Ultimate Guide to Pokemon GO Primeape: Top Moveset, Effective Counters, and Its Overall Viability

As trainers gear up for the November 2024 Community Day, the spotlight is on Pokémon GO’s Primeape and its evolving moveset. As a cherished character since the game’s inception, Primeape has witnessed numerous adjustments to its moves, notably with the introduction of Rage Fist.

This article elaborates on Primeape’s optimal moveset, its counters, and evaluates its effectiveness in both PvP (Player versus Player) and PvE (Player versus Environment) scenarios.

Best Moveset for Primeape in Pokémon GO

Primeape using Rage Fist — Primeape executing Rage Fist (Image via TPC)

Optimal PvP Moveset

Fast Attack: Karate Chop (may require an Elite Fast TM)
Charged Attacks: Rage Fist and Close Combat

Optimal PvE Moveset

Fast Attack: Counter
Charged Attack: Cross Chop

Evaluating Primeape in Pokémon GO

PvP Performance

With the advent of Rage Fist, Primeape’s capabilities have surged, positioning it among the top contenders for both the Great League and Ultra League. In the Great League, it shines as a rapid glass cannon, while its survivability improves in the Ultra League due to enhanced bulk.

PvE Utility

Although Primeape can hold its own in Gym battles as a Fighting-type attacker, it falls short in Raid battles, where it is overshadowed by stronger Fighting-type options. Therefore, it is best suited for less competitive environments.

Comprehensive Moves and Base Stats of Primeape

Primeape in the anime series (Image via TPC)

Available Moves

Primeape is endowed with the following Fast Attacks:

Counter
Karate Chop
Low Kick

Additionally, it can learn various Charged Attacks:

Cross Chop
Ice Punch
Night Slash
Low Sweep
Rage Fist (Community Day move; may require an Elite Charged TM)

Base Stats

Attack: 207
Defense: 138
Stamina: 163
Max CP: 2,586

Strengths and Weaknesses of Primeape

Resistances

Bug
Dark
Rock

Weaknesses

Fairy
Ghost
Psychic
Flying

Type Advantage

Primeape can deal super-effective damage to the following types utilizing its STAB moves:

Rock
Steel
Dark
Ice

Top Counters to Primeape

Counter Strategies in Great League

The best counters include:

Serperior
Jumpluff
Clodsire
Azumarill
Wigglytuff
Charjabug

Counter Strategies in Ultra League

Effective counters are:

Venusaur
Nidoqueen
Annihilape
The teacher
Galarian Weezing
Cresselia

PvE Counter Suggestions

In PvE scenarios, these Pokémon excel against Primeape:

Mega Rayquaza with Air Slash and Dragon Ascent
Shadow Moltres with Air Slash and Sky Attack
Mega Salamence with Dragon Tail and Fly
Shadow or Regular Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike
Mega Gardevoir using Charm and Dazzling Gleam
Mega Gardevoir with Confusion and Psychic
Xerneas with Geomancy and Moonblast

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