Want to know what the top Pokémon are right now? Want to know how to use them effectively? Well then this is the article for you!

In the most recent Global Link update (1/23/2017), the Top 30 Pokémon (usage-wise) were revealed for each format on the Battle Spot Ladder. Other information, such as most popular teammates, items, natures and more are shown when viewing each Pokémon, showing how most players like to use that Pokémon.

But we’re going to take it a step further.

Not only will we show you all of that, but we’ll also provide sample move sets and spreads for each Pokémon! This article will be updated to reflect current meta game trends and new Pokémon that break the Top 30 each week!

Note: This won’t be updated to resemble a traditional “Top X” List, so here’s how this will work:

-If a new Pokémon enters the Top 30, it will simply be added to this list along with all of the data associated with it.

-If there is a shift in placement for some Pokémon, that won’t be reflected here.

The Top 30 (1/24/2017)

Tapu Koko

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Tapu Koko @ Life Orb/Focus Sash/Fairium Z/Electrium Z

Ability: Electric Surge

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

– Thunderbolt/Nature Power

– Dazzling Gleam

– Discharge/Hidden Power (Ice/Fire)/Taunt

– Protect

The most common set for Tapu Koko which mainly focuses on speed and attack power. There are many variations on this move set to fit certain teams or roles for Tapu Koko on a team. EV’s can also be changed depending on personal preference.

Tapu Koko @ Assault Vest

Ability: Electric Surge

EVs: 236 HP / 12 Def / 28 SpA / 132 SpD / 100 Spe

Timid Nature

– Volt Switch

– Dazzling Gleam

– Discharge

– Nature’s Madness

Assault Vest mainly takes advantage of Tapu Koko’s very diverse attacking move pool, while also giving it some added bulk.

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs

Ability: Electric Surge

EVs: 236 HP / 12 Def / 84 SpA / 76 SpD / 100 Spe

Timid Nature

– Volt Switch

– Dazzling Gleam

– Discharge

– Thunderbolt

This is the Choice Specs variant of Tapu Koko that Ray Rizzo featured in his video showcasing his set. You can check out his video here if you’re interested in seeing damage calcs or just want to hear his take on it.

Tapu Lele

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Psychic Surge

EVs: 84 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe

Modest Nature

– Psychic

– Moonblast

– Dazzling Gleam

– Thunderbolt/Shadow Ball/Hidden Power [Fire]

Standard Choice Scarf Tapu Lele designed to out-speed Pheromosa and deal tons of damage.

Tapu Lele @ Psychium Z/Life Orb/Sitrus Berry/Psychic Seed

Ability: Psychic Surge

EVs: 28 HP / 44 Def / 228 SpA / 4 SpDef / 204 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Psychic

– Moonblast

– Taunt/Dazzling Gleam/Substitute

– Protect

A slower, more bulky Tapu Lele which allows for some support options in addition to standard attacking moves.

Tapu Fini

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Tapu Fini @ Leftovers

Ability: Misty Surge

EVs: 252 HP / 44 Def / 196 SpA / 4 SpD / 12 Spe

Calm Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Muddy Water

– Moonblast

– Calm Mind

– Substitute/Protect

Tapu Fini @ Choice Specs

Ability: Misty Surge

EVs: 252 HP / 20 Def / 164 SpA / 44 SpD / 28 Spe

Modest Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Muddy Water

– Hydro Pump

– Moonblast

– Dazzling Gleam/Ice Beam/Grass Knot/Shadow Ball

A Choice Specs set focused on just dealing damage. Tapu Fini has other cool attacking options, but most just stick to Water and Fairy-type attacks.

Tapu Bulu

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Tapu Bulu @ Miracle Seed

Ability: Grassy Surge

EVs: 244 HP / 116 Atk / 140 Def / 4 SpD / 4 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Wood Hammer

– Horn Leech

– Substitute/Rock Slide/Superpower

– Protect

Tapu Bulu might not be so popular nowadays, but it still can deal a ton of damage with strong, Grassy-Terrain boosted attacks.

