Trainers, it’s that time of the year! The December 2024 Community Day in Pokémon GO features the year’s regular and Classic Community Day species, giving you the chance to hunt for Hundos/Shundos or evolve the high IVs catches obtained after the event.
Like all previous editions, December Community Day will have all 2024 Pokémon up for grabs, whilst also hosting the 2023 lineup in Eggs. Evolving all of these will give you their exclusive moves.
So, which are the best Pokémon to pursue in 2024’s extravaganza? This article will address exactly that, in the form of a tier list, for both PvE and PvP!

This tier list will consist of the:
- S Tier: Must-have Pokémon, they are excellent additions to the meta
- A Tier: Great catches that offer value and are worth catching
- B Tier: Decent grabs that you can pursue if you want, not great but not terrible as well.
- C Tier: Pokémon that are underwhelming, give little to no use in the raid meta, and can be skipped unless you need the shiny.
Salamence
Salamence boasts the highest ATK stat of all Pseudo Legendaries, at a staggering 277! Packing the classic Dragon Tail and Outrage combo, as well as Draco Meteor, this Dragon/ is a mainstay in many teams.
Shadow Salamence is especially potent, and it continues to be a fearsome monster, even with Megas and other Shadows in the equation.
Mega Salamence may be outclassed by the Megas of Rayquaza and Garcgomp, but it’s quite a powerhouse that has the bulk to pull off the formidable Outrage + Draco Meteor pair. All in all, any variant of Salamence is a gift in Raids and it’s always a major perk to have a maxed-out Shadow or regular Salamemce in your collection. Go full Dracarys mode with this one!
Metagross
Another Pseudo Legendary, this Steel/Psychic behemoth reigned supreme atop the steely throne for years before it got rudely beaten by Dusk Mane Necrozma. But hey, just like Salamence, getting surpassed by an OP Legendary is no shame. Yes, it’s not #1, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad by any means.
Shadow Metagross and the eventual Mega Metagross (Megagross?) are absolute units in Steel type damage that you can’t miss.
Haxorus
Yet another Pseu…. haha, not! Haxorus is no Pseudo Legendary but its ATK is higher than any. In fact, its 284 ATK is the same as that of Rayquaza!
Hax has the deadly Dragon Tail + Breaking Swipe, which is better than using Outrage. Moreover, Breaking Swipe makes it easier to dodge as well, aiding the fact that Hax isn’t too tanky. Overall, a superb option filled with insanely powerful Legendaries.
Greninja
One of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise, Greninja was already slated to be good with Hydro Cannon but it went many notches higher with Water Shuriken, a 14 EPS (Energy Per Second) Fast Move that gives it the quickest Hydro Cannon in the game.
This helps Greninja’s cause since it’s fragile and cannot take hits. With such a divine moveset, it can dish out a lot of damage with some dodging assistance of course!
Finally, there’s a high chance Ash Greninja may be eventually released. If and when it does, it’s going to be a true assassin, inflicting unseen damage figures. And oh, that shiny!
Primarina
Barring Kyogre (and its Primal form), Primarina has high TDO (Total Damage Output) to its credit thanks to great bulk. Also, it’s the hardest-hitting Hydro Cannon user after Greninja while surpassing it in survivalability. This is a great Pokémon to catch and max out, go for it!
Conkeldurr
Conkeldurr has slipped down the ranks a bit. Force Palm made the gap between Lucario and other Fighting types larger and unexpected mons like Breloom have taken the lead in DPS. Still, Conkeldurr is a very reliable Fighting type attacker who deserves a place in your squad. However, keep in mind that its CD move Payback offers no use in PvE as such.
Togekiss
Like Conkeldurr, Togekiss doesn’t benefit from its CD move (Aura Sphere) in PvE. Rather it goes full-fledged Fairy mode with Charm and Dazzling Gleam. It is particularly amazing against Fighting type Raid Bosses as the additional typing helps Togekiss heavily resist their attacks.
