It goes without saying that if you playPokemon GO, you want to get the best Pokemon available to you.

However, that may be easier said than done. There are so many different Pokemon in the wild and so many different IV possibilities that make things really difficult.

Thankfully, we’ve put together this handy guide of how you can get the best Pokemon inPokemon GOin 2021.

Step 1: Know what the Best Pokemon Are in 2021

So, you want to get the best Pokemon inPokemon GO? But do you know what they are?

It’s easy to say Charizard, Mewtwo and the likes as they’re known for being powerful, however, are they really the best Pokemon in the game?

The easiest way to find out what the best Pokemon are is through a website like PVPoke. The site ranks all Pokemon across the game’s many different PVP leagues to comprehensively list which monsters you should be aiming to get.

Sites likePokebattlerwill also help you if you’re looking for the best Pokemon to take down raids. Just be sure to check up on this

It’s also worth making sure you understand the IV system within the game, which scores a Pokemon’s Attack, Defense and HP stat from 0-15.

Step 2: Get Hunting

Now you’ve figured out which Pokemon you’re after, it’s time to get after them. Bear in mind, you’re going to want to get Pokemon with really high IVs to ensure that they really are the best of the best.

Raid Battles

Raiding is a great way to really get the best Pokemon inPokemon GOin 2021.

Not only do you have the chance to capture some of the best Legendaries in the game, but you also get a range of rewards and a higher chance of getting XL candies which are vital for powering Pokemon up.

Alongside this, from raids, you’re guaranteed to receive a Pokemon that has at least an IV of 10/10/10 which is a solid start.

Trading is another effective way of getting the Pokemon that you want.

In order for them to be the “best” though, you’re of course going to want to get good IVs. Your best chance of doing this? A higher friendship level.

The minimum IVs for a Pokemon changes when trading based on your friendship level. You can see the list below:

Clearly, looking at this, you’re going to want to try and get a lucky Pokemon. Although there’s no hard and fast way to ensure this, the older the Pokemon, the higher its chance of being lucky.

The only way you can guarantee a lucky Pokemon is trading with a Lucky friend, which can randomly happen to any best friend you have in the game.

Research Encounters

If you’re after those good IVs (which you should be if you want the best Pokemon) then Research Encounters can definitely count.

Although once again, it’s a limited pool of Pokemon, it regularly changes and is guaranteed to net you at least 10/10/10 IVs.

Hatching Eggs

While the egg pool is limited inPokemon GO, Niantic at least now shows you which monsters you’re able to hatch. That means if one of the Pokemon you’re after is in the egg pool you know the chances of hatching it.

Eggs, like raids and Research Encounters, are also another way to guarantee your Pokemon has a minimum IV of 10/10/10 - which is what’s needed.

Play During Events

If you class the “best” Pokemon as Pokemon that are rare, events are a great opportunity.

Although they may not guarantee a set IV, differentPokemon GOevents usually come with rare Pokemon and offer a great opportunity to get some candy from Pokemon you may not see all too often.

Catch, Catch, Catch

If you’re not after any Pokemon in particular, then your best bet is to just catch away.

Although you have the chance of catching Pokemon with 0/0/0 IVs, if you’re catching lots you’ll eventually stumble across some really high IV Pokemon. It’s also worth bearing in mind that weather boosted Pokemon have a minimum IV of 4/4/4 which is ever so slightly better.

Team GO Rocket

Over the past couple of years, the addition of Shadow Pokemon intoPokemon GOhas drastically changed things.

While they can be a little awkward (Frustration, higher candy/stardust costs), Shadow Pokemon hit harder and are an essential part of the GO Battle League meta. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting Pokemon, then definitely don’t sleep on the Shadow ‘Mons. Just remember to get rid of Frustration first!

Step 3: Power Up

While IVs are incredibly important, so is your Pokemon’s level and if you want to have the best Pokemon, you’re going to want to power them up.

Providing you follow the methods above, and don’t use any Candies or Stardust unnecessarily, you should have a nice stockpile.

It’s then pivotal that you use these on the Pokemon that you’re looking to have the most success with. Be sure you don’t increase their max CP to above the threshold for the PVP League you’re competing in.