Elite Pokémon GO Holiday Cup Team Compositions

The Pokémon GO Holiday Cup: Little Edition is here! Running from December 17th to 24th, 2024, this limited-time event presents a unique challenge: battling with Pokémon under 500 CP, restricted to Electric, Flying, Ghost, Grass, Ice, and Normal types. This significantly alters the typical meta, requiring players to adapt their strategies and build entirely new teams.

Navigating the Holiday Cup's Constraints

The lower CP cap and type restrictions force a shift in team composition. Many popular Pokémon, especially evolved forms, exceed the 500 CP limit. This means that players will need to carefully curate their teams from a smaller pool of eligible Pokémon.

Smeargle, previously banned, returns and is a significant factor. Its ability to copy opponent moves makes it a formidable threat, prompting strategic counter-measures.

Top Holiday Cup Team Strategies

Here are three sample team compositions to consider, keeping in mind the Smeargle threat and type advantages:

Team 1: Countering Smeargle

Pokémon	Type
Pikachu Libre	Electric/Fighting
Ducklett	Flying/Water
Alolan Marowak	Fire/Ghost

This team utilizes dual-typed Pokémon for broader coverage. Pikachu Libre's Fighting type counters Normal-type Smeargle, while Ducklett and Alolan Marowak provide further type advantages against common opponents. Skeledirge can substitute for Alolan Marowak if needed.

Team 2: Embracing the Smeargle Meta

Pokémon	Type
Smeargle	Normal
Amaura	Rock/Ice
Ducklett	Flying/Water

This strategy incorporates Smeargle, leveraging its move-copying ability. Ducklett counters Fighting types targeting Smeargle, and Amaura provides Rock-type coverage.

Team 3: Underdog Lineup

Pokémon	Type
Gligar	Flying/Ground
Cottonee	Fairy/Grass
Litwick	Fire/Ghost

This team features less commonly used Pokémon. Litwick's Ghost/Fire typing is effective against various opponents, Cottonee offers strong Grass-type moves, and Gligar provides advantages against Electric types.

Remember, these are suggestions. The best team depends on your available Pokémon and playstyle. Good luck in the Holiday Cup: Little Edition! Pokémon GO is available now.