Free ranged opening
Charmander
Keep a clear firing lane; this opening has no healing.
Guide updated
For a simple ranged opening, start with Charmander or Squirtle. Psyduck’s homing route fits moving bosses; Piplup’s Bubble/Surf route fits ticket objectives. For formed survival, compare Squirtle’s 1-Bond Aqua Ring group with Turtwig’s 3-Bond defensive group. Owned Mewtwo starts with Confusion, not its later beam. Choose one of four goals and Start or Formed below for S/A/B/C grades, reasons, costs and usable load actions; all 966 Pokémon remain in a separate numerical comparison.
More comparisons, build advice and rules
Best Pokémon: choose for the run you can build
For a free ranged opening, choose Charmander. Choose Squirtle when you want to build healing, or Psyduck when homing shots help you dodge a boss. Slowpoke keeps a single-attack route at 0 Bonds; Turtwig needs 3 Bonds for its four-move group. Pick from partners you own and the resources you have earned.
Open your situation below for a specific choice, its tradeoff and matching tool inputs. Opening shortcuts use the real level-1 attack with 0 Bonds and no cards. Formed shortcuts load the listed earned moves and cards, with no held item or active buff stacks; add those only when you have them.
First runs: Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur?
Charmander
Pick Charmander for a straightforward ranged Fire opening. Its formed Ember + + Nasty Plot route needs 1 Bond and earned cards. Keep a firing lane; this group supplies damage rather than healing.
Formed active group: Ember · level 5 → Ember + + Nasty Plot · level 5
Bonds: 1 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Reflexes ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Squirtle
Pick Squirtle when you want a healing route: Water Gun + + Aqua Ring needs 1 Bond. Water Gun is its actual opening; Aqua Ring must be learned and joined before it can heal alongside the attack.
Formed active group: Water Gun · level 5 → Water Gun + + Aqua Ring · level 5
Bonds: 1 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Synthesis ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Bulbasaur
Pick Bulbasaur if you can control close contact and want a physical attack with Harden. Vine Whip + + Harden needs 1 Bond; defense does not provide automatic healing. Keep an escape path when entering melee.
Formed active group: Vine Whip · level 5 → Vine Whip + + Harden · level 5
Bonds: 1 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Armor ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Comparison uses each partner’s level-1 starting attack against neutral targets with defense and special defense 75, without cards, items, weather or permanent upgrades. Inspect formed attacks separately using their damage links.
Boss aiming or 0 Bonds: Psyduck or Slowpoke?
Psyduck
Pick Psyduck when homing Psychic shots make dodging easier. It starts with Confusion, and its formed Confusion + + Nasty Plot group needs 1 Bond. Shots still need a clear route to the target.
Formed active group: Confusion · level 5 → Confusion + + Nasty Plot · level 5
Bonds: 1 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Reflexes ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Slowpoke
Pick Slowpoke for the simplest evolved route with 0 Bonds: one Confusion upgraded to Confusion +. It has 110 starting HP and speed 84, so move away from danger early. This example includes no healing move.
Formed active group: Confusion · level 5 → Confusion +
Bonds: 0 · Run cards: Reflexes ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Comparison uses each partner’s level-1 starting attack against neutral targets with defense and special defense 75, without cards, items, weather or permanent upgrades. Inspect formed attacks separately using their damage links.
Clearing while moving: Treecko or Piplup?
Treecko
Pick Treecko when you can line enemies up with the outward and returning leaves. Its formed Razor Leaf + + Agility group needs 1 Bond. The return hit depends on positioning; it is not guaranteed twice on every target.
Formed active group: Razor Leaf · level 5 → Razor Leaf + + Agility · level 5
Bonds: 1 · Run cards: Reflexes ×1 · Sprint ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Piplup
Pick Piplup when surrounding coverage and slowing enemies help you reach reward objectives. Bubble + + Aqua Ring needs 1 Bond. Staying alive helps you complete ticket opportunities; the recommendation does not increase drop rates.
