Pokemon GO Master League Tier List — Best PvP Pokemon Today (May 16, 2026)
🏆 PvP Tier List
Global Meta Analysis & Rankings • May Week 3 (May 16, 2026)
Pokemon GO PvP tier list for May Week 3. Featuring Zacian (Crowned Sword), Palkia (Origin), Metagross and more. Full matchup data, counter analysis, and team recommendations powered by PvPoke simulations. Updated May 16, 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) reigns supreme in Master League with an impressive score of 99.1, leveraging its devastating moveset of Metal Claw, Close Combat, and Behemoth Blade to consistently beat top threats like Dialga (Origin), Kyurem Black, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). Its unique Fairy/Steel typing grants it exceptional offensive pressure, allowing it to navigate a meta where even its specific losses to Groudon and Necrozma Dawn Wings are strategically manageable. This unparalleled combination of coverage, power, and type advantage, further bolstered by synergy with suggested teammates like Kyurem White or Dialga (Origin), firmly establishes Zacian (Crowned Sword) as the undisputed #1 contender.
🤝 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 rank with an impressive 98.8 score, capitalizing on its potent moveset of Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and the impactful Spacial Rend. This formidable offensive toolkit enables it to decisively beat key threats like Ho Oh, Kyogre, Landorus (Therian), Kyurem Black, and Zacian (Crowned Sword). Although it faces challenges against Dialga (Origin), Xerneas, and Lugia, its strong core potential is amplified when paired with suggested teammates such as Zacian (Crowned Sword) or Metagross.
🤝 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 ranks #3 in Master League with a 96.6 score, largely due to its potent Shadow Claw, Meteor Mash, and Earthquake moveset, with the recent addition of Shadow Claw greatly boosting its energy generation to dismantle threats like Zacian (Crowned Sword) and Dialga (Origin). This formidable coverage allows it to secure critical wins against top-tier Pokémon such as Lugia, Kyurem Black, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). Despite notable losses to Kyurem White, Ho-Oh, and Kyogre, Metagross remains an invaluable core, often paired with teammates like Kyurem White, Dialga (Origin), or Lugia to shore up its few vulnerabilities.
🤝 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 a 95.2 score, leveraging its Geomancy-powered Close Combat and Moonblast to decisively beat key threats including Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Palkia (Origin), Lugia, and Dialga (Origin). Despite its power, it struggles against counters like Ho Oh, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Kyogre, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Landorus (Therian), with no current season move changes significantly altering its established performance. Its top placement is further reinforced by excellent synergy with teammates such as Palkia (Origin), Kyogre, and Lugia, which effectively mitigate its weaknesses.
🤝 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 impressive #5 Master League ranking with a 94.8 score, leveraging its powerful Ice Fang, Close Combat, and Behemoth Bash moveset to decisively beat key threats such as Landorus (Therian), Dialga (Origin), and Palkia (Origin). Its invaluable wins over Kyurem Black and Kyurem White further cement its position as a versatile counter in the current meta. Despite specific vulnerabilities to Necrozma Dawn Wings, Kyogre, Ho Oh, and Zacian (Crowned Sword), Zamazenta (Crowned)'s strategic value is maximized when paired with complementary teammates like Kyurem Black, Palkia (Origin), or Reshiram.
🤝 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 commands the #6 position in Master League with an impressive 94.7 score, utilizing its Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, and Ice Burn moveset to exert significant offensive pressure. Its Dragon/Ice typing provides critical wins against top-tier threats like Kyogre, Ho Oh, Kyurem Black, Palkia (Origin), and Landorus (Therian), securing its vital role in the meta. While challenged by Xerneas, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Dragonite, strategic team building with suggested partners such as Metagross, Marshadow (Shadow), or Kyogre can effectively mitigate its weaknesses.
🤝 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) secures its #7 ranking in Master League with an impressive 94.4 score, attributed to its powerful Dragon Breath and the game-changing impact of its signature move, Roar Of Time, alongside Iron Head. This potent moveset allows it to decisively beat key threats like Palkia (Origin), Ho Oh, and Kyogre, though it struggles against counters such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Groudon, and Xerneas. Despite these specific vulnerabilities, Dialga (Origin)'s robust offensive pressure and unique typing establish it as a premier meta pick, often synergizing well with teammates like Kyogre or Metagross.
