13 Best Flying-Type Pokémon to Rule the Skies of Pokémon Go

Flying-type Pokémon are some of the best species to raise in Pokémon Go. They are usually combined with other Pokémon types, making them more versatile in battles regardless of their rarity.

If you have been losing to fighting-, bug- or grass-type Pokémon lately, you might want to build a team of flying-type Pokémon. They are super effective against them and can hold out against their attacks. You may even bring them to Pokémon Go Battle League and win if you are looking to earn more stardust for evolving your Pokémon.

If you do not have any of those Pokémon yet in your lineup or have some but think they are weak, you will get to know the best flying-type Pokémon here.

Also read: Pokemon Go Hacks: Catch ‘Em All With These Tips and Tricks

What Are Flying-Type Pokémon?

There are 88 flying-type Pokémon in the top AR game for mobile. This type is undeniably one of the most popular not just in Pokémon Go but in the main series games as well. That’s because they’re very powerful; they have higher stats than most Pokémon types and, arguably, the best movesets. A number of Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Go are also flying-type, so you can count on them to do the most damage. Even the ordinary Flying-type Pokémon, such as Togekiss, are excellent companions in the game.

Flying-type Pokémon are also handy to have because of their resistance against Ground-type moves like the very common Earthquake. That said, they’re not without their weaknesses, and certain moves and types can still badly affect them. Here’s a chart that shows how they fare against other Pokémon:

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Best Flying-Type Pokémon

Here are 13 of the best Flying-type Pokémon that you should have in Pokémon Go. We’ve ranked them from most powerful to least powerful, based on the average of each Pokémon’s max combat power (CP) and base stats. Since flying Pokémon are dual-type by nature, you will also see a lot of fire, water, electric, and Fairy-type Pokémon here.

1. Landorus (Therian)

Topping our list of the best Flying-type Pokémon is the Therian Forme of Landorus, which was introduced in Generation V. It’s one of the newest Pokémon in the game, having just been released in April of 2021. Boasting a max CP of 4,434, Landorus-Therian is for sure one of the most powerful pocket creatures in Pokémon Go if it reaches level 50. It’s both a Ground-type and Flying-type, which makes it resistant to Electric-type attacks, unlike most Flying Pokémon.

Since Landorus-Therian is a Legendary Pokémon, you can expect that it’s tough to capture. That said, it’s not totally impossible to catch. If you’re looking to catch a Landorus-Therian during a Raid Battle, be sure to bring your friends with you so that you can earn more Premier Balls. Landorus-Therian is weak against Water and Ice Pokémon, so you should bring those with you. If you defeat it, make sure to use Golden Razz Berries, Max Revives, and Max Potions to increase your chances of capturing it.

Possible Locations: You can catch a Therian Forme Landorus after defeating it in a Raid Battle. You can also obtain it during special events.

2. Ho-Oh

If Landorus reigns the skies due to its attack, Ho-Oh is among the best flying-type Pokémon because of its 244 base defense rating. The latter’s CP tops 4,000 as well. That does not mean the legendary bird does not have good attacks. Its Incinerate and Brave Bird are reliable fire- and flying-type moves, making the Pokémon useable in the game’s Ultra and Master Leagues. Just avoid battles with Rock-type Pokémon, like Tyranitar and Rampardos, and Ho-Oh will certainly not disappoint.

Ho-Oh is yet another Legendary Pokémon, so you can’t just catch one in the Wild. They’re hard to catch during Raid Battles, too, so preparation is definitely key. Be sure to bring a strong Rock-type Pokémon to battle, like a Golem or an Omastar. If you don’t have a powerful Rock-type Pokémon, an Electric-type is also a reliable option. Be sure to also stock up on Golden Razz Berries so that you can use one before throwing a Premier Ball at a Ho-Oh. Also, don’t forget to time your throws. That way, you won’t waste any of your Premier Balls.

Possible Locations: You can only catch a Ho-Oh if you defeat it in a Raid Battle. You can also catch one during special events.

3. Rayquaza

Third on our list of the best Flying-type Pokémon is Generation III’s Rayquaza, which has been in the game since February of 2018. Those who have been long-time fans of Pokémon know Rayquaza as one of the most powerful and most destructive pocket monsters, and that doesn’t change in Pokémon Go. Its Attack stat is among the highest in the game, and it’s also quite hard to defeat.

Defeating a Rayquaza in a five-star Raid Battle can be tricky, but it isn’t impossible. When taking on a Rayquaza, it’s important to remember that you can’t do it solo. Bring at least five other players with you. If you want the raid to go as smoothly as possible, having nine other trainers would be great. The best Pokémon to bring to battle with you are those that know Ice-, Dragon-, Fairy-, and Rock-type moves. Mega Abomasnow would be a great match for Rayquaza. Or if you’ve caught lots of Jynxes, having a team of those would help you immensely as well.

Possible Locations: You can catch a Rayquaza if you defeat it in a Raid Battle. You can also obtain one during special events.