Formed active group: Bubble · level 5 → Bubble + + Aqua Ring · level 5
Bonds: 1 · Run cards: Sprint ×1 · Synthesis ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Comparison uses each partner’s level-1 starting attack against neutral targets with defense and special defense 75, without cards, items, weather or permanent upgrades. Inspect formed attacks separately using their damage links.
Planning a bigger group: Turtwig or owned Mewtwo?
Turtwig
Turtwig’s four-move build needs 3 Bonds and two gold evolution choices. Take Power for Vine Whip’s evolution and Synthesis for Petal Blizzard’s evolution. Keep Swords Dance and Harden in the same group; Swords Dance boosts only the physical attack.
Formed active group: Vine Whip · level 5 → Vine Whip + + Petal Blizzard · level 5 → Petal Blizzard + + Swords Dance · level 5 + Harden · level 5
Bonds: 3 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Armor ×1 · Synthesis ×1 · Separate gold choices: 2
Mewtwo
Pick Mewtwo if you already own it and can prepare a 2-Bond beam group. Its real opening is Confusion; learn Psybeam before building Psybeam + + Nasty Plot + Harden. Keep the beam aligned while moving. Ownership does not grant the formed moves or cards.
Formed active group: Psybeam · level 5 → Psybeam + + Nasty Plot · level 5 + Harden · level 5
Bonds: 2 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Reflexes ×1 · Armor ×1 · Separate gold choices: 1
Comparison uses each partner’s level-1 starting attack against neutral targets with defense and special defense 75, without cards, items, weather or permanent upgrades. Inspect formed attacks separately using their damage links.
Each marked evolution needs its own gold choice after the required level and run card.
Choose the next upgrade before changing Pokémon
- Keep the actual opening attack active and raise it to its maximum level. Check its exact run-card recipe, then select its gold evolution when offered.
- Add a learned support only after earning the Bonds needed to keep it in the active group. Nasty Plot supports special attacks; Swords Dance supports physical attacks.
- If a formed route needs more Bonds than you have, use its real opening. For an evolved single-attack example that still needs 0 Bonds, use Slowpoke below.
- Use the goal and stage selectors in the nine-route board for the full S/A/B/C reasons. The 966-Pokémon table supplies base-stat comparisons; your starting move, available resources and positioning decide which route fits.
Already own Keldeo or Marshadow?
Keldeo suits ranged special damage and a healing branch. Marshadow suits physical melee with matching support; it also has a separate ranged Ghost branch. Choose by moves and Bonds already earned, then load the exact state. The nine goal-based routes and all 966 stat comparisons remain below.
Keldeo
Start with Water Gun and ×1.41 special attack, rather than spending cards on physical support for its ×1.10 physical attack. Add Aqua Ring when sustained contact is the problem; choose the Fighting coverage branch when a Water-only attack is the limitation.
Run upgrade order · Missing a card or move? · Build, upgrade order and missing-card alternatives
Marshadow
Karate Chop uses ×1.39 physical attack: pair it with Swords Dance. Shadow Ball uses ×1.20 special attack: its ranged branch uses Nasty Plot. Keep the existing mixed Fighting/Ghost route as a separate option; one support does not boost both categories.
Run upgrade order · Missing a card or move? · Build, upgrade order and missing-card alternatives
Level-1 default attacks, neutral defenses 75/75, no cards, weather, item, upgrades or active buffs. Compare physical and special categories separately; this does not compare formed build DPS or run success.
Mewtwo, Eternatus, Marshadow or Slaking?
Choose from the Pokémon you already own. Mewtwo offers homing Psychic pressure before learning a beam; Eternatus opens with ranged Poison and can add Dragon coverage; Marshadow starts in melee before adding a ranged Ghost attack; Slaking has the highest attack multiplier of these four but a close-range Normal opening. These are conditional recommendations from moves and game stats, not measured win rates.
