Combusken Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters
Combusken is a popular Fire/Fighting-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,652, Combusken 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 Combusken 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 Combusken Base Stats & Overview
Combusken (#256) is a Fire/Fighting-type Pokemon from Generation 3.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 163 |
| Defense | 115 |
| Stamina | 155 |
| Total Stats | 433 |
| Max CP | 1,652 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 163 Attack, 115 Defense, and 155 Stamina, Combusken has a total stat product of 433. While not the highest in any single stat, Combusken’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Combusken
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Combusken’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Combusken 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 Fire/Fighting-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Fire-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Fire-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― Combusken Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Combusken effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Fire/Fighting-type Pokemon, Combusken has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Combusken is weak to: Water, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Fairy-type moves. When battling against Combusken, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Water – Deals increased damage
- Ground – Deals increased damage
- Flying – Deals increased damage
- Psychic – Deals increased damage
- Fairy – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Combusken resists: Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, Fairy, Rock, Dark-type moves. This means Combusken takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Fire – Reduced damage
- Grass – Reduced damage
- Ice – Reduced damage
- Bug – Reduced damage
- Steel – Reduced damage
- Fairy – Reduced damage
- Rock – Reduced damage
- Dark – Reduced damage
π Combusken PvP Analysis
Combusken 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 1,652, Combusken 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)
With a max CP of 1,652, Combusken may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Combusken is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (1,652). Focus on other leagues instead.
βοΈ Combusken Raid Guide
Combusken is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:
Using Combusken in Raids
When using Combusken as a raid attacker:
- Best against raid bosses weak to Fire-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 Combusken
Whether you’re battling Combusken in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Combusken:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Combusken’s weaknesses to Water, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Fairy-type moves:
| Pokemon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Kyogre | Water | Best Water attacker with Waterfall + Hydro Pump |
| Swampert | Water/Ground | Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon is devastating |
| Gyarados | Water/Flying | Accessible and powerful Water attacker |
| Garchomp | Dragon/Ground | Mud Shot + Earth Power deals massive damage |
| Groudon | Ground | Legendary with Precipice Blades |
| Excadrill | Ground/Steel | High Ground DPS |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Combusken
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Combusken 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 Combusken in Pokemon GO
There are several ways to obtain Combusken in Pokemon GO:
- Wild Encounters: Combusken 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 Combusken
Yes, Shiny Combusken 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.
Combusken Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Combusken good in Pokemon GO?
Combusken has a max CP of 1,652, 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 Combusken’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Combusken depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Fire-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Combusken’s weaknesses?
Combusken is weak to Water, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Fairy-type moves. When battling Combusken, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Combusken be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Combusken is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Combusken for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Combusken’s max CP?
Combusken’s maximum CP is 1,652 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 1,503.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Combusken
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Combusken’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Combusken 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 Combusken, 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
Combusken works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Fire/Fighting type weak to Water, Ground, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Combusken spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Fire moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Combusken in the Pokemon Franchise
Combusken first appeared in Generation 3 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Combusken’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Combusken was introduced as part of the Generation 3 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 3 Pokemon update.
π How Combusken Compares
Let’s see how Combusken stacks up against other Fire-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Combusken | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 163 | ~180 | ββ |
| Defense | 115 | ~160 | β |
| Stamina | 155 | ~170 | ββ |
| Max CP | 1,652 | ~2,500 | β |
π― Conclusion
Combusken is a versatile Fire/Fighting-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 1,652 and solid base stats (163/115/155), 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 Combusken’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.