🤝 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 score of 94.2 and #8 ranking in Master League highlight its potent threat, effectively countering major meta picks such as Lugia, Kyogre, Palkia (Origin), Xerneas, and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). However, its vulnerabilities to Ho Oh, Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Dialga (Origin) necessitate careful team composition to mitigate these specific weaknesses. Utilizing its powerful moveset of Shadow Claw, Shadow Ball, and Moonblast, Lunala excels when paired with complementary Pokémon like Reshiram, Zekrom, and Marshadow (Shadow) to cover its unfavorable matchups.
🤝 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 position in Master League with a formidable 94.1 score, employing its Dragon Breath, Fusion Flare, and Draco Meteor moveset to secure critical wins against threats like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Ho Oh, and Kyogre. Despite this, it faces considerable challenges from top-tier counters including Dialga (Origin), Palkia (Origin), Lugia, and Landorus (Therian), which can limit its battlefield presence. Its strong offensive capabilities, significantly bolstered by Fusion Flare's impact, make Reshiram a powerful core component, pairing effectively with Suggested Teammates such as Zacian (Crowned Sword), Metagross, and Xerneas.
🤝 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 commands the #10 spot in Master League with a formidable 92.9 score, primarily fueled by its devastating signature moves, Freeze Shock and Fusion Bolt, which continue to define its powerful offensive presence in the current season's meta. Its unique Dragon/Ice typing, combined with these attacks, secures key victories against dominant threats like Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Landorus (Therian), showcasing its extensive type coverage. While susceptible to top-tier dragons and fairies such as Dialga (Origin) and Zacian (Crowned Sword), Kyurem Black remains a major meta threat, often complemented by teammates like Marshadow (Shadow) or Metagross to cover its weaknesses.
🤝 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 secures its #11 Master League ranking with a formidable 92.6 score, utilizing its potent Dragon Breath, Outrage, and Fusion Bolt moveset to decisively beat meta titans like Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Kyogre. However, its path to the top 10 is hindered by critical losses to prominent threats such as Xerneas, Palkia (Origin), and Zamazenta Shield (Crowned). To mitigate these vulnerabilities, Zekrom often benefits from teammates like Zacian (Crowned Sword) or Zamazenta Shield (Crowned) to provide essential coverage against its key counters.
🤝 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 an impressive score of 92, leveraging its Shadow Claw, Close Combat, and Ice Punch moveset to decisively beat top meta threats like Kyurem Black, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Dialga (Origin). However, it faces significant challenges against powerhouses such as Ho Oh, Xerneas, and Groudon, which limit its overall dominance. To mitigate these specific weaknesses, Marshadow optimally pairs with suggested teammates like Kyurem White and Dialga (Origin), enhancing its performance against the wider meta.
🤝 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 robust 91.8 score, largely due to its potent Waterfall and Origin Pulse combination that delivers key wins against Ho-Oh, Landorus (Therian), Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), Xerneas, and Zacian (Crowned Sword). Despite these strong matchups, its position is limited by critical losses to top-tier threats such as Kyurem Black, Kyurem White, Palkia (Origin), Dialga (Origin), and Lugia, with no direct move changes impacting its current performance. Effective team construction with suggested partners like Xerneas, Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Zacian (Crowned Sword) is crucial to mitigate its weaknesses and maximize its significant offensive pressure.
🤝 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
Palkia (Shadow) secures a strong #14 ranking in Master League with a 90.9 score, largely thanks to its Dragon Breath, Aqua Tail, and Draco Meteor moveset enabling wins against key threats like Landorus (Therian), Kyogre, and Dialga (Origin). While powerful, its significant vulnerabilities to Zacian (Crowned Sword), Zamazenta Shield (Crowned), and Palkia (Origin) necessitate careful team construction, ideally alongside partners such as Marshadow (Shadow) or Metagross. Its enduring high performance, remaining a consistent threat profile despite broader meta shifts and recent move adjustments affecting other contenders, solidifies its position.
🤝 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 ranking in Master League with a respectable 90.7 score, consistently defeating meta staples like Landorus (Therian), Kyogre, and Ho-Oh, primarily leveraging its potent Dragon Tail, Aeroblast, and Fly moveset. However, its Psychic/Flying typing makes it notably vulnerable to top-tier threats such as Kyurem Black, Zacian (Crowned Sword), Dialga (Origin), and Xerneas, limiting its otherwise significant bulk and offensive pressure. To succeed, Lugia often requires synergy with teammates like Zacian (Crowned Sword) or Metagross, who can cover its weaknesses and capitalize on its ability to chip down opponents.
🤝 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 16, 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.
📰 Previous Reports
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.
Comments
Post a Comment