None of these four is a free starting partner. If you do not own them, choose a starter first; each entity page explains its actual unlock route. A normal legendary-rift victory alone does not grant ownership. Choose a free starter
| Pokémon | HP | Attack multiplier | Movement speed | Starting move | Choose for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mewtwo | 118 | ×1.55 | 133 | Confusion | Choose Mewtwo for a mobile ranged opening and a later beam against lined-up targets: 118 HP, ×1.55 special attack and 133 movement. | The beam must be learned after starting with Confusion. Psychic resistance, walls and missed lines limit it; the formed support group costs 2 Bonds. |
| Eternatus | 133 | ×1.5 | 133 | Sludge | Choose Eternatus for a ranged poison opening with a large HP reserve, then add a Dragon beam: 133 HP, ×1.50 special attack and 133 movement. | The second damage move is learned later, both evolutions need separate gold choices and the group costs 2 Bonds. Poison and Dragon resistance still matter; this route has no melee damage reduction. |
| Marshadow | 110 | ×1.39 | 130 | Karate Chop | Choose Marshadow for an immediate melee attack, fast movement and a later Fighting/Ghost damage pair: 110 HP, ×1.39 physical attack and 130 movement. | It has the lowest HP of these four, and melee requires safer pack-edge positioning. Karate Chop uses ×1.39 physical attack while Shadow Ball uses ×1.20 special attack. The dual-evolution group costs 2 Bonds, Power, Reflexes and two gold choices. |
| Slaking | 138 | ×1.58 | 120 | Tackle | Choose Slaking for the highest base HP and attack in this four-Pokémon comparison: 138 HP and ×1.58 physical attack, with an immediately usable melee route. | Its 120 movement is the slowest of the four and this damage route is Normal-only. Rock, Steel and Ghost targets reduce its output; the two support moves need 2 Bonds to act with Tackle. |
The comparison uses level-1 starting moves, neutral targets and no item, weather, cards or permanent upgrades. It does not compare the full formed builds or treat attack multiplier as DPS.
Mewtwo
Choose for: Choose Mewtwo for a mobile ranged opening and a later beam against lined-up targets: 118 HP, ×1.55 special attack and 133 movement.
Tradeoff: The beam must be learned after starting with Confusion. Psychic resistance, walls and missed lines limit it; the formed support group costs 2 Bonds.
Start: real level-1 move, 0 Bonds
- Obtain Mewtwo through the Kanto gacha pool before selecting it. An ordinary rift victory does not grant the normal playable Pokémon.
- Keep the real starting Confusion active and use its homing projectiles while moving sideways around warnings. Learn Psybeam when offered; do not start by activating a support-only slot.
Formed route: earned cards and Bonds
- Raise Psybeam to level 5, take the Power run card and choose the gold Future Sight evolution. Add Reflexes for cast frequency and Armor for defense.
- Spend the first earned Bond on Psybeam + Nasty Plot, then the second on Harden. Keep this combined group active and finish rift/Bond opportunities before 28:00.
- Equip Leftovers if found for 1.5% maximum-HP recovery per second. Line up the beam through clear space; at 30:00 dodge invincible Arceus.
Loaded moves and evolution choices
- Psybeam · level 5 · evolution selected → Psybeam + · level 5 + Power; choose its gold card separately
- Nasty Plot · level 5 · base move · No evolution
- Harden · level 5 · base move · No evolution
Bonds required: 2 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Reflexes ×1 · Armor ×1
Optional item if found: Leftovers
Keep attacks and support in one active group with enough Bonds. Each evolution requires its own level, card and gold choice. New rift portals stop appearing at 28:00; an already open portal remains usable for its lifetime.
Eternatus
Choose for: Choose Eternatus for a ranged poison opening with a large HP reserve, then add a Dragon beam: 133 HP, ×1.50 special attack and 133 movement.
Tradeoff: The second damage move is learned later, both evolutions need separate gold choices and the group costs 2 Bonds. Poison and Dragon resistance still matter; this route has no melee damage reduction.
Start: real level-1 move, 0 Bonds
- Obtain Eternatus from the Galar gacha pool first. An ordinary rift win does not unlock its normal playable form.