Vikavolt
A big surprise for many but Vikavolt with its phenomenal 254 ATK is a solid Bug type attacker while also doing decently well as an Electric type. You would need to dodge a fair bit but it’s a nice Pokémon to wield overall!
Decidueye
Decidueye is in a weird place. Fellow starters Rillaboom and Meowscarada don’t even have Frenzy Plant and yet, they’re pretty much better. This Grass/Ghost type does come in handy but if you have the others (including Roserade), it’s always best to go with them.
Incineroar
Incineroar is honestly a bit better than B Tier but not great enough to be in the A Tier, so let’s settle with what we have. It’s a good Dark type for a new trainer but overall, it just falls down when you consider the many powerful Dark and Fire types.
Delphox
Better than Incineroar as a Fire type, a Blast Burn Delphox can be used in Raids but don’t expect too much out of it.
Chesnaught
Chesnaught is, after all, a Frenzy Plant user and cannot be categorized as unviable or useless in PvE. Just like Delphix, this Gen 6 starter is nice but not great by any means.
Typhlosion
In the sa,e vein as the Gen 6 starters above, it packs quite a punch with its Community Day move Blast Burn, which makes it a usable Fire type at best.
I’ll not get into the details. Community Day events are mostly preserved for PvP relevance and these Pokémon just don’t cut it. If you’re into PvE, you may just pass these but of course, shiny hunt them all you want!

Unlike PvE, the PvP section will be more pronounced. This tier list will consist of the:
- S Tier: Must-have PvP entrants, solid picks that are legit match-winners
- A Tier: Very good in PvP but they don’t dominate like the powerhouses in the S Tier
- 3) B Tier: More spice than nice, and can come in clutch and of course
- 4) C Tier: Pokémon that just aren’t worth it in PvP.
Victreebel
Many Pokémon make their living in PvP using hard-hitting Fast Moves. They excel at being monstrous leads that cut down their opponents to size and also farm energy in the process. At worst, some of them are the reason behind 2/3 of the opponent’s team falling apart.
Victreebel is one of the trendsetters in this regard and if that’s the style you prefer, Razor Leaf [4.5 DPT/2 EPT] + Leaf Blade is one deadly combo, and Sludge Bomb is quite good.
Or, if you want better energy gains to salvage Leaf Blade, the Community Day move Magical Leaf [3.33 DPT/3.33 EPT], is all you need. Either way, Victreebel is potent and a major addition to the Great League meta (to an extent in the Ultra League as well). You’re going to love using it!
Primarina
The Water/Fairy type Primarina has become one of the top figures in the Master League. A Pokémon that isn’t weak to Steel, can run Charm or Waterfall, has a cheap Fairy Charged Move in Disarming Voice, and the powerful Hydro Cannon to boot. What’s not to like?!
It’s the most unpredictable Fairy in the Master League and one that’s going to win you matches. Don’t miss Primarina!
Typhlosion
Incinerate + Blast Burn and Thunder Punch. A devastatingly powerful toolset that sends opponents packing in the Great League and to extrapolate, in the Ultra League as well. It commands shields to put out its best display but is well worth the ask.
Charjabug
This little Bug/Electric type spams X-Scissor and Discharge in the Great League like there’s no tomorrow, thanks to the incredible energy gains of its Community Day move, Volt Switch. This makes it very tricky to face in any shield situations and has cemented Charjabug as a prominent addition to teams even in Regionals and World Championship matches.
Clodsire
Clodsire has become one of the most widely used Pokémon in the Great League thanks to its jaw-dropping tankiness and powerful Charged Moves. With Poison Sting’s massive energy gains, using moves like STAB Earthquake and Sludge Bomb/Stone Edge doesn’t take too much effort and gives Clodsire good coverage. Get this and buff your Great League team like you never imagined!
Togekiss
2024 brought in several new powerhouses to the Master League, including monsters such as Dialga and Palkia Origin, and the Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings fusions of Necrozma. Also, many more Pokémon joined the Master League bandwagon.
