Arbok Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips
Arbok is a popular Poison-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,921, Arbok 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 Arbok 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 Arbok Base Stats & Overview
Arbok (#024) is a Poison-type Pokemon from Generation 1.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 167 |
| Defense | 153 |
| Stamina | 155 |
| Total Stats | 475 |
| Max CP | 1,921 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 167 Attack, 153 Defense, and 155 Stamina, Arbok has a total stat product of 475. While not the highest in any single stat, Arbok’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Arbok
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Arbok’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Arbok 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 Poison-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Poison-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Poison-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― Arbok Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Arbok effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Poison-type Pokemon, Arbok has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Arbok is weak to: Ground, Psychic-type moves. When battling against Arbok, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Ground – Deals increased damage
- Psychic – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Arbok resists: Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Fairy-type moves. This means Arbok takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Grass – Reduced damage
- Fighting – Reduced damage
- Poison – Reduced damage
- Bug – Reduced damage
- Fairy – Reduced damage
π Arbok PvP Analysis
Arbok 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 1,921, Arbok 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 1,921, Arbok may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Arbok is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (1,921). Focus on other leagues instead.
βοΈ Arbok Raid Guide
Arbok is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:
Using Arbok in Raids
When using Arbok as a raid attacker:
- Best against raid bosses weak to Poison-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 Arbok
Whether you’re battling Arbok in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Arbok:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Arbok’s weaknesses to Ground, Psychic-type moves:
| Pokemon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Garchomp | Dragon/Ground | Mud Shot + Earth Power deals massive damage |
| Groudon | Ground | Legendary with Precipice Blades |
| Excadrill | Ground/Steel | High Ground DPS |
| Mewtwo | Psychic | Best Psychic attacker with Psystrike |
| Alakazam | Psychic | Glass cannon with high Psychic DPS |
| Espeon | Psychic | Accessible Psychic attacker |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Arbok
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Arbok 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 Arbok in Pokemon GO
There are several ways to obtain Arbok in Pokemon GO:
- Wild Encounters: Arbok 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 Arbok
Yes, Shiny Arbok 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.
Arbok Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbok good in Pokemon GO?
Arbok has a max CP of 1,921, 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 Arbok’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Arbok depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Poison-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Arbok’s weaknesses?
Arbok is weak to Ground, Psychic-type moves. When battling Arbok, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Arbok be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Arbok is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Arbok for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Arbok’s max CP?
Arbok’s maximum CP is 1,921 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 1,748.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Arbok
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Arbok’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Arbok 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 Arbok, 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
Arbok works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Poison type weak to Ground, Psychic, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Arbok spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Poison moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Arbok in the Pokemon Franchise
Arbok first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Arbok’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Arbok was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Arbok has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.
π How Arbok Compares
Let’s see how Arbok stacks up against other Poison-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Arbok | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 167 | ~180 | ββ |
| Defense | 153 | ~160 | ββ |
| Stamina | 155 | ~170 | ββ |
| Max CP | 1,921 | ~2,500 | β |
π― Conclusion
Arbok is a versatile Poison-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 1,921 and solid base stats (167/153/155), 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 Arbok’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.