- Start with Sludge: 17 base damage, 0.60 s cooldown and poison on impact. Keep it active, upgrade it and take Power; learn Dragon Rage when offered.
Formed route: earned cards and Bonds
- Reach level 5 on Sludge and Dragon Rage. One Power run card satisfies both recipes, but choose Sludge Bomb and Draco Meteor on two separate gold selections; the preset represents both completed choices.
- Spend the first Bond to join the two damage moves, then the second to add Nasty Plot. Keep the group active so its attack buff can stack while both damage moves fire; add Reflexes for frequency.
- Use Leftovers if found for recovery, and fire the beam through clear lanes rather than walls. Complete Bonds before the 28:00 rift cutoff; at 30:00 dodge Arceus and fight the summoned legends.
Loaded moves and evolution choices
- Sludge · level 5 · evolution selected → Sludge + · level 5 + Power; choose its gold card separately
- Dragon Rage · level 5 · evolution selected → Dragon Rage + · level 5 + Power; choose its gold card separately
- Nasty Plot · level 5 · base move · No evolution
Bonds required: 2 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Reflexes ×1
Optional item if found: Leftovers
Keep attacks and support in one active group with enough Bonds. Each evolution requires its own level, card and gold choice. New rift portals stop appearing at 28:00; an already open portal remains usable for its lifetime.
Marshadow
Choose for: Choose Marshadow for an immediate melee attack, fast movement and a later Fighting/Ghost damage pair: 110 HP, ×1.39 physical attack and 130 movement.
Tradeoff: It has the lowest HP of these four, and melee requires safer pack-edge positioning. Karate Chop uses ×1.39 physical attack while Shadow Ball uses ×1.20 special attack. The dual-evolution group costs 2 Bonds, Power, Reflexes and two gold choices.
Start: real level-1 move, 0 Bonds
- Obtain Marshadow from the Alola gacha pool. Defeating it in an ordinary rift does not grant the normal playable partner.
- Keep Karate Chop active: 22 base damage and 0.50 s cooldown. Attack pack edges; active melee reduces received damage by 25%, but ground warnings still need dodging.
Formed route: earned cards and Bonds
- Raise Karate Chop to level 5, take Power and choose Close Combat. Learn Shadow Ball, raise it to level 5, take Reflexes and choose Phantom Force in a separate gold selection.
- Spend one Bond on the Fighting/Ghost damage pair and a second to add Harden. Keep the combined group active: its melee reduction remains available while the Ghost projectiles pierce enemies. Add Armor for defense.
- Use Leftovers if found to recover between contacts. Compare the target’s Fighting and Ghost multipliers before committing; finish Bonds before 28:00 and dodge Arceus at 30:00.
Loaded moves and evolution choices
- Karate Chop · level 5 · evolution selected → Karate Chop + · level 5 + Power; choose its gold card separately
- Shadow Ball · level 5 · evolution selected → Shadow Ball + · level 5 + Reflexes; choose its gold card separately
- Harden · level 5 · base move · No evolution
Bonds required: 2 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Reflexes ×1 · Armor ×1
Optional item if found: Leftovers
Keep attacks and support in one active group with enough Bonds. Each evolution requires its own level, card and gold choice. New rift portals stop appearing at 28:00; an already open portal remains usable for its lifetime.
Slaking
Choose for: Choose Slaking for the highest base HP and attack in this four-Pokémon comparison: 138 HP and ×1.58 physical attack, with an immediately usable melee route.
Tradeoff: Its 120 movement is the slowest of the four and this damage route is Normal-only. Rock, Steel and Ghost targets reduce its output; the two support moves need 2 Bonds to act with Tackle.
Start: real level-1 move, 0 Bonds
- Obtain Slaking from the Hoenn gacha pool before selecting it. Its playable game record has an empty traits list; do not import the main-series Truant turn-skipping rule.
- Keep starting Tackle active: 16 base damage and 0.50 s cooldown. Work around pack edges while leveling it; active melee gives 25% less received damage.
