Kadabra in Pokemon GO – Stats, Moves, PvP Tips & More
Kadabra is a popular Psychic-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,059, Kadabra is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Kadabra in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.
π Table of Contents
π Kadabra Base Stats & Overview
Kadabra (#064) is a Psychic-type Pokemon from Generation 1.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 232 |
| Defense | 117 |
| Stamina | 120 |
| Total Stats | 469 |
| Max CP | 2,059 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 232 Attack, 117 Defense, and 120 Stamina, Kadabra has a total stat product of 469. While not the highest in any single stat, Kadabra’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Kadabra
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Kadabra’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Kadabra for raids, gym battles, or PvP.
Best Raid & Gym Moveset
For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Psychic-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Psychic-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Psychic-type charged move
Best PvP Moveset
In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.
β’ Fast Move: High energy generation move
β’ Charged Move 1: STAB move for consistent damage
β’ Charged Move 2: Coverage move for countering weaknesses
π― Kadabra Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Kadabra effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Psychic-type Pokemon, Kadabra has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Kadabra is weak to: Bug, Ghost, Dark-type moves. When battling against Kadabra, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Bug – Deals increased damage
- Ghost – Deals increased damage
- Dark – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Kadabra resists: Fighting, Psychic-type moves. This means Kadabra takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Fighting – Reduced damage
- Psychic – Reduced damage
π Kadabra PvP Analysis
Kadabra can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:
Great League (1500 CP Limit)
With a max CP of 2,059, Kadabra would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.
Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)
Kadabra fits well in Ultra League with a max CP of 2,059. It can compete effectively against the meta threats in this league.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Kadabra is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (2,059). Focus on other leagues instead.
βοΈ Kadabra Raid Guide
Kadabra is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:
Using Kadabra in Raids
When using Kadabra as a raid attacker:
- Best against raid bosses weak to Psychic-type moves
- Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
- Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS
π― Best Counters for Kadabra
Whether you’re battling Kadabra in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Kadabra:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Kadabra’s weaknesses to Bug, Ghost, Dark-type moves:
| Pokemon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Pheromosa | Bug/Fighting | High Bug DPS |
| Genesect | Bug/Steel | Fury Cutter + X-Scissor |
| Scizor | Bug/Steel | Fury Cutter + X-Scissor |
| Gengar | Ghost/Poison | Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball for high DPS |
| Chandelure | Ghost/Fire | Hex + Shadow Ball |
| Giratina (Origin) | Ghost/Dragon | Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Kadabra
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Kadabra may have moves that counter its own counters
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks
π How to Get Kadabra in Pokemon GO
There are several ways to obtain Kadabra in Pokemon GO:
- Wild Encounters: Kadabra can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
- Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
- Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
- Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
- Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
- Trading: Trade with friends
Shiny Kadabra
Yes, Shiny Kadabra is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.
Kadabra Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kadabra good in Pokemon GO?
Kadabra has a max CP of 2,059, which makes it more suitable for Great League PvP or as a collector’s Pokemon. It can still be useful in specific situations where its typing is advantageous.
What is Kadabra’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Kadabra depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Psychic-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Kadabra’s weaknesses?
Kadabra is weak to Bug, Ghost, Dark-type moves. When battling Kadabra, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Kadabra be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Kadabra is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Kadabra for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Kadabra’s max CP?
Kadabra’s maximum CP is 2,059 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 1,873.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Kadabra
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Kadabra’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Kadabra with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.
For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:
- Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
- Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
- Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap
2. Power Up Priority
Before investing Stardust and Candy into Kadabra, consider:
- Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
- Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
- Are there better alternatives for the same role?
- Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?
3. Team Composition
Kadabra works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Psychic type weak to Bug, Ghost, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Kadabra spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Psychic moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Kadabra in the Pokemon Franchise
Kadabra first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Kadabra’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Kadabra was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Kadabra has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.
π How Kadabra Compares
Let’s see how Kadabra stacks up against other Psychic-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Kadabra | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 232 | ~180 | βββ |
| Defense | 117 | ~160 | β |
| Stamina | 120 | ~170 | β |
| Max CP | 2,059 | ~2,500 | β |
π― Conclusion
Kadabra is a versatile Psychic-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 2,059 and solid base stats (232/117/120), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.
Remember to:
- Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
- Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
- Build a team that covers Kadabra’s weaknesses
- Take advantage of weather boosts when possible
For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.
Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.