Tapu Bulu @ Lum Berry

Ability: Grassy Surge

EVs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 60 Def / 140 SpD / 20 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Horn Leech

– Leech Seed

– Substitute

– Protect

Here’s a set that was piloted by our current World Champion at the London International Championships. You can watch his team report here where he discusses the set more in depth.

Kartana

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Kartana @ Focus Sash

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Smart Strike

– Leaf Blade

– Sacred Sword

– Protect

Simple Focus Sash Kartana. Sacred Sword can be traded out for moves like Night Slash or X-Scissor depending on what kind of coverage you need.

Kartana @ Assault Vest

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 84 HP / 116 Atk / 4 Def / 52 SpD / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Leaf Blade

– Smart Strike

– Sacred Sword

– Night Slash

The EV’s for an Assault Vest vary largely among players, but this one is meant to get you started.

Celesteela

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Celesteela @ Leftovers

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 252 HP / 116 Atk / 4 Def / 60 SpD / 76 Spe

– Heavy Slam

– Leech Seed

– Flamethrower/Substitute

– Protect/Wide Guard

The EV’s and Nature make it so Beast Boost raises your Attack stat.

Celesteela @ Leftovers

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 180 HP / 180 Atk / 148 SpD

Careful Nature

– Heavy Slam

– Substitute/Flamethrower

– Leech Seed

– Wide Guard/Protect

The EV’s and Nature make it so Beast Boost raises your Special Defense.

Nihilego

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Nihilego @ Focus Sash

Ability: Beast Boost

Level: 50

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Power Gem

– Sludge Bomb

– Hidden Power [Ice]

– Protect

Pheromosa

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Pheromosa @ Focus Sash/Fightinium Z

Ability: Beast Boost

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Adamant Nature/Naughty Nature

– Lunge/U-Turn

– High Jump Kick/Low Kick/Brick Break

– Poison Jab/Ice Beam/Feint/Taunt

– Protect

Pheromosa can have a TON of moves on it, though the item choice and EV’s are pretty simple.

Garchomp

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Garchomp @ Groundium Z

Ability: Rough Skin

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Earthquake

– Dragon Claw/Fire Fang

– Poison Jab/Rock Slide

– Protect

Garchomp @ Assault Vest

Ability: Rough Skin

EVs: 28 HP / 172 Atk / 4 Def / 52 SpD / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Earthquake

– Dragon Claw

– Poison Jab

– Fire Fang/Rock Slide

Assault Vest allows Garchomp to survive crucial Special hits like Golduck’s Hydro Vortex in Rain and a Moonblast from Tapu Lele.

Garchomp @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Rough Skin

EVs: 36 HP / 252 Atk / 220 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Earthquake

– Dragon Claw

– Poison Jab

– Rock Slide

Probably the least common of all main Garchomp sets, but this set can be useful to snag surprise KO’s on some of Garchomp’s faster threats.

Alolan Muk

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Muk-Alola @ Figy Berry

Ability: Gluttony

Level: 50

EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 108 Def / 100 SpD / 4 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Poison Jab

– Knock Off

– Curse/Shadow Sneak/Imprison

– Protect

Another set from our current World Champion. Mukl EV’s can be all over the place, Figy Berry (or whatever variant) will more than likely be your item of choice. The third move slot has changed a lot, and which one you go with is entirely dependent on what works for you.

Alolan Ninetales

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Ninetales-Alola @ Light Clay/Focus Sash

Ability: Snow Warning

EVs: 4 HP /252 SpA/ 252 Spe

Timid Nature

– Blizzard/Freeze Dry

– Icy Wind

– Aurora Veil

– Protect/Encore

Ninetales has a pretty standard set. You can mess around with the EV’s a bit if you want to add a bit of bulk.

Alolan Marowak

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Marowak-Alola @ Thick Club

Ability: Lightning Rod

Level: 50

EVs: 252 HP / 172 Atk / 4 Def / 68 SpD / 12 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Flare Blitz

– Shadow Bone

– Bonemerang/Substitute/Perish Song

– Protect

Marowak EV’s are pretty diverse, so here’s a starter set. You could ditch the speed for a Trick Room attacking variant.