Formed route: earned cards and Bonds
- Raise Tackle to level 5, take the Vigor run card and choose gold Take Down. Power increases attack but cannot replace Vigor in this evolution recipe; add Armor for defense.
- Spend the first earned Bond to join Tackle and Swords Dance, then the second to add Harden. Keep all three in the active group; support-only separate slots do not deal damage.
- Use Leftovers if found for 1.5% maximum-HP recovery per second. Keep escape routes open for its slower movement; complete Bonds before 28:00 and dodge Arceus at 30:00.
Loaded moves and evolution choices
- Tackle · level 5 · evolution selected → Tackle + · level 5 + Vigor; choose its gold card separately
- Swords Dance · level 5 · base move · No evolution
- Harden · level 5 · base move · No evolution
Bonds required: 2 · Run cards: Power ×1 · Vigor ×1 · Armor ×1
Optional item if found: Leftovers
Keep attacks and support in one active group with enough Bonds. Each evolution requires its own level, card and gold choice. New rift portals stop appearing at 28:00; an already open portal remains usable for its lifetime.
Arceus Plates and Judgment damage scoring
In the original game, Judgment Arceus is invincible but takes damage credit. Its random Plate is one of 17 non-Normal types (1/17 each). Auto-targeting prefers living legendary bosses; area attacks can still hit Arceus. Credit multiplier = 0.05/(1+arena seconds/150), rounded per hit with a minimum of 1. It loses no HP and is immune to status; Hex receives no status bonus. Playable and ordinary-rift Arceus remain separate encounters.
Legendary damage growth
Judgment legends grow HP ×1.25 and contact/projectile damage ×1.15 per spawn, starting at index 0. Burn ticks every 0.5 s for 3 s; poison every 0.6 s for 4 s. On these legends, either deals round(1.5 × stacks), minimum 1 per nonzero tick, rather than ordinary HP-based poison. They drop XP only, with no orbs. At game 35:00, item destruction waits for the current cast/next action, then warns for 1.6 s before unequipping. Select “already broken” only once that happens; collection ownership is retained.
Current names for older evolution aliases
An evolved move now keeps its base move’s name with a + suffix. Older evolution names still work in search. Check the required card and gold evolution choice before upgrading.
Scroll sideways to read every column.
| Earlier alias in this guide | Current original name |
|---|---|
| Surf | Bubble + |
| Power Whip | Vine Whip + |
| Petal Dance | Petal Blizzard + |
| Psyshock | Confusion + |
| Charm | Disarming Voice + |
How abilities and learned moves change your choice
Check the ability your Pokémon actually has. Slaking hits 35% harder with Truant, but attacks recharge 60% more slowly. Regigigas loses 40% damage and 20% movement during its first minute. Include these effects when comparing them.
A nature can raise one stat while lowering another. Choose one that suits your physical or special attack. Learn required TM moves before using a build; nature changes, ability changes and extra starting moves are available in Kecleon Shop.
Physical/special is different from melee/ranged
Match support to the attack category. Swords Dance and Dragon Dance improve physical attacks; Nasty Plot improves special attacks. A ranged move can be physical, and a melee move can be special: range alone does not tell you which support to choose.
Gengar favors special attacks, while Kartana favors physical attacks. Compare damage against the enemy’s matching Defense or Special Defense. For a support move to help, join it to the attack’s active group with enough Bonds.
Choose the game edition you play
These recommendations use the original game. The game embedded on this site is the independent edition. Select the matching edition in the comparison: poison, Judgment movement and some defensive effects differ.
Check ownership first, then read the goal and stage
With no collection, choose among the 29 free starters: Charmander or Squirtle for range, Psyduck for homing while dodging on mobile, or Slowpoke for more HP and a single-attack route. If you already own Abra or Ekans, their single-attack plans are 0-Bond alternatives. If you own the four popular partners, compare their conditions and costs in Best before loading a formed route.
The S–C boards compare nine recommended Pokémon by goal and build stage. Use the full 966-Pokémon comparison for other partners; an unlisted Pokémon has no letter grade here.
