The arrival of Blacephalon and Stakataka in April 2025 has made all shiny Ultra Beasts available in Pokémon GO, much to the delight of players eager to showcase these vibrant variants in the GO Battle League. While these shiny forms add aesthetic appeal, their impact on battle performance remains paramount, and not every Ultra Beast proves to be a formidable choice in PvP situations.
In this article, we conduct a thorough analysis of all Ultra Beasts based on their effectiveness in the GO Battle League, ranking them from least to most favorable picks. It’s crucial to remember that the shiny variant does not inherently enhance a Pokémon’s battle capabilities.
Ultra Beasts Ranked by Performance in Pokémon GO
10) Pheremosa (Unranked in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Bug/Fighting
- Attack: 316
- Defense: 85
- Stamina: 174
- Max CP: 3213
- Fast Moves: Bug Bite, Low Kick
- Charge Moves: Bug Buzz, Lunge, Focus Blast, Close Combat
- Optimal Moveset: Bug Bite + Close Combat and Lunge
Though boasting impressive attack stats, Pheremosa falls short due to its frail defenses and insufficient typing for Master League success.
9) Naganadel (Ranked 239 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Poison/Dragon
- Attack: 263
- Defense: 159
- Stamina: 177
- Max CP: 3587
- Fast Moves: Air Slash, Poison Jab
- Charge Moves: Acrobatics, Dragon Pulse, Fell Stinger, Sludge Bomb
- Optimal Moveset: Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb and Dragon Pulse
While Naganadel boasts slightly better typing than Pheremosa, its frailty leaves it vulnerable to frequent threats like Rhyperior and Necrozma (Dusk Mane).
8) Celesteela (Ranked 234 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Steel/Flying
- Attack: 207
- Defense: 199
- Stamina: 219
- Max CP: 3507
- Fast Moves: Smack Down, Air Slash
- Charge Moves: Body Slam, Bulldoze, Iron Head, Heavy Slam
- Optimal Moveset: Air Slash + Body Slam and Bulldoze/Heavy Slam
With a solid defensive presence, Celesteela enjoys a degree of bulk; however, its lackluster attack speed diminishes its competitive edge against more aggressive opponents.
7) Guzzlord (Ranked 230 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Dark/Dragon
- Attack: 188
- Defense: 99
- Stamina: 440
- Max CP: 3264
- Fast Moves: Snarl, Dragon Tail
- Charge Moves: Brutal Swing, Crunch, Dragon Claw, Sludge Bomb
- Optimal Moveset: Dragon Tail + Brutal Swing and Dragon Claw
Boasting an exceptional Stamina stat and decent offensive capabilities, Guzzlord finds itself hampered by a double weakness to Fairy types, making it less competitive in a landscape featuring Xerneas.
6) Stakataka (Ranked 227 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Rock/Steel
- Attack: 213
- Defense: 298
- Stamina: 156
- Max CP: 3724
- Fast Moves: Rock Throw, Take Down
- Charge Moves: Bulldoze, Flash Cannon, Stone Edge
- Optimal Moveset: Rock Throw + Stone Edge and Flash Cannon
Stakataka excels as a Rock-type attacker but is significantly hindered by its double weaknesses to Fighting and Ground types, which can be frequent threats during battles.
5) Blacephalon (Ranked 196 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Fire/Ghost
- Attack: 315
- Defense: 148
- Stamina: 142
- Max CP: 3727
- Fast Moves: Astonish, Incinerate
- Charge Moves: Mystical Fire, Overheat, Shadow Ball
- Optimal Moveset: Incinerate + Mystical Fire and Shadow Ball
As a dynamic attacker, Blacephalon’s access to effective Fast Attacks like Incinerate gives it a competitive edge, yet its low defensive capabilities can lead to quick knockouts.
4) Kartana (Ranked 176 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Steel/Grass
- Attack: 323
- Defense: 182
- Stamina: 139
- Max CP: 4156
- Fast Moves: Razor Leaf, Air Slash
- Charge Moves: Leaf Blade, Aerial Ace, Night Slash, X-Scissor
- Optimal Moveset: Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade and Night Slash
With impressive damage potential from its STAB Razor Leaf, Kartana emerges as a strong offensive asset; however, it faces a critical double weakness to Fire-type moves, placing it at risk during battles.
3) Buzzwole (Ranked 131 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Bug/Fighting
- Attack: 196
- Defense: 236
- Stamina: 216
- Max CP: 3912
- Fast Moves: Poison Jab, Counter
- Charge Moves: Fell Stinger, Lunge, Power-Up Punch, Superpower
- Optimal Moveset: Counter + Superpower and Lunge
This powerful Ultra Beast puts consistent pressure on opponents with moves like Counter and Lunge; however, it requires a strategic approach to maximize effectiveness.
2) Xurkitree (Ranked 94 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Electric
- Attack: 330
- Defense: 144
- Stamina: 195
- Max CP: 4451
- Fast Moves: Thunder Shock, Spark
- Charge Moves: Discharge, Thunder, Power Whip, Dazzling Gleam
- Optimal Moveset: Thunder Shock + Discharge and Dazzling Gleam
Thanks to its explosive Electric-type moves, Xurkitree can deal substantial damage, rapidly charging its attacks, even if its defenses may leave something to be desired.
1) Nihilego (Ranked 83 in Master League by PvPoke)
- Type: Rock/Poison
- Attack: 249
- Defense: 210
- Stamina: 240
- Max CP: 4465
- Fast Moves: Acid, Pound, Poison Jab
- Charge Moves: Power Gem, Sludge Bomb, Rock Slide, Gunk Shot
- Optimal Moveset: Poison Jab + Rock Slide and Sludge Bomb
Despite its vulnerability to Ground-type attacks, Nihilego stands out as the top Ultra Beast in the Master League. Its balanced stats and substantial Fast Attack damage delivered through Poison Jab make it a powerful contender.