is cobalion good pokemon go

Cobalion, the Iron Will Pokémon, has been a notable presence in Pokémon GO since its introduction in raids. As a Steel and Fighting-type Legendary, it occupies a unique niche in the game's meta. The question "Is Cobalion good in Pokémon GO?" is nuanced, requiring an examination of its strengths, weaknesses, and the specific contexts in which it shines. This analysis will delve into its battle performance across different leagues, its role as a raid attacker, and its overall value to trainers.

Table of Contents

1. Typing and Stats: A Defensive Foundation
2. Performance in the Go Battle League
3. Role as a Raid Attacker
4. Moveset Analysis: The Key to Viability
5. Comparisons and Final Verdict

Typing and Stats: A Defensive Foundation

Cobalion's Steel and Fighting typing is a cornerstone of its design. This combination grants it a formidable set of resistances, including double resistances to Poison and Bug-type moves, and single resistances to common types like Normal, Rock, Grass, Ice, Dragon, Dark, and Steel. This makes it exceptionally durable, particularly against neutral damage. However, its weaknesses are significant: it is doubly weak to Fighting-type moves and also vulnerable to Fire and Ground attacks, which are prevalent in the meta. Statistically, Cobalion is balanced defensively, with high Defense (192), solid Stamina (209), and moderate Attack (192). This profile shapes it into a Pokémon that wins battles through endurance and strategic typing advantages rather than overwhelming offensive power.

Performance in the Go Battle League

In PvP, Cobalion's value is most pronounced in the Ultra League, where it has historically been a consistent and potent pick. Its typing allows it to reliably counter top meta threats such as Registeel, Obstagoon, Altered Forme Giratina (with its Dragon-type moves), and various Dark and Ice-types. Access to the fast move Double Kick and the charged moves Sacred Sword and Stone Edge provides crucial coverage. Sacred Sword is a low-energy Fighting-type move that pressures Steel, Normal, and Dark-types, while Stone Edge offers a powerful nuke against Flying and Fire-types like Charizard and Talonflame. In the Master League, Cobalion faces stiffer competition from more powerful Legendaries and its Fighting-type weakness becomes more exploitable, limiting its top-tier viability despite remaining a serviceable option.

Role as a Raid Attacker

As a raid attacker, Cobalion's performance is more specialized. It is not among the top-tier Fighting-type attackers, being outperformed by Pokémon like Terrakion, Keldeo, Lucario, and Conkeldurr in terms of pure DPS. Its Steel-type attacks also fall behind the premier Steel-types such as Metagross and Dialga. Therefore, it is generally not the optimal first choice for raiding. However, its exceptional bulk can make it a very reliable anchor in raid parties, especially for trainers who may not have full teams of top counters. Against raid bosses weak to Fighting moves, like Darkrai or Regice, a team featuring Cobalion will be sturdy and consistent, if not the fastest.

Moveset Analysis: The Key to Viability

Cobalion's utility is entirely dependent on its moveset. The introduction of Double Kick as a fast move was a game-changer, providing much better energy generation than its previous options. For charged moves, Sacred Sword is non-negotiable for PvP; it is a legacy move obtained via Elite TM or during specific raid events, and it defines Cobalion's role as a pressure-oriented fighter. Stone Edge is the preferred second move for coverage. For pure Fighting-type raid damage, the combination of Double Kick and Sacred Sword (or Close Combat) is used. Without access to Sacred Sword, Cobalion's PvP potential drops considerably, highlighting the importance of this exclusive move.

Comparisons and Final Verdict

To fully assess Cobalion, comparisons are essential. Against its fellow Swords of Justice, Terrakion is a superior Fighting-type raid attacker, and Virizion handles different typings in PvP. Compared to other Fighting/Steel-types, Lucario often outpaces it in raids due to Aura Sphere and a higher Attack stat, though Cobalion is tankier. In PvP, Cobalion's bulk gives it a different role than the more fragile but harder-hitting Lucario. So, is Cobalion good in Pokémon GO? The answer is a conditional yes. It is an excellent Pokémon in the Ultra League PvP meta, particularly with Sacred Sword, where its defensive typing and balanced stats allow it to control key matchups. As a raid attacker, it is a good but not elite option, valued more for its durability than its speed. For collectors and PvP enthusiasts, especially those focused on the Ultra League, Cobalion is a highly valuable and good Pokémon. For players seeking only the absolute best raid counters, it may be a secondary priority. Ultimately, Cobalion's goodness is defined by its niche as a resilient and strategically versatile Fighter.

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