Scroll sideways to read every column.
| Selector | What to check | A decision that prevents an incorrect load |
|---|---|---|
| Goal: opening | The real starting attack, range or contact, and room to move. | Do not choose opening Mewtwo assuming it already has Psybeam. It must learn that later; it starts with Confusion. |
| Goal: survival | Available recovery or damage reduction, movement and space to dodge. | More HP or an optional item does not guarantee surviving ground zones or make the original Arceus vulnerable. |
| Goal: bosses | Homing or firing lane, target types and contacts you can actually maintain. | The same route can change grade by stage and task; do not compare a formed beam with a level-1 starting attack. |
| Goal: tickets | Reaching reward opportunities and completing their conditions. | A grade does not change gacha, loot or rescue probabilities. Selecting Piplup does not create tickets on its own. |
| Stage: start | The starting attack at level 1, 0 Bonds, no item, and no upgrades or cards. | Load start if you have not obtained the pieces yet. Owning the Pokémon and having its formed build are different requirements. |
| Stage: formed | The displayed level-5 plan, its exact cards, earned Bonds and completed gold choices. | An Abra or Ekans plan with 0 Bonds can already be level 5 and evolved; 0 Bonds does not make it the starting state used by this Tier List. |
How these tiers are assigned
Choose by attack range, reliable hits, recovery, movement and the cards or Bonds needed. An easy ranged starter can be a better first pick than a high-damage partner that needs close contact or several later upgrades.
Opening and fully upgraded builds
Opening uses the level-1 starting attack with 0 Bonds. The fully upgraded build lists level-5 moves, required cards and Bonds. Learn the moves, join them into one active group and choose each gold evolution separately.
Turtwig’s four-move build needs 3 Bonds and two gold evolution choices. Take Power for Vine Whip’s evolution and Synthesis for Petal Blizzard’s evolution. Keep Swords Dance and Harden in the same group; Swords Dance boosts only the physical attack.
What to do
- Switch the goal before interpreting an order.
- Open the comparison tool for the finalists.
Numbers & conditions
Game HP, speed and attack multiplier are not interchangeable with main-series BST. Equal-input comparisons isolate stat differences; practical output still depends on hits, weather and your active slot.
Common mistakes
Use only moves you have learned and upgrades you have obtained. Without enough Bonds, keep one complete attack active. If an optional item has not dropped, compare the build without it.
What to do when cards, Bonds or items do not appear
Use only moves you have learned and upgrades you have obtained. Without enough Bonds, keep one complete attack active. If an optional item has not dropped, compare the build without it.
Scroll sideways to read every column.
| Missing… | A useful decision now | What to correct when loading |
|---|---|---|
| The required stat card | Keep upgrading and using the base attack. Power cannot replace Reflexes for Confusion or Vigor for Tackle. | Enter your actual card counts and uncheck an evolution you cannot yet select. A purchased permanent upgrade cannot replace that card either. |
| The gold card | Level 5 and the stat card only satisfy the requirements. Keep the base version until you select its particular evolution. | Do not mark evolution before the choice. If two attacks can evolve, complete each selection separately. |
| A Bond | Use one complete active attack, as in the Abra, Ekans or Slowpoke routes. A second learned move can remain separate; it does not add damage to the group you are using. | Separate attacks or supports that have not been joined. Two moves in one group cost 1 Bond; three cost 2; four cost 3. Do not load three simultaneous moves with 0. |
| The optional item in an example | Leave the item field empty and keep the route legal. Without Leftovers, you do not have its recovery; Quick Claw improves frequency if found, but does not heal or replace an evolution card. | Recalculate without the item. Do not replace recovery with a damage item while assuming the same survival. |
| A second type that suits the enemy | Before entering the rift, check learnable moves and target resistances. Choose an alternative you already own or a legal move of another type. | Do not copy another Pokémon’s move pool. Change the target types and actual contacts before comparing results. |
Mobile, bosses, rifts and co-op: let the context change your choice
These recommendations use the original game. The game embedded on this site is the independent edition. Select the matching edition in the comparison: poison, Judgment movement and some defensive effects differ.
