In Pokémon GO, Stardust is arguably the most valuable resource in the game. While Candy can be found by catching specific species, Stardust is a universal currency required for every single Pokémon you want to strengthen. Because it is so hard to accumulate and so easy to spend, many trainers—especially beginners—make the mistake of powering up the wrong Pokémon too early.

If you want to excel in Raids, take down Gyms quickly, and compete in the GO Battle League, you need to prioritize your investments. This guide covers the best Pokémon to power up first, focusing on "generalists" that provide the most value across various gameplay modes.

Table of Contents

1. Mewtwo: The King of Neutral Damage

If you have a high-IV Mewtwo, it should almost always be your first choice for Stardust investment. Mewtwo is a Psychic-type legendary with a massive Attack stat that makes it viable even in matchups where Psychic attacks aren't "super effective."

Why Invest in Mewtwo?

Mewtwo is the ultimate "Generalist." With the move Psystrike (Elite TM required), it deals incredible DPS (Damage Per Second). If you have a Shadow Mewtwo, the investment is even more valuable, as Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage. Mewtwo is excellent for almost every Tier 5 Raid and is a staple in the Master League PVP.

2. Metagross: The Steel-Type Powerhouse

Metagross is widely considered the best Steel-type attacker in the game, provided it has its exclusive Community Day move: Meteor Mash.

The Importance of Meteor Mash

Without Meteor Mash, Metagross is average. With it, Metagross becomes a beast that can shred through Fairy, Ice, and Rock-type Pokémon. Because Steel types have many resistances, Metagross is also very "tanky," meaning it stays in the fight longer and saves you Revives and Potions in the long run.

3. Lucario and Machamp: The Gym Defenders' Nightmare

Every trainer needs a strong Fighting-type team. Most common Gym defenders like Blissey, Chansey, Snorlax, and Slaking are Normal-types, which are weak only to Fighting-type moves.

Lucario vs. Machamp

  • Lucario: Has access to Aura Sphere, the best Fighting-type move in the game. It is also a Steel-type, which gives it many resistances.
  • Machamp: Much easier to obtain. If you trade a Machoke, the evolution to Machamp is free. A high-level Shadow Machamp is one of the most useful tools for any player wanting to clear Gyms fast.

4. Rayquaza and Dragonite: Versatile Dragon Attackers

Dragon-type Pokémon are unique because they deal high neutral damage to almost every type except Steel and Fairy. This makes them great for raiding when you don't have a specific counter team ready.

Rayquaza (Mega Rayquaza)

Mega Rayquaza is currently the most powerful Pokémon in the entire game. Powering up a Rayquaza and teaching it Dragon Ascent allows you to dominate almost any Raid Boss. Even in its base form, its high attack stat makes it a top-tier investment.

Dragonite: The F2P Hero

Dragonite is much easier to get than legendary dragons. Since Dratini is often featured in events, you can easily find the Candy to max it out. It remains one of the top performers in the Master League and is a reliable Raid attacker.

5. Budget-Friendly Investments (Eeveelutions)

If you are short on Stardust and Legendary Candy, look no further than Eevee. Eevee is common, and its evolutions (Eeveelutions) provide a solid "starter team" for almost every type.

  • Glaceon: One of the best Ice-type attackers, perfect for taking down Dragon-type Raid bosses.
  • Sylveon: A top-tier Fairy-type that is great for both PVP and PVE.
  • Vaporeon: While no longer the king of water, it is a very durable budget option for beginners.

6. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre: The Ultimate Peaks

Groudon and Kyogre have always been strong, but their Primal forms (introduced via Primal Reversion) have taken them to a new level.

Groudon (Ground)

Ground is a super-useful type against Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, and Steel. Primal Groudon with Precipice Blades is the best Ground attacker by a huge margin. It is a "must-have" for any serious trainer.

Kyogre (Water)

Primal Kyogre with Origin Pulse is the gold standard for Water-type damage. It is essential for raids against Ground, Rock, and Fire types (like Primal Groudon himself!).

7. Kartana: The Grass-Type DPS King

Kartana, an Ultra Beast, has an astronomical Attack stat. Even though it is physically small and looks fragile, its Grass-type damage output is so high that it outclasses almost every other Grass attacker, including Mega evolutions.

Why Power Up Kartana?

Many Raid bosses are weak to Grass (Water, Ground, and Rock-type Legendaries). Having two or three powered-up Kartana can make these raids significantly easier to finish with smaller groups of players.

8. How to Decide: IVs vs. Level vs. Utility

Before you spend your Stardust, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do I need it right now?

Don't power up a Pokémon just because you have it. Wait until you are about to participate in a Raid where that Pokémon is useful. If the current Raid Boss is Rayquaza, power up your Ice types (Mamoswine/Glaceon) now, and save your Fighting types (Machamp) for later.

2. Are the IVs good enough?

Since Stardust is rare, most trainers wait for a "91% IV" or higher before investing. For Legendary Pokémon, try to aim for at least a 15 Attack stat.

3. Is the Pokémon at a high level already?

If you catch a weather-boosted Eevee that is already Level 35 but has "average" IVs, it might be better to evolve it and use it as-is rather than spending 200k Stardust on a "100% IV" Level 1 Eevee. Save your Stardust for the elite Legendaries.

Conclusion

Powering up Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a long-term game. By focusing your Stardust on high-impact Pokémon like Mewtwo, Metagross, and Lucario, you ensure that your resources are being used to make your team as strong as possible.

Start with the "Generalists" that can help you in multiple types of battles, then move on to specialized attackers like Kartana or the Primals. Remember, a team of six Level 30 Pokémon is often more useful for a beginner than one single Level 50 Pokémon. Spread your investments wisely, and you'll be a Master Trainer in no time!

Which Pokémon was the first one you maxed out? Do you prefer Shadow Pokémon or Purified ones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!