Pokémon GO is a game that not only captivates players but also encourages them to get up and move. It fosters a sense of community, but it also fuels fierce competition. Just like any other Pokémon game, battling plays a crucial role in Pokémon GO. However, in order to have the strongest Pokémon, you need to consider not only their stats but also their specific moves. To acquire the most powerful moves in Pokémon GO, you’ll want to obtain Elite TMs.
If you’re familiar with other Pokémon games, you may already know about Technical Machines (TMs). These TMs allow Pokémon to learn new moves. In the standard Pokémon games, TMs teach moves at random, replacing the existing moves known to the Pokémon. However, in Pokémon GO, Elite TMs grant you the ability to choose the move your Pokémon learns.
Elite TMs come in two forms: Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs. Elite Fast TMs allow you to teach your Pokémon a fast technique, while Elite Charged TMs enable you to choose from your companion’s charged move list. These Elite TMs differ from normal Fast TMs and Charged TMs in that they provide a list of attacks to choose from instead of giving you a random move. Moreover, they unlock special and more powerful moves that are not available through regular TMs. Elite TMs are also the only way to learn attacks obtained from events like Community Days or Raid Days.
Now, let’s explore the various methods of obtaining Elite Charged TMs and Elite Fast TMs in Pokémon GO.
- GO Battle League: One way to obtain an Elite TM is by participating in the GO Battle League. Depending on the current season’s rewards, as you rank up, you have the chance to receive Elite TMs as rewards. For instance, in the ongoing Season 9 of the GO Battle League, reaching Rank 19 will grant you an Elite Charged TM. Additionally, you’ll receive an Elite Fast TM as an end-of-season reward. It’s worth noting that reaching Rank 19 requires dedication and a significant number of battles, including a minimum of 75 wins out of 110 battles.
- Item Shop: The Pokémon GO Shop occasionally offers bundles that include Elite TMs. These bundles are usually available during Community Day events and can be purchased for 1,280 PokéCoins, equivalent to approximately $10. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, especially during special events.
- Special Research and Timed Research: Occasionally, Special Research or Timed Research tasks will reward you with Elite TMs upon completion. However, as of the current season in Pokémon GO, there are no Special or Timed Research tasks that provide Elite TMs. Be sure to stay updated on the latest in-game events and research tasks for any future opportunities.
Elite TMs are intentionally rare in Pokémon GO. This scarcity ensures that the exclusive moves they offer remain difficult to obtain. Additionally, it encourages players to consider spending real money or using PokéCoins to acquire them.
Given the rarity of Elite TMs, it is crucial to carefully consider which Pokémon to use them on and which move to choose. Ideally, you should use an Elite TM on a Pokémon that will become a staple in the GO Battle League. It’s also advisable to use them on Pokémon with high Individual Values (IVs), since they are less likely to be replaced.
For example, a Swampert in the Ultra League is a highly effective Pokémon. However, to maximise its potential, it must have the move Hydro Cannon, which is exclusive to certain Community Days or obtainable through an Elite Charged TM.
Another example is Walrein, which requires two exclusive moves, Powder Snow (a fast move) and Icicle Spear (a charged move), to compete at the highest level. Without these moves, Walrein’s effectiveness is significantly diminished.
To determine which of your Pokémon already knows these special moves associated with Elite TMs, you can utilise Pokémon GO search terms or features within the game.
In conclusion, obtaining Elite TMs in Pokémon GO is no easy task, but it is worth the effort. By participating in the GO Battle League, keeping an eye on the Item Shop during special events, and staying informed about Special and Timed Research tasks, you increase your chances of acquiring these rare and powerful moves. Use Elite TMs wisely on Pokémon that will have a lasting impact on your battles. So, get out there, catch ’em all, and become a formidable force in the world of Pokémon GO!