Scroll sideways to read every column.
| Scenario | Choice and action | A limit that changes the result |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | Free starter Psyduck or an already-owned Abra can keep dealing damage with Confusion while you prioritize dodging. Charmander and Squirtle offer more direct ranged-projectile alternatives. | Test moving with one finger and changing attacks with the other. Homing does not remove walls or guarantee hits; if the embed interferes with gestures or access, open the original directly. |
| Moving boss or clear lane | Prioritize homing for a moving boss; for a maintained line, compare Mewtwo’s learned beam or Eternatus’s Dragon attack. Check resistances and an escape route before committing. | A beam that misses does not contribute its theoretical damage. Marshadow and Slaking need safe contact opportunities; their melee reduction does not replace dodging ground zones. |
| Rifts and Bonds | Prepare the route for the arena and its types. If you want a formed group, use rifts before 28:00; no new ones open afterward. Do not base the whole run on obtaining Turtwig’s third Bond late. | New rifts stop generating at 28:00; an existing portal keeps its 45-second lifetime and remains enterable while open. You do not have to finish every fight by 28:00. An ordinary legendary victory does not grant playable ownership; at 30:00, dodge the original game’s invincible Arceus. |
| Original-game co-op | Use an original-game account, a connection and the correct room. Choose damage you can maintain while attending to the team, but keep your own active group and Bond cost legal. | Allies do not activate your separate slots. Encounter scaling changes with player count; damage against one neutral solo target is not a promise of victory in the room. |
Use tiers to choose a playstyle, then compare your build
Use the S–C boards to find an opening or upgraded build that fits your goal. In the 966-Pokémon comparison, enter your ability, moves and enemy to compare damage and survivability. The base-stat table helps you compare HP, Attack and movement before upgrades.
- Change goal and stage across the nine routes
- Compare stats and starting attacks under equal conditions
- Review build damage, contacts and conditions
- Data version and the original-game scope
- Pinned source: gacha weights, pools and guarantees
- Pinned source: attacks, levels and evolution recipes
- Pinned source: rescue selection and acquisition chance
- Pinned source: hovering excludes Abra from rescues
Choose a route for the Pokémon you own
Choose a Pokémon you own, then check its starting move, ability and Bond cost. Compare physical and special attacks separately.
Scroll sideways to read every column.
| Pokémon | HP / attack / speed | Real starting attack | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mewtwo | 118 / ×1.55 / 133 | Confusion | Keep the homing opening while learning the later beam; a beam route needs a clear line through enemies. |
| Slaking | 138 / ×1.58 / 120 | Tackle | Slaking has 138 HP and 120 movement. Truant increases each hit by 35% but lengthens recharge by 60%; compare sustained damage as well as the Attack multiplier. |
| Garchomp | 119 / ×1.42 / 121 | Dragon Rage | The Dragon opening is a beam; Ground moves must be learned later. Use the Ground option for a different matchup, not as an attack already firing in the background. |
| Regigigas | 120 / ×1.58 / 120 | Tackle | Regigigas has 120 HP and 120 base movement. Slow Start reduces damage by 40% and speed by 20% for the first 60 seconds, then both return to full strength. |
| Arceus | 124 / ×1.36 / 128 | Tackle | This is the playable species. A normal rift opponent can be defeated; the invincible Judgment at 30:00 is a separate encounter. Use the long-run guide for survival. |
| Darmanitan | 117 / ×1.47 / 118 | Ember | The ranged Fire opening lets you learn the field before choosing a beam or orbit move. With movement 118, leave escape space rather than relying on a later dash. |
| Keldeo | 111 / ×1.41 / 123 | Water Gun | Start with ranged Water damage. Its learn pool includes a healing support and Fighting attacks; learning them does not replace the need for an active damage group. |
| Solgaleo | 132 / ×1.45 / 119 | Confusion | Use the homing Psychic opening first. Steel attacks are later choices; 132 base HP gives a larger reserve than many ranged partners but does not replace dodging. |
| Kartana | 97 / ×1.7 / 124 | Vine Whip | The 1.70 attack multiplier comes with 97 HP. Keep the Grass opening until a Steel attack is learned; both damage types are reduced against Fire, so change targets or positioning. |
| Marshadow | 110 / ×1.39 / 130 | Karate Chop | The real opening is Fighting melee. Add Ghost range only after learning it, and earn the Bonds needed to keep both in the active group. |
