Each new Generation of releases in Pokémon GO brings with it the excitement of catching new starters, and Galar presents the dynamic trio of Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon.
Just like Gen 2 however, the Gen 8 starters are all mono type – the classic Grass, Fire, and Water… not shaken, not stirred, nothing more or less. Kinda boring, eh?
Or not?
Are the Galarian starters better than imagined? How do they fare in the PvP and PvE meta? And, how better do they get with their eventual Community Day moves?
We’ll find out all about that and more as this write-up will help you prioritize Rare Candy and perhaps XL Candy investment for these starters as we analyze the best of the lot.
But, before we do that, let’s sort out the basics.
Galarian Starters: Stats, Matchups & Moveset in Pokémon GO
Rillaboom
Rillaboom Grass | |||||
Max CP at lvl 40 3324 | Max CP at lvl 50 3758 | |||||
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ATK 239 | DEF 168 | HP 225 | |||
Weaknesses | Resistances | ||||
Bug Fire Ice Poison | Electric Grass Ground Water |
Fast Moves | Charge Moves |
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Cinderace
Cinderace Fire | |||||
Max CP at lvl 40 3018 | Max CP at lvl 50 3412 | |||||
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ATK 238 | DEF 163 | HP 190 | |||
Weaknesses | Resistances | ||||
Ground Rock Water | Bug Fairy Fire Grass Ice Steel |
Fast Moves | Charge Moves |
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Inteleon
Inteleon Water | |||||
Max CP at lvl 40 2964 | Max CP at lvl 50 3351 | |||||
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ATK 262 | DEF 142 | HP 172 | |||
Weaknesses | Resistances | ||||
Electric Grass | Fire Ice Steel Water |
Fast Moves | Charge Moves |
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With their stats and moveset in place, let’s delve into their impact in the meta.
Rillaboom in the Pokémon GO meta
Rillaboom’s biggest USP is its stats. It’s bulkier than its peers and also has the highest Attack stat of any Grass type starter, at an impressive 239.
If that wasn’t enough already, Rillaboom also has the highest stat product of any starter in the GO Battle League.
In PvE
Razor Leaf has the highest DPS (Damage Per Second) of any Grass type Fast Move, so Rilla is all set in that department. For its Charged Moves, Grass Knot is its go-to move at the moment and makes it a decent Raid attacker.
Obviously, the true potential of a starter in Pokémon GO is unleashed through its Community Day and Frenzy Plant will surely serve Rillaboom well, making it the strongest Grass-type starter in the game. But, all in all, Rillaboom is certainly a worthy catch and you should pursue a Hundo for sure.
In PvP
Rillaboom can take advantage of its high stat product via Frenzy Plant, though Razor Leaf kind of holds it back since it would appreciate quicker charging Fast Moves. It doesn’t learn Vine Whip in the main series games but its Priority and low-damage move, Grassy Glide, makes it a perfect candidate for a Fast Move.
Also, its signature move Drum Beating could be a fantastic addition to Rillaboom’s Charged Moves if its stats are treated well by Niantic.
Currently, though, Rillaboom can put up a decent showing in the Great League with Razor Leaf + Grass Knot and Earth Power.
Cinderace in the Pokémon GO meta
Cinderace has a higher Attack than Fire starters not named Blaziken. That said, it’s held back by an underwhelming moveset. Fire Spin is a fine Fire type Fast Move but this fiery rabbit needs a good Charged Move to make an impact.
In PvE
Fire Spin is good in PvE, but Flame Charge and Flamethrower are not. It’s currently quite underwhelming but Blast Burn would surely help it.
In PvP
Fire Spin is viablein PvP but Cinderace’s stats and lack of a viable Charged Move put it in an awkward spot. Typhlosion is also a pure Fire type but it is a top pick thanks to its fearsome moveset, something Cinderace sorely misses.
Cinderace’s signature move, Pyro Ball, could be all it needs to do well in PvP. Rather than a Fast Move, it could be a cheap and viable Charged Move.
Inteleon in the Pokémon GO meta
Inteleon has the honor of flexing the highest Attack stat of ALL starters in Pokémon GO, at a staggering 263! This figure is so good since it’s even higher than some offensive Pseudo Legendaries like Garchomp, Tyranitar, and Hydreigon!
In PvE
At the moment, Inteleon suffers due to a poor moveset and terrible bulk. For reference, even Greninja is bulkier than Inteleon 😐
However, once Inteleon gets Hydro Cannon on its eventual Community Day, it will flex monstrous DPS figures, surpassed only by Primal Kyogre, Shadow Kyogre, Ash Greninja, and Mega Swampert. Yes, Hydro Cannon Inteleon surpasses everything else and with some dodging, can throw the scariest threats out of the water (pun intended).
In PvP
Inteloen sadly goes down like a wet tissue paper in PvP. It’s a PvE mon, that too after its Community Day.
But, Inteleon’s signature move Snipe Shot could be a shield-baiting Charged Move, or even a Fast Move ala Graninja’s Water Shuriken, helping it function in PvP battles.
Is Rillaboom, Cinderace or Inteleon best in Pokémon GO?
Overall, Rillaboom is currently the best Galar starter in Pokémon GO.
Even with their Community Day moves, Rillabbom will remain the overall best Galar starter, although Inteleon will be the best specialized Galar starter. Cinderace needs a better Fast Move to make a mark.
That said, do pursue Hundos of all three during the GO All Out event and beyond. Keep in mind that all three are severely outclassed in the meta, but Rillaboom does better among the three in both PvP and PvE.
Enjoy Galar and all the best, trainers!