Despite all this, Togekiss still manages to be a headache for any player. A terrifying lead, this Fairy/ demon continues to terrorize the meta and often turns the tide in grueling battles. It can even farm down Dialga with shields up.
Access to Aura Sphere gives it a move that costs the same as Flamethrower (55 energy) but deals 10 more damage. This move also helps Togekiss tackle Steel type Charged Move but Primeape has one huge advantage that makes it better in the Great and Ultra League: Karate Chop.
Counter got nerfed and Karate Chop is a phenomenal move, courtesy of a whopping 4.5 EPT. Primeape learns Karate Chop, Annihilape doesn’t. Primeape learns Rage Fist (guaranteed ATK buff), Machamp doesn’t. Win-win for Primeape, arguably the best Fighting type in the Great and Ultra League, and a must-have for these formats.
Goodra
Goodra deserves more appreciation in PvP, with its diverse moveset making it a great fit for most teams. Dragon Breath and Aqua Tail are staple and they blend with anything among Draco Meteor, Power Whip, or its Community Day move Thunder Punch. The choice depends on the team composition you want to run, and this bulky Pseudo Legendary goes a long way in pressurizing the opposition in all three Leagues.
The Dual Destiny GBL update increased the power of Thunder Punch from 55 to a respectable 60, improving this Electric type move’s and Goodra’s stocks in PvP.
Annihilape
Annihilape would have ranked in the S Tier had it not been for the dreaded Counter nerf. It would have even plummeted lower had it not been for the addition of Rage Fist to its movepool. Despite Counter being a shadow of its former self and Primeape being sort of better in the lower Leagues, Annihilape has got a buffed Ice Punch and an almost-nerfed-but-nit-nerfed Rage Fist that makes it viable in all three Leagues.
A cool Pokémon that will do you good in most situations, Annihilape is fun to use!
Metagross
Metagross is another former S Tier Pokémon in the Master League that feels awkward to use thanks to the introduction of the ridiculously powerful Dusk Mane Necrozma in the format, something that does the job better.
That’s not to say Metagross is bad. It still functions as a ruthless machine in the Master League and can win you matches. Meteor Mash ftw!
Greninja
Greninja has the bulk of a wet tissue paper but it’s still a formidable force in the Great and Ultra League because of its snappy moveset. As mentioned in the PvE section, Water Shuriken gives the fastest Hydro Cannon in the game, and with Night Slash’s rare ATK buffs, this frog can sweep!
Greninja’s blitzkrieg Hydro Cannon demands shields and even in non-shield scenarios, it can blow the opposition out of the water, quite literally. You might need some skill in mastering PvP Greninja but it’s absolutely fantastic!
Poliwrath
Poliwrath got riddles with the Counter nerf but with moves like Icy Wind (extremely useful), Power-Up Punch (always scary), and Scald (hits hard), this is a Pokémon you cannot count out!
Its coverage and stat changing tactics help a great deal in the Great and Ultra Leagues, so don’t hesitate to invest in it if you have one with ideal PvP IVs.
Haxorus
This is a hot take and it’s totally understandable if you feel Haxorus fits better in a lower tier, but this imposing Dragon type is quite a powerhouse in the Master League (particularly Premier).
Dragon Tail and Breaking Swipe go well with Night Slash or Surf to deal with a good number of Master League heavyweights. One Night Slash and lights out even for threats in the Open Master League. Haxorus is an underrated Master League Pokémon that can surprise both you and your opponent with its sublime performance.
The Slows
The Slow quartet can maybe fit in the A Tier but they are very niche picks that do well in those matchups but falter otherwise. Their weaknesses are common in the Great and Ultra Laegue, and they can give quite a fight.
Using them is a dice roll but in the right situations, they come in handy, particularly the Galarian version with Poison moves works well in the Great League. These are kind of in the lower end of the A Tier, so keep that in mind.