| Eternatus | 133 / ×1.5 / 133 | Sludge | Use its Poison opening immediately; the Dragon beam is learned later. Two evolved damage moves still require two separate gold choices even when they share one card requirement. |
| Spectrier | 115 / ×1.5 / 133 | Shadow Ball | Start with Ghost projectiles while moving. Normal and Dark targets reduce this damage; compare coverage before investing in a second Ghost attack. |
| Roaring Moon | 117 / ×1.46 / 128 | Dragon Rage | Keep the real Dragon beam until Dark damage is learned and bonded. Dragon and Dark both lose effectiveness against Fairy; the second type does not remove that limitation. |
| Koraidon | 115 / ×1.44 / 135 | Karate Chop | Its 135 movement helps reposition, but the opening is Fighting melee. A Dragon beam is a later ranged option, not a starting move or a background attack. |
| Munkidori | 110 / ×1.42 / 123 | Sludge | Use the ranged Poison opening first. Psychic moves offer another damage type later; keep damage active when adding support, and compare target resistance before spending Bonds. |
Mythical or Legendary: choose the usable route
Rarity alone does not decide the best partner. Check its ability, starting attack and the moves you can build with your available Bonds. Choose a ranged opening if you need more room to dodge; choose melee only when you can maintain safe contact.
Original and embedded edition
These recommendations use the original game. The game embedded on this site is the independent edition. Select the matching edition in the comparison: poison, Judgment movement and some defensive effects differ.
Tools
Related pages
- Kecleon Shop
- Abilities
- Natures
- TM compatibility
- Damage Calculator
- Build Planner
- Upgrade Cost Planner
- PokéSurvivor Updates · 2026-10-18: Physical/special attacks, controllers, Save and new Judgment limits
- Best Pokémon by scenario · October 2026
- Best starters: choose for your attack style
- Pokémon Compare
- Marshadow: Fighting and Ghost group
- PokéSurvivor physical vs special attacks: stats, buffs and builds
- Mystery Dungeon Orbs: effects, drops and controls
- Regional Shiny Charms and collection requirements
- Arceus Plates and Judgment damage scoring
- PokéSurvivor Updates · 2026-10-23: October 23: Arceus damage ranking, Plates and move balance
Game data & sources
The linked game files show where these stats, costs and rules come from. Updates to the game may change them.
Data version: d567c6da
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/data/pokedex.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/data/moves.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/data/types.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/e4ba0e173cb7e415f9815c924a48c5c25f516962/js/data/changelog.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/e4ba0e173cb7e415f9815c924a48c5c25f516962/js/systems/stats.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/e4ba0e173cb7e415f9815c924a48c5c25f516962/js/data/pokedex.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/e4ba0e173cb7e415f9815c924a48c5c25f516962/js/data/moves.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/e4ba0e173cb7e415f9815c924a48c5c25f516962/js/ui/ranking-ui.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/systems/levelup.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/version.json
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/core/updater.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/changelog.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/core/db.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/firestore.rules
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/shop.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/abilities.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/ability-fx.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/natures.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/systems/mons.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/tms.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/data/upgrades.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/net/coop.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/ui/hud.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/entities/player.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/ce5785313b0205af8b9477423f64b0a7b7039dcd/js/systems/combat.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/systems/orbs.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/systems/gacha.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/ui/gacha-ui.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/systems/judgment.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/entities/enemy.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/net/ranking.js
- https://github.com/JPTER78/pokesurvivor/blob/d567c6da88e4ef66634ab54a01b5a3607501e03a/js/data/changelog.js