Pokemon GO Gyarados: Building the Perfect Moveset
Let’s dive into the world of one of Pokemon GO’s most fearsome water dragons and break down exactly how to maximize its potential in battle. As someone who’s spent countless hours testing different movesets, I can tell you that getting Gyarados’s moves right can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Best Fast Move
Waterfall is hands-down the best fast move for Gyarados. While Dragon Breath might seem tempting, Waterfall delivers superior DPS (Damage Per Second) and benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) since Gyarados is a Water-type Pokemon. It’s like giving your already powerful serpent an extra boost of strength with each attack.
Best Charged Moves
For charged moves, you’ll want to run with Aqua Tail and Crunch. Here’s why this combination works so beautifully:
• Aqua Tail provides excellent water-type coverage and charges quickly
• Crunch gives you crucial Dark-type coverage against Psychic and Ghost Pokemon
• This combination allows Gyarados to handle a wide variety of opponents effectively
Alternative Charged Moves
While Hydro Pump hits harder than Aqua Tail, it’s slower to charge and less energy efficient. Think of it like choosing between a quick jab and a slow heavyweight punch – sometimes faster is better, especially in Pokemon GO’s fast-paced battle system.
PvP vs. Raid Considerations
If you’re focused on PvP battles, stick with Waterfall + Aqua Tail + Crunch. This combination gives you the flexibility to shield bait with Aqua Tail while maintaining solid coverage against multiple types.
For raids and gym battles, you might consider swapping Crunch for Hydro Pump if you’re purely looking for maximum damage output against opponents weak to Water-type moves.
Legacy Move Warning
Dragon Breath is a legacy move, meaning it’s only available during special events or through Elite TMs. While it’s not the optimal choice for most situations, it’s worth mentioning for collectors or specific PvP matchups.
Remember, the beauty of Pokemon GO is that you can adapt your strategy based on your playing style. I’ve found that while this moveset is statistically optimal, the best results come from practicing with your chosen combination and understanding how to use it effectively in battle situations. Whether you’re defending gyms or challenging raids, Gyarados with Waterfall, Aqua Tail, and Crunch will rarely let you down.