Alolan Raichu

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Raichu-Alola @ Psychium Z/Alolaraichium Z/Focus Sash

Ability: Surge Surfer

Level: 50

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

– Fake Out

– Psychic

– Thunderbolt

– Protect/Encore/Feint

Even though Raichu will double its Speed in Electric Terrain, it’s still worth running max Speed since Raichu is naturally fast.

Porygon2

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Porygon2 @ Eviolite

Ability: Download

EVs: 252 HP / 92 Def / 164 SpD

Careful Nature

IVs: 0 Spe

– Trick Room

– Return

– Ice Beam

– Recover

Porygon2 can be run a ton of different ways, but the set above is probably the most basic way to use it.

Snorlax

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Snorlax @ Figy Berry

Ability: Gluttony

EVs: 68 HP / 196 Atk / 244 Def

Brave Nature

IVs: 0 Spe

– Return

– High Horsepower

– Curse

– Protect/Recycle

Standard Curse Snorlax. You have the choice of Recycle (much like Markus Leipzig’s Snorlax) to keep using your Figy Berry.

Arcanine

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Arcanine @ Iapapa Berry/Sitrus Berry

Ability: Intimidate

EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpD / 164 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Extreme Speed

– Flare Blitz

– Snarl/Wild Charge/Will-O-Wisp

– Protect

The new standard Arcanine that leans more on the offensive side. Wild Charge can be added in place of a support move for more coverage.

Arcanine @ Firium Z/Sitrus Berry/Aguav Berry/Safety Goggles

Ability: Intimidate

Level: 50

EVs: 148 HP / 164 SpA / 4 Def / 28 SpD / 164 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Will-O-Wisp

– Flare Blitz

– Snarl

– Protect

The more supportive Arcanine runs a Special-Attacking set with Snarl and Flamethrower. The EV’s can be changed pretty freely on this set depending on personal preference.

Pelipper

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Pelipper @ Focus Sash

Ability: Drizzle

Level: 50

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Modest/Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Scald

– Hurricane

– Tailwind

– Protect

The most standard Pelipper set. Primarily functions to set up Tailwind and the Rain for a likely Golduck partner.

Metagross

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Metagross @ Weakness Policy

Ability: Clear Body

EVs: 252 HP / 204 Atk / 52 SpD

Adamant Nature

– Meteor Mash

– Zen Headbutt

– Bullet Punch

– Protect

This is the Metagross that Collin Heir used to get 2nd place at Dallas Regionals. Metagross has a ton of other viable items if Weakness Policy doesn’t suit your needs.

Gigalith

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Gigalith @ Assault Vest

Ability: Sand Stream

EVs: 228 HP / 228 Atk / 52 Def

Brave Nature

IVs: 0 Spe

– Rock Slide

– Stone Edge

– Heavy Slam

– Earthquake

Standard attacking set with added bulk from the Assault Vest.

Gigalith @ Rockium Z

Ability: Sand Stream

Level: 50

EVs: 196 HP / 124 Atk / 188 SpD

Brave Nature

IVs: 0 Spe

– Stone Edge

– Heavy Slam

– Wide Guard/Rock Slide/Earthquake

– Protect

If Assault Vest is already taken, this is an ideal set with a possible support option.

Torkoal

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Torkoal @ Charcoal/Life Orb

Ability: Drought

EVs: 116 HP / 252 SpA / 140 SpD

Quiet Nature

IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe

– Eruption

– Heat Wave/Flamethrower/Solar Beam

– Overheat/Flamethrower/Solar Beam

– Protect

The EV’s are pretty flexible as long as you max your Special Attack and make sure you’re as slow as possible.

Gastrodon

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Gastrodon-East @ Sitrus Berry/Aguav Berry

Ability: Storm Drain

Level: 50

EVs: 236 HP / 156 Def / 12 SpA / 100 SpD / 4 Spe

Bold Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Scald

– Ice Beam

– Recover/Protect

– Toxic

Purpose just to suck up Water attacks and Toxic stall. Just watch out for Kartana.

