‘Pokémon GO’ Gym Defenders Tier List Updated: Blissey Tops List While Hypno Ranks Last

Game Press just updated its list of top “Pokémon GO” Gym Defenders after examining the gym defense AI, simulated matchup data and other data of certain Pokémon from both the Kanto and the Johto Regions. The list was also done after a thorough assessment of the damage done to an attacker as well as the amount of time needed for the attacker to win the battle. Based on the updated list, Normal-type Pokémon Blissey is the best creature to assign to protect a Gym, while the last but certainly not the list competent defender in the mobile game is Psychic-type creature Hypno.

The Gym Defenders List is divided into six tiers: 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4. Tier 1 is for the elite defender that can pretty much defend a Gym from all sorts of attackers in “Pokémon GO.” Tier 2 is for the great defender that can go against every attacker, but cannot really secure a victory at all times. Tier 2.5 is composed of Pokémon that have excellent CP, have high damage output but only have average battle length. Tier 3 is comprises well-rounded defenders with a few notable flaws. Tier 3.5 is composed of good defenders with several notable flaws, like mediocre damage output. Finally, Tier 4 is comprises not-so-stellar defenders with low CP.

For players who are wondering which Pokémon is the best of the best among all Defenders, it is none other than Chansey’s evolved form Blissey. The Normal-type Pokémon apparently is the strongest defender out there without any record of losing matchups. Regardless of its rating, Blissey’s Pound or Zen Headbutt + Dazzling Gleam moveset is superior than any of the creatures in the other tiers.

Tier 2 also belongs to one Pokémon and it is Snorlax. The Normal-type, Sleeping Pokémon is a very strong defender with only very few records of losses in matchups. Its Zen Headbutt + Hyper Beam or Body Slam moveset is remarkably strong, although not as strong or stronger than Blissey’s moves.

Four Pokémon occupy Tier 2.5, namely: Tyranitar, Dragonite, Rhydon and Gyarados. Gen 2 Dark/Rock Pokémon Tyranitar has the highest obtainable max CP in the entire “Pokémon GO” game, yet it is still not the best creature to assign to the Gym, technically speaking. Its Gen 1 comrades in this tier have significantly high CP as well. The problem with the Pokémon in this tier is their large weakness compared to certain Pokémon out there. For example, Machamp, Heracross and Vaporeon can take on Tyranitar.

Only two Pokémon are categorized under Tier 3 and both of them are Water-type Pokémon (for the most part). They are Vaporeon and Lapras (Water, Ice-type). Vaporeon and Lapras give a good fight in battles since they take longer time to defeat or KO than most of the other top defenders. Unfortunately, their flaws make it easy for them to be defeated. For instance, other Pokémon can just dodge Vaporeon’s charge moves.

Moving on, Tier 3.5 has seven Pokémon under its category. From Gen 2, we have Donphan, Espeon and Ampharos. From Gen 1, we have Exeggutor, Slowbro, Slowking and Steelix. All of them are actually viable defenders. The problem falls on their notable flaws that make them vulnerable to the moves of many attackers.

Finally, the last tier on the list is Tier 4, which is composed of four Pokémon: Cloyster, Clefable, Umbreon and, lastly, Hypno. Though these creatures can do well when pitted against attackers, their low CP endanger them to lose in matchups. They have their strong points, but their weak points are just undeniable.

Check out the full list here to know the detailed explanations for each Tier and defender.