Best Moveset for Suicune in Pokémon GO (PvE & PvP) – Complete Guide

Legendary Water-type Pokémon Suicune, the Aurora Pokémon, comes from the Johto region (Generation II). Suicune, one of the three Legendary Beast, is distinguished for its elegant look and connection with cleanliness of water. Suicune is a niche pick in some PvP systems even if it is not the strongest Water-type assailant because of its rather bulk. This guide investigates best counter strategies, analyzes Shadow Suicune, details the best PvE and PvP movesets for Suicune, and provides professional advice to maximize its possibilities in Pokémon GO.

Suicune Overview

Pokédex Entry & Typing

The Pokédex describes Suicune as the embodiment of north winds, with the power to purify dirty water.

• Type: Water
• Weaknesses: Electric, Grass (1.6x damage)
• Resistances: Fire, Water, Ice, Steel (0.625x damage)

Base Stats

• Attack: 180
• Defense: 235
• Stamina: 225

Best Roles

Suicune is a good choice for PvP battles—more especially, in the Great and Ultra Leagues—because of its bulk. Its rather poor Attack stat makes it less effective in raids and gym battles, when other Water-type attackers outclass it. Though it’s not a top-notch option, it can be a niche Gym defender.

Best Moveset for Suicune in PvE (Raids & Gym Battles)

Optimal Moveset

• Fast Move: Extrasensory (Psychic)
• OR: Snarl (Dark)
• Charged Move: Hydro Pump (Water)

DPS & TDO

Although extrasensory and snarl do not gain from STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus), their better generalist value than Suicune’s water-type fast moves makes them better choices. Hidden power is far too feeble and erratic. Though a strong one-bar charged action, Hydro Pump is Suicune’s best Water-type choice. Its great energy cost, though, can be a disadvantage. Though they cover, other charged motions like Ice Beam and Bubble Beam do not cause enough damage to be deemed ideal.

PvE Moveset Comparison Table

Use Cases

Suicune is not recommended for PvE due to its low attack power.

Ideal Suicune Moveset for PvP (GO Battle League)

Great League, Ultra League, & Master League Viability

Suicune finds its home in the Great League and Ultra League, where its great weight helps it to resist major damage and wear down opponent. In Master League, its rather low CP in comparison to the reigning Legendaries makes it unworkable.

Recommended Moveset

• Fast Move: Snarl (Dark)
• Charged Moves: Bubble Beam (Water) and Ice Beam (Ice)

PvP Moveset Comparison Table

Export to Sheets

Playstyle & Strategy

• Lead: Suicune can function as a lead, using Bubble Beam to debuff the opponent’s Attack and setting up for its other moves.
• Safe Switch: Its bulk makes it a relatively safe switch, able to absorb damage and force switches.
• Closer: While not its ideal role, Suicune can use its bulk to outlast opponents in the late game.
• Shield-Baiting: Bubble Beam is the key, acting as effective bait and lowering enemy Attack. The threat of Ice Beam keeps opponents guessing.

PvP Rankings

PvPoke claims Suicune ranks fairly in the Great League and Ultra League. Its power resides in its ability to wall some attackers and regularly apply pressure with Bubble Beam debuffs.

Shadow Suicune: Is It Worth It?

Shadow Bonus

Shadow Suicune receives a 20% attack boost and a 20% decrease in defense. In Suicune’s case, this doesn’t drastically change its performance.

Best Moveset for Shadow Suicune

• Fast Move: Snarl (Dark)
• Charged Moves: Bubble Beam (Water) and Ice Beam (Ice)

Should You Purify?

This is a personal preference issue. Purifying Suicune allows it access to Return, which could find niche use in PvP. Though not game-changing for Suicune, the Shadow bonus gives a small edge in some matchups. A purified Suicune might be just more helpful for younger competitors. Shadow may give committed PvP players that extra drive.

Best Counters to Suicune

Suicune’s weaknesses to Electric and Grass-type attacks make it vulnerable to a number of common Pokémon.

Top Pokémon to Counter Suicune in Raids & PvP:

• Zekrom (Dragon/Electric)
• Raikou (Electric)
• Electivire (Electric)
• Magnezone (Electric/Steel)
• Roserade (Grass/Poison)
• Sceptile (Grass)
• Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
• Zarude (Dark/Grass)

Counter Moveset Table

How to Get Suicune in Pokémon GO

• Raid Availability: Suicune is primarily obtained through 5-star raids. It rotates in and out of the raid pool, so keep an eye on official announcements from Niantic.
• Research Tasks: Suicune was previously available as a Research Breakthrough reward. It may return in this capacity in the future.
• GO Battle League Reward: It has also appeared in the GO Battle League reward pool.
• Trading: Trading with a friend is a good option if you missed previous opportunities to catch Suicune.

Conclusion

Suicune is a bulky Water-type Legendary Pokémon that finds its niche in the Great and Ultra Leagues of PvP. Its best moveset for PvP is Snarl, Bubble Beam, and Ice Beam. While it’s not a top-tier raid attacker, its bulk makes it a decent option in certain matchups. Shadow Suicune is a slight upgrade over its normal form.

Final Recommendation: While not a must-have Pokémon, Suicune can be a valuable addition to your PvP roster, particularly if you enjoy playing in the Great or Ultra Leagues. Investing Stardust and TMs is worthwhile if you plan to use it competitively.