Best moveset for Ampharos in Pokémon Go

Ampharos is one of the handful of Pokémon in Pokémon Go that can Mega-Evolve. They’ll become even more powerful in this form, but only for a limited time. Because it doesn’t last forever, you’ll probably be using Ampharos more than you will be using its mega evolution. What is the best moveset that Ampharos can use so you can best utilize its stats?

Ampharos is an Electric-type Pokémon. It’s weak to Ground-type Pokémon, but it’s resistant to Electric, Flying, and Steel-type moves. For PvP, it has a maximum CP of 2,852, an attack of 178, a defense of 145, and a stamina of 175. In PvE, it has an attack of 211, a defense of 169, and a stamina of 207. If you plan to use it in PvP, we recommend you use it for the Ultra League. Otherwise, you’ll be better off having it as a raid Pokémon.

These are all of the moves Ampharos can learn.

Fast moves

• Charge Beam (Electric-type) – 5 damage and 3.6 energy (1.6 damage per turn)
• Volt Switch (Electric-type) – 12 damage and 4 energy (3 damage per turn)

Charged moves

• Dragon Pulse (Dragon-type) – 90 damage and 60 energy
• Focus Blast (Fighting-type) – 140 damage and 75 energy
• Power Gem (Rock-type) – 80 damage and 60 energy
• Thunder (Electric-type) – 100 damage and 60 energy
• Thunder Punch (Electric-type) – 55 damage and 40 energy
• Zap Cannon (Electric-type) – 150 damage and 80 energy

Ampharos has several move choices when it comes to picking out a charged attack. The fast attack option is much easier, and of the two options, volt switch is the better bet. Not only does it do more damage, but it also generates more energy, giving Ampharos more chances to use its charged moves in battle.

When considering charged moves, the right balance of energy and damage is critical and can be difficult to find with the six options. To lean into Ampharos’ Electric-type, you want to go with thunder punch. It’s a good, solid attack, and it doesn’t require too much energy, so you can use it fairly frequently. The next choice should be a focus blast. While it is on the higher end of energy cost, it’s powerful enough to make up for that, plus Ampharos can use it against Dark, Ice, and Normal-type Pokémon.

However, if you consider using your Ampharos primarily to turn into its Mega-Evolved form, you’ll want to swap out focus blast for dragon pulse. When Ampharos becomes Mega Ampharos, it’s a Dragon and Electric-type. You’re better off having your standard Ampharos using thunder punch and dragon pulse to do more damage in its stronger form.

Overall, Ampharos is an okay Pokémon. It won’t be the best thing in the Ultra League, and it’s not taking home too many prizes. But Mega Ampharos is a pretty decent option, and it’ll be great for raids. If you plan to stick with using your standard Ampharos through most of the game, go with volt switch for its fast move, and then thunder punch and focus blast for its charged moves. If you want to use Mega Ampharos primarily, then go with volt switch for its fast move, and then thunder punch and dragon pulse instead.