Conkeldurr
Conkeldurr is a surprise package in the Master League, managing to get the best of both Dialga and Dialga Origin with Counter alone. Aside from Dynamic Punch, it uses Brutal Swing to full effect and grabs wins against Rhyperior, Kyogre, Melmetal, and Excadrill.
Even in losing matchups, Conkeldurr can weaken the opponent, making it easier for its teammates to grab the victory. A niche functionality but great nonetheless.
Chesnaught
A very underrated Pokémon, Chesnaught’s Grass and Fighting STAB benefits you a lot in the Great League, covering many targets. Frenzy Plant and Superpower go very well with Vine Whip’s quick energy gains. Remember that it does best as a closer so try to keep it for when shields are out.
Quagsire
One of the OG Mudbois, Quagsire flexes its quick moveset and decent bulk in the Great League to rake up some cool wins. While Earthquake, Mud Bomb, and Sludge Bomb make it comparable to fellow Mudboi Swampert and Whiscash, access to the handy Stone Edge sets it apart, giving it a unique and often unexpected niche.
Politoed
Mud Shot may have lost some of its charm after becoming slower, but it’s still and makes Politoed a threat because of the powerful Earthquake and the extremely spammy Weather Ball (Water). It gains wins against prominent targets like Shadow Feraligatr, Shadow Drapion, Carbink, Clodsire, Azumarill, and Dewgong (Great League) and Registeel, Typhlosion, Skeledirge, Talonflame, Greninja, Shadow Feraligatr, and Shadow Drapion (Ultra League).
A little bit inconsistent at times but worthwhile overall, chiefly due to Weather Ball. You can also run its Community Day move, Ice Beam, for a different coverage variant.
Salamence
Salamence is the definition of spice in PvP. It was once useless, but the addition of Fly, energy buff to Fire Fang in Dual Destiny GBL update, and high ATK (277) can bring you unexpected wins in the Master League. It’s certainly an improvement from a completely unviable Salamence in previous Seasons.
Leavanny
Leavanny’s USP is access to its Community Day move Shadow Claw. This, along with the spammy STAB pair of X-Scissor and Leaf Blade gives it a good degree of viability in the Great League against super-effective as well as neutral targets. It’s kind of the same story in the Ultra League as well. Overall, a nice option due to its coverage and quick moveset, and wins against some core threats.
Rapidash
PvP enthusiasts always swore that Rapidash serves them well and Niantic graced this Kantonian unicorn with Wild Charge, a powerful weapon to complement Incinerate and Drill Run. While its low bulk holds it back somewhat, Rapidash often raises eyebrows with its high-octane moveset. Rest assured, this is one fun Pokémon to use, with huge damage potential.
Incineroar
Incineroar is among the best Pokémon ever created for the mainline games but in Pokémon GO PvP, it feels underpowered. It… works in all Leagues, and Darkest Lariat + Blast Burn do quite a number, especially Snarl’s quick energy gains. However, its wins are pretty inconsistent, making it more of a spice pick that hits all cylinders in some matchups but falters otherwise. A great pick against Ghost, Psychic, and Steel types though!
Decidueye
The Astonish buff changed Decidueye’s fortunes, turning it from useless to a nice pick with niche perks. These perks stem from Frenzy Plant, which can add to Astonish’s wide neutral coverage and beat down many opponents. It competes with Trevenant, which is obviously a better Ghost type, but Decidueye makes a name for itself with Frenzy Plant.
These Pokémon are either plain bad, severely outclassed, or not worth using resources on. A couple of them may put in some work, or may be improved later with move updates, but right now, you will always find way better options that can actually help you win.
Tier lists are a heady mix of subjective and objective views so it’s completely fine if you don’t agree with some placements, moving them up or down a tier. At the end of the day, December’s Community Day is designed to give you the freedom to pick your favorites and hunt for the specific finds you want.
Wishing you an exciting and safe Community Day. May you sign off 2024 in style!