to decisively beat top-tier threats including Ho Oh, Landorus (Therian), and Zacian (Crowned Sword). Its placement reflects key vulnerabilities to prevalent Pokémon like Kyurem Black, Palkia (Origin), and Dialga (Origin), which limit its overall climb despite its strong individual matchups. Nevertheless, Kyogre's capacity to handle major meta threats makes it a valuable core element, frequently suggested alongside Xerneas and Zacian (Crowned Sword) to round out team compositions.
🤝 Suggested teammates
XerneasZamazenta Shield (Crowned)Zacian (Crowned Sword)
A+
#14
Palkia (Shadow)
WaterDragon Score: 90.9
⚔️ 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
Shadow Palkia (Water, Dragon) earns its #14 Master League rank with a formidable score of 90.9, utilizing its Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and Draco Meteor moveset to secure critical wins against top contenders like Landorus (Therian), Kyogre, and Dialga (Origin). However, its performance is notably checked by powerful threats such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Palkia (Origin), which exploit its defensive vulnerabilities. To optimize its battlefield presence, Shadow Palkia benefits greatly from synergistic teammates like Marshadow (Shadow), Zacian (Crowned Sword), or Metagross, helping to cover its counters and amplify its offensive pressure.
🤝 Suggested teammates
Marshadow (Shadow)Zacian (Crowned Sword)Metagross
A+
#15
Lugia
PsychicFlying Score: 90.7
⚔️ 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 ranking, reflected by a 90.7 score, through its powerful moveset of Dragon Tail, Aeroblast, and Fly, which secure key wins against Pokémon like Landorus (Therian), Palkia (Origin), and Kyogre. However, its overall utility is tempered by significant losses to dominant threats including Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Xerneas. To compensate for these unfavorable matchups and solidify its position, Lugia frequently benefits from strategic pairing with teammates such as Marshadow (Shadow), Zacian (Crowned Sword), or Metagross.
🤝 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 May 23, 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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