The Ultimate Guide to Dominating the Pokemon GO Retro Cup: Unleash the Power of the Best Pokemon Picks!

Pokemon GO is experiencing its most profitable period in 2023, thanks to a packed schedule of events. This summer also marks the game's 7th anniversary, prompting Niantic to offer generous rewards and bonuses to both veteran and new Trainers.

One of the highlights during this anniversary celebration is the Retro Cup, which is designed to be accessible to beginners. By participating in this competition, Pokemon GO players have the opportunity to earn abundant Stardust. To ensure maximum rewards, refer to the following guide for the cup's rules and top teams.

What Is Retro Cup in Pokemon GO?

The Retro Cup is a temporary event in the GO Battle League that has certain restrictions. Trainers must avoid using three specific Pokemon types and their teams must have a Combat Power (CP) below a certain threshold. The purpose of the Retro Cup is to pay homage to the original Pokemon Types.

Starting on July 6, 2023, the Retro Cup commenced as part of Pokemon GO's 7th-anniversary celebration and the Hidden Gems update, following the Single-Type Cup. This competition is scheduled to run for eight days and will conclude before the Fossil Cup's Great League Edition begins on July 13.

Retro Cup: Great League Edition Rules

In Pokemon GO's Retro Cup, there are two main rules. The first rule is that players need to refrain from using Dark, Steel, and Fairy Pokemon, which were not part of Generation I. This also includes Dual-Type creatures with one of the banned types. The second rule states that each Pokemon used must have a CP that is 1,500 or lower.

Now, let's take a closer look at the instructions for the Retro Cup.

Rule #1: Dark, Steel, and Fairy Pokemon are not allowed, including dual-types that involve any of the above.

Rule #2: No Pokemon should be stronger than 1,500 CP.

Rule #3: The Retro Cup winner earns three times the amount of Stardust.

The Best Pokemon for Retro Cup (July 2023)

According to PvP match data, the most effective Pokemon in Retro Cup 2023 are Lickitung, Aurorus, and Pidgeot. These three Pokemon are perfect for offensive teams and have a high potential to counter the META archetypes. Nonetheless, here are three additional teams that have proven to be successful in this year's Retro Cup.

Safe Deck: Lickitung, Lanturn, Froslass

The team composition comprises of Lickitung as the primary Pokémon, Lanturn as the backup switch, and Froslass as the finishing option. However, a disadvantage of this team is its predictability as both Lickitung and Lanturn are commonly used in Retro Cup, making it easier for opposing Trainers to counter them.

Lickitung Counter: Cofagrigus, Lycanroc, Dewgong

Revamping your team composition for the Retro Cup confrontation against Lickitung competitors calls for an unexpected strategy. Take a bold step by deploying Cofagrigus, a formidable Ghost-type Pokémon, as your front runner. In order to maintain balance and adaptability, opt for Lycanroc, a reliable Rock-type Pokémon, to seamlessly switch in case of unfavorable matchups. Lastly, seal the deal with Dewgong, an Ice/Water type Pokémon, as your formidable closer.

Balanced Team: Deoxys, Lanturn, Lickitung

For a higher win rate, team up Deoxys (Psychic-type), Lanturn, and Lickitung. This setup works best when the opponent’s Pokemon are Flying or Ice Type.

Pokemon GO is available now for PC and mobile devices.