Pokemon GO's Season of Timeless Travels kicks off on December 1, 2023. As usual, a new season means your GO Battle League ranks have been reset, and you can begin your climb to the top again. The Ultra League is one of the staple battle formats in the game's PvP scene, alongside the Great League and the Master League. It allows all critters under 2500 CP to participate in it.
The third cycle of the Ultra League is currently on, but if you can't take part in this one, don't worry, as this GO Battle League format will soon be back for more iterations in the future. Here are some of the best teams for you to try out in this PvP format of Pokemon GO.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions. Attacks marked with a * are Legacy Moves and require an Elite TM.
Top Ultra League teams in Pokemon GO Battle League League Season 17
1) Steelix, Tapu Fini, and Virizion
| Pokemon | Role | Fast Attack | Charged Attacks |
| Steelix | Lead | Dragon Tail | Breaking Swipe and Earthquake |
| Tapu Fini | Switch | Water Gun | Surf and Moonblast |
| Virizion | Closer | Double Kick | Leaf Blade and Sacred Sword* |
Even though Steelix has fallen from grace after the nerf to Breakin Swipe in Pokemon GO Battle League's Season 17 balance changes, it can still be a solid lead. It has good type matchups and solid defenses, which can allow you to take shield or switch advantage early on in the match.
You have Tapu Fini and Virizion in the back, who cover each other's weaknesses well. If you face a Poison-type attacker, make sure to align it with Steelix since its energy is completely walled there.
2) Poliwrath, Drapion, and Alolan Muk
| Pokemon | Role | Fast Attack | Charged Attacks |
| Poliwrath | Lead | Counter* | Scald and Icy Wind |
| Drapion | Switch | Poison Sting | Aqua Tail and Crunch |
| Alolan Muk | Closer | Poison Jab | Acid Spray and Dark Pulse |
These three Pocket Monsters might not be the most common picks in Pokemon GO's Ultra League, but they can perform exceedingly well. With the addition of Icy Wind, Poliwrath now has better leading matchups than ever before. By giving it one shield, you are certain to win against half the meta.
Drapion is an aggressive safe switch. Any opponent that doesn't respect the damage from this critter will suffer as it hits like a truck. Moreover, it is also defensively strong due to its elemental typing. Alolan Muk can clear up the endgame thanks to its decent bulk and impressive attack.
3) Regirock, Golisopod, and Trevenant
| Pokemon | Role | Fast Attack | Charged Attacks |
| Regirock | Lead | Lock On | Focus Blast and Stone Edge |
| Golisopod | Switch | Shadow Claw | Liquidation and X-Scissor |
| Trevenant | Closer | Shadow Claw | Shadow Ball and Seed Bomb |
A Regirock lead may be considered a risky start in Pokemon GO's Ultra League. However, if you play it smartly, you can farm energy and dip out to nuke enemies later in the battle. This way, you can set up Regirock to come in and sweep the endgame.
Switching into a tanky Pocket Monster like Golisopod or Trevenant can help you exert meaningful shield pressure and chip down the enemy's health. X-Scissor and Seed Bomb can be used to bait, while, depending on the situation, Liquidation and Shadow Ball can finish off enemies.
4) Dragonite, Jellicent, and Registeel
| Pokemon | Role | Fast Attack | Charged Attacks |
| Dragonite | Lead | Dragon Breath | Dragon Claw and Superpower |
| Jellicent | Switch | Hex | Surf and Shadow Ball |
| Registeel | Closer | Lock On | Focus Blast and Zap Cannon* |
Dragonite, or its Shadow Variant, can be impressive leads in Pokemon GO's Ultra League in Season 17. The Dragon Breath pressure this critter exerts is immense and will force most opponents to throw energy as soon as they get it. You can use this opportunity to either take switch advantage or get ahead on energy.
Between Jellicent and Registeel, you are covered on all hard counters Dragonite might face. If your opponent switches into any of these Pocket Monsters, you can promptly answer back and challenge them to either give up all their shields or switch advantage.
5) Alolan Sandslash, Cobalion, and Altered Forme Giratina
| Pokemon | Role | Fast Attack | Charged Attacks |
| Alolan Sandslash | Lead | Shadow Claw* | Drill Run and Ice Punch |
| Altered Forme Giratina | Switch | Shadow Claw | Dragon Claw and Shadow Sneak |
| Cobalion | Closer | Shadow Claw Double Kick | Sacred Sword* and Stone Edge |
Alolan Sandslash is a powerful lead that can hit hard while tanking incoming damage with relative ease. If you are met with an unfavorable lead, you can switch into Altered Forme Giratina, as it resists nearly everything the former is weak to. Thanks to its massive bulk, it can hold down the fort and even win you switch advantage if you play your cards right.
Cobalion, up shields, can cause devastation on opponents as Double Kick and Sacred Sword spam can chip down unsuspecting opponents in the endgame.
Pokemon GO Timeless Travels update: Ultra League dates
The Ultra League will be available on the following dates during the Pokemon GO season of Timeless Travels:
- January 6 to January 13
- January 20 to January 27
- February 3 to February 10
- February 24 to March 2
You can also check out the best individual picks for Ultra League and build a team around it.
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