If you play Pokémon GO, you might have heard about Elite TMs — items that let you teach your Pokémon powerful or exclusive moves. But getting them isn’t always easy. In this article, I’ll explain what Elite TMs are, why they’re special, and all the ways you can obtain them. Let’s dive in.
Elite TMs come in two kinds:
- Elite Fast TM — lets you change a Pokémon’s fast move to one you choose.
- Elite Charged TM — lets you change a charged move, picking whichever move you want.
Unlike regular TMs, Elite TMs allow you to pick the move rather than getting one at random. Also, they let your Pokémon learn moves that were once only available during special events (Community Days, Raid Days, etc.).
Why Use Elite TMs
- They give you control: you choose the move.
- You can unlock legacy moves, which are normally no longer obtainable.
- Good for optimizing your Pokémon for PvP (Trainer Battles / GO Battle League) or certain raid/meta strategies.
- They are rare, so using them wisely matters.
Ways to Get Elite TMs
Here are the main routes you can try to get Elite Fast TM or Elite Charged TM in Pokémon GO.
- GO Battle League Rank Rewards
- If you reach Rank 19 or higher in the GO Battle League, you are eligible for rewards that include Elite TMs. For example, at Rank 19 you’ll receive an Elite Charged TM.
- At the end of each season, an Elite Fast TM is often a reward for those who have hit that Rank 19+ threshold.
- Timed Research and Battle League “Wins” Passes
- During some seasons, there is a Timed Research Pass tied to Battle League performance: complete certain numbers of wins (for example 400 or 500) to claim Elite Fast or Elite Charged TMs.
- These are usually temporary and connected to a specific season’s “Timed Research”. Make sure to check what the current season offers.
- Community Day / Special Event Boxes
- Many recent Community Day events offer boxes in the in-game shop that include an Elite Charged TM. For example, for around 1,350 PokéCoins, a Community Day box may contain an Elite Charged TM along with other items.
- Ultra Community Day Boxes or Web Store bundles have also offered one Elite Charged TM plus bonus items during events.
- Rewards from Special / Limited Time Research Tasks
- Occasionally, there are special research tasks offered during events. Completing all parts of such quests may reward you with an Elite TM.
Tips for Getting Elite TMs More Efficiently
Since they are rare, here are smart strategies to maximize your chances:
- Always keep an eye on the Battle League ranks. Try to hit Rank 19 or higher if you want Elite rewards.
- If there is a Timed Research Pass, aim to complete the required number of wins quickly. Better to plan early in the season.
- Save some PokéCoins so you can buy special event boxes when they’re released; don’t spend them all before you see an event with Elite TMs.
- Use Elite TMs on Pokémon that will benefit most (good IVs / good stats for PvP or raids). Don’t waste them on Pokémon you’re unlikely to use long-term.
- Monitor announcements: Niantic often reveals which events or days will include Elite TM bundles. Being aware means you won’t miss them.
Things to Be Aware Of
- Elite TMs are sometimes removed temporarily from rewards due to bugs or design changes. Rewards can vary season to season.
- Some legacy moves are valuable but tied to specific Pokémon or evolutions; check if the Pokémon you want can learn that move via Elite TM.
- Prices for event boxes differ by region and timing; what seems affordable in one country might be expensive in another.