Araquanid

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Araquanid @ Sitrus Berry/Waterium Z/Life Orb

Ability: Water Bubble

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def

Brave Nature

IVs: 0 Spe

– Liquidation

– Leech Life/Lunge

– Wide Guard/Poison Jab

– Protect

Simple spread mainly to maximize bulk and Attack. Can switch up some of the moves to make Araquanid more offensive.

Mimikyu

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Mimikyu @ Ghostium Z

Ability: Disguise

Level: 50

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Jolly Nature

– Play Rough

– Shadow Claw

– Taunt

– Trick Room

If you want a good Mimikyu spread, look no further than Gavin Michael’s one he used to win San Jose Regionals. Max Speed on a Trick Room setter might not make sense at first, but Gavin wanted to be able to out-speed and KO Tapu Lele with Never Ending Nightmare. Mimikyu basically gets Trick Room up for free as long as it doesn’t get double targeted.

Gyarados

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Gyarados @ Waterium Z

Ability: Intimidate

Level: 50

EVs: 52 HP / 196 Atk / 76 Def / 4 SpD / 180 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Waterfall

– Dragon Dance

– Ice Fang/Earthquake

– Protect

Standard Dragon Dance set meant to spread Intimidate and get off boosted attacks.

Porygon-Z

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Porygon-Z @ Normalium Z

Ability: Adaptability

Level: 50

EVs: 20 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe

Modest Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Shadow Ball/Thunderbolt/Ice Beam

– Tri Attack/Shadow Ball/Thunderbolt/Ice Beam

– Conversion

– Protect

You can run a ton of different attacks on Porygon-Z, any of these types (Ghost, Electric, Ice, etc.) are viable.

Porygon-Z @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Adaptability

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Modest Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Tri Attack

– Dark Pulse

– Hyper Beam

– Ice Beam

This is the Porygon-Z that Sejun Park used on his Tapu Fini team that had a bit of time in the meta spotlight. If you want to know more on how Sejun used this Porygon-Z, you can read a translated team report here.

Vanilluxe

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Coldstone (Vanilluxe) @ Choice Scarf

Ability: Snow Warning

EVs: 52 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 196 Spe

Timid Nature

– Blizzard

– Freeze-Dry

– Icy Wind

– Sheer Cold

I would consider Vanilluxe a more offensive Nintetales. Scarf is to account for Vanilluxe’s lack of speed so it may be free to spam Blizzard.

Talonflame

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Talonflame @ Life Orb/Flynium Z/Choice Band

Ability: Gale Wings

Level: 50

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

Adamant Nature

– Brave Bird

– Flare Blitz

– Tailwind/U-Turn

– Taunt/Will-O-Wisp/Protect

Talonflame functions pretty much the same way it did in past formats. Now just without full-power Gale Wings.

Oranguru

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Oranguru @ Sitrus Berry/Mental Herb

Ability:Telepathy

EVs: 252 HP / 140 Def / 20 SpA / 92 SpD

Sassy Nature

IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe

– Psychic/Foul Play

– Instruct

– Trick Room

– Protect

Hariyama

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Hariyama @ Flame Orb

Ability: Guts

EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Def

Brave Nature

IVs: 0 Spe

– Fake Out

– Close Combat

– Feint

– Knock Off

Salamence

Top 5 Moves

Top 5 Items

Top 3 Natures

Top 6 Teammates

Popular Sets

Salamence @ Dragonium Z

Ability: Intimidate

Level: 50

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Timid Nature

IVs: 0 Atk

– Draco Meteor

– Flamethrower

– Substitute

– Protect

Dragonium Z basically gives Salamence two Draco Meteors before it take a hit to its Special Attack. If the damage output disappoints you, Life Orb or Choice Specs are also great items for Salamence.

Art of Pokemon courtesy of Pokémon Global Link and Ken Sugimori