When building a team in Pokémon Go, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different Pokémon types is crucial. This guide examines the best Bug and Flying-type Pokémon available for both raids and the Go Battle League, highlighting their utility and best-use cases.
Understanding Bug-Type Pokémon
Bug-type Pokémon are often characterized by their early-game utility, evolving at relatively low levels and typically possessing lower base stats compared to other types. Notably, the Bug type does not include any Legendary Pokémon. However, Bug-type attackers are super-effective against Grass, Psychic, and Dark-types, making them valuable in specific scenarios. The Bug typing in Pokémon Go is weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock, but resistant to Grass, Fighting, and Ground. Rainy weather boosts Bug-type Pokémon.
Best Non-Legendary Bug-Type Pokémon
Given the absence of Legendary Bug-types, the focus shifts to the strongest non-Legendary options. Volcarona stands out as a powerful raid attacker, boasting the highest damage output among non-Mega, non-Shadow Bug-types, despite requiring significant Candy to evolve from Larvesta. Vikavolt serves as a more accessible budget option for raids, offering a strong Attack stat at a lower evolution and leveling cost. For PvP, Araquanid excels in the Great League due to its bulk and offensive capabilities, though it is not effective in other leagues. Forretress finds its niche in the Ultra League, utilizing a Bug/Steel typing that offers numerous resistances, although it surprisingly does not use Bug-type moves. Heracross is a viable choice for raids and its Mega Evolution, though less dominant than other Mega options.
Understanding Flying-Type Pokémon
Flying-type Pokémon possess unique advantages, including immunity to Ground-type attacks in Pokémon Go and effectiveness against Fighting, Bug, and Grass-types. They are weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock, but highly resistant to Bug, Fighting, and Grass. Windy weather boosts Flying-type Pokémon.
Best Legendary Flying-Type Pokémon
Rayquaza, a Dragon/Flying-type, remains a top-tier Pokémon, especially when considering its Mega Evolution. Even without its Mega form, regular Rayquaza is a formidable attacker. Yveltal, a Dark/Flying-type, is a strong raid attacker and shines in Master League thanks to its signature move Oblivion Wing, which can boost its defense. Lugia, a Psychic/Flying-type, is a dominant force in Master League, renowned for its exceptional bulk and its powerful, self-boosting charged move, Aeroblast.
Best Non-Legendary Flying-Type Pokémon
While Legendary Pokémon often hold an edge, several non-Legendary Flying-types are highly competitive. Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary, boasts a high Attack stat and is a strong raid attacker, with Mega Salamence also being a powerful option. Staraptor offers a more budget-friendly alternative for raids, serving as a solid choice for newer trainers and capable of Mega Evolution. Corviknight, a Flying/Steel-type, is a standout in the Ultra League due to its significant bulk and effective movepool. Altaria, another Dragon/Flying-type, has long been a staple in the Great League, valued for its defensive prowess. Cramorant, a Flying/Water-type, presents a unique playstyle in Great League with its special Gulp Missile ability, though it requires practice to master.