Each new Generation of releases in Pokémon GO brings with it the excitement of catching new starters, and Galar presents the dynamic trio of Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon.

Just like Gen 2 however, the Gen 8 starters are all mono type – the classic Grass, Fire, and Water… not shaken, not stirred, nothing more or less. Kinda boring, eh?

Or not?

Are the Galarian starters better than imagined? How do they fare in the PvP and PvE meta? And, how better do they get with their eventual Community Day moves?

We’ll find out all about that and more as this write-up will help you prioritize Rare Candy and perhaps XL Candy investment for these starters as we analyze the best of the lot.

But, before we do that, let’s sort out the basics.

Galarian Starters: Stats, Matchups & Moveset in Pokémon GO

Rillaboom

Rillaboom

Grass

Max CP at lvl 40 3324 | Max CP at lvl 50 3758

ATK 239

DEF 168

HP 225

Weaknesses

Resistances

Bug Fire Flying Ice Poison

Electric Grass Ground Water

Fast Moves

Charge Moves

• Razor Leaf Grass

• Scratch Normal

• Grass Knot Grass

• Energy Ball Grass

• Earth Power Ground

Cinderace

Cinderace

Fire

Max CP at lvl 40 3018 | Max CP at lvl 50 3412

ATK 238

DEF 163

HP 190

Weaknesses

Resistances

Ground Rock Water

Bug Fairy Fire Grass Ice Steel

Fast Moves

Charge Moves

• Ember Fire

• Tackle Normal

• Flame Charge Fire

• Flamethrower Fire

• Focus Blast Fighting

Inteleon

Inteleon

Water

Max CP at lvl 40 2964 | Max CP at lvl 50 3351

ATK 262

DEF 142

HP 172

Weaknesses

Resistances

Electric Grass

Fire Ice Steel Water

Fast Moves

Charge Moves

• Water Gun Water

• Pound Normal

• Surf Water

• Water Pulse Water

• Shadow Ball Ghost

With their stats and moveset in place, let’s delve into their impact in the meta.

Rillaboom in the Pokémon GO meta

Rillaboom

Rillaboom’s biggest USP is its stats. It’s bulkier than its peers and also has the highest Attack stat of any Grass type starter, at an impressive 239. 

If that wasn’t enough already, Rillaboom also has the highest stat product of any starter in the GO Battle League. 

In PvE

Razor Leaf has the highest DPS (Damage Per Second) of any Grass type Fast Move, so Rilla is all set in that department. For its Charged Moves, Grass Knot is its go-to move at the moment and makes it a decent Raid attacker.

Obviously, the true potential of a starter in Pokémon GO is unleashed through its Community Day and Frenzy Plant will surely serve Rillaboom well, making it the strongest Grass-type starter in the game. But, all in all, Rillaboom is certainly a worthy catch and you should pursue a Hundo for sure.

In PvP

Rillaboom can take advantage of its high stat product via Frenzy Plant, though Razor Leaf kind of holds it back since it would appreciate quicker charging Fast Moves. It doesn’t learn Vine Whip in the main series games but its Priority and low-damage signature move, Grassy Slide, makes it a perfect candidate for a Fast Move.

Currently, though, Rillaboom can put up a decent showing in the Great League with Razor Leaf + Grass Knot and Earth Power.

Cinderace in the Pokémon GO meta

Cinderace

Cinderace has a higher Attack than Fire starters not named Blaziken. That said, it’s held back by an underwhelming moveset. Ember isn’t too good of a Fire type Fast Move and Cinderace does learn Fire Spin (which is getting buffed now) in the mainline games, so it’s weird it didn’t get the same in Pokémon GO.

In PvE

Ember is the worst Fire type Fast Move in PvE, and Flame Charge and Flamethrower are not good either. It’s currently quite bad and unless it gets something like Fire Spin, even Blast Burn won’t help it much either.

In PvP

Ember is usable in PvP but Cinderace’s stats and lack of a viable Charged Move put it in an awkward spot. Typhlosion is also a pure Fire type but it is a top pick thanks to its fearsome moveset, something Cinderace sorely misses.

Inteleon in the Pokémon GO meta

Inteleon

Inteleon has the honor of flexing the highest Attack stat of ALL starters in Pokémon GO, at a staggering 263! This figure is so good since it’s even higher than some offensive Pseudo Legendaries like Garchomp, Tyranitar, and Hydreigon!

In PvE

At the moment, Inteleon suffers due to a poor moveset and terrible bulk. For reference, even Greninja is bulkier than Inteleon  

However, once Inteleon gets Hydro Cannon on its eventual Community Day, it will flex monstrous DPS figures, surpassed only by Primal Kyogre, Shadow Kyogre, Ash Greninja, and Mega Swampert. Yes, Hydro Cannon Inteleon surpasses everything else and with some dodging, can throw the scariest threats out of the water (pun intended).

In PvP

Inteloen sadly goes down like a wet tissue paper in PvP. It’s a PvE mon, that too after its Community Day.

Is Rillaboom, Cinderace, or Inteleon best in Pokémon GO?

Overall, Rillaboom is currently the best Galar starter in Pokémon GO.

Even with their Community Day moves, Rillabbom will remain the overall best Galar starter, although Inteleon will be the best specialized Galar starter. Cinderace needs a better Fast Move to make a mark.

That said, do pursue Hundos of all three during the GO All Out event and beyond. Keep in mind that all three are severely outclassed in the meta, but Rillaboom does better among the three in both PvP and PvE.

Enjoy Galar and all the best, trainers!

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