4. Dragonite

Next on our list of the best Flying-type Pokémon is Dragonite, which was introduced in Generation I and was among the first to be released in Pokémon Go. Dragonite is known for being kind-hearted and adorable, but quite ruthless during battles. Its approach to combat focuses more on the offense, with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor as part of its best moveset.

Dragonite isn’t really a Legendary Pokémon, but considering how rare and elusive it is, it might as well be. Besides trying your luck with finding it in the Wild or capturing it during Raid Battles, you can also evolve it from its basic version, Dratini, which is a bit easier to find. To get a Dragonite, you first need to evolve a Dratini into a Dragonair by feeding it 25 Candies. You can then evolve a Dragonair into a Dragonite, which costs 100 Candies.

Possible Locations: You can find a Dragonite in the Wild, particularly near famous landmarks and golf courses. You can also catch one after defeating it in a Raid Battle.

5. Yveltal

Yveltal, from Generation VI, is one of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise. Fans have been waiting to catch this Pokémon since Pokémon Go launched, and it finally made its debut in May of 2021. With a max CP of 3,781, it’s definitely one of the best Flying-type Pokémon out there. Yveltal specializes in offense, and with a Stamina of 246, you can rely on it to stay healthy and deal great damage for long.

Yveltal isn’t part of an evolution line, but you can try catching one in a five-star raid. However, it won’t be easy. To increase your chances of defeating and, ultimately, obtaining an Yveltal, bring a strong Electric-type Pokémon, like a Zapdos, to battle. Ice-, Rock-, and Fairy-type Pokémon are also good options. If you have Shadow versions of these Pokémon, bring those as well since they deal greater damage. When trying to defeat an Yveltal in a Raid Battle, teaming up with friends is the way to go.

Possible Locations: You can catch an Yveltal after defeating it in a Raid Battle. You can also catch one during special events.

6. Salamence

Dragon flying-type Pokémon are once again proving themselves formidable, with Salamence making it to our list. Pokémon Go pros even think Salamence has the potential to match or surpass Dragonite or Rayquaza when its Draco Meteor, a charged attack, is taken into account. However, you have to be on the lookout for Ice-type attacks since these deal the most damage to a Salamence.

To get a Salamence, you’ll need to obtain a Bagon first, which in itself is an extremely rare spawn in Pokémon Go. Once you’ve caught one, you can evolve it into a Shelgon by feeding it 25 Candies. Then, you can evolve a Shelgon into a Salamence with 100 Candies.

Possible Locations: Both Salamence and Shelgon do not appear in the Wild, so the only way you can get a Salamence is by evolving a Bagon, its basic version. You can usually find a Bagon in windy areas, famous locations, or during community events.

7. Lugia

Lugia is a legendary flying-type Pokémon that is part of Generation II and has been available in the game since July of 2017. Lugia’s Attack stat of 193 isn’t as high as most of the Pokémon in this list, but it’s still powerful. But with an impressive Defense stat of 310, it’s almost impossible to find a Pokémon that can surpass its defensive capabilities. Plus, it can deal significant damage using Aeroblast, which has a base power of 180.

Despite being legendary, Lugia failed to outshine other Pokémon that were already mentioned in this list because of its imbalanced base stats. Its defense rating is very high in contrast to its attack rating. That makes it hard for players to use the legendary Pokémon in raids, which are attack strategy-oriented. Despite that, Lugia is great for Player Versus Environment (PvE) or solo play because it is one of the Pokémon with the most impressive Stamina rating.

Lugia doesn’t evolve from or into another Pokémon. And since it’s a Legendary Pokémon, it’s also hard to capture during Legendary Raids. Thus, you’ll have to prepare and bring several other trainers with you. Make sure to also bring Dark-, Electric-, Ghost-, Rock-, or Ice-type Pokémon with high CP to battle. Don’t forget to stock up on Golden Razz Berries as well.

Possible Locations: You can only catch a Lugia after defeating it in a Raid Battle. You can also obtain it during special events.

8. Zapdos

Zapdos is a strong contender whether here or in our rankings for electric-type Pokémon. The legendary Pokémon has a great set of attacks, including the flying-type move Drill Peck that is ideal to pair with Thunderbolt or Thunder Shock for big and quick damage. Those moves and a high CP make Zapdos worthy of being your leading electric flying-type Pokémon in the Master League.

What’s great about Zapdos is that it’s only weak against two types of Pokémon: Ice and Rock. But even if it comes head-to-head with these Pokémon types, it can still stand a chance since it isn’t extremely vulnerable to these attacks. Plus, it can withstand Ground-type attacks, unlike other Electric-type Pokémon.

Being a Legendary Pokémon, Zapdos is not only extremely powerful, but it’s incredibly elusive as well. But just like other Legendaries in the game, the best way you can defeat and capture a Zapdos in a Raid Battle is by deploying the most powerful Pokémon and using Golden Razz Berries, Max Revives, and Max Potions. The best Pokémon you can use against a Zapdos is either a Golem or a Rhydon. You can even use Gengar or Flareon, but just make sure to dodge Zapdos’s attacks since they aren’t resistant to Electric-type attacks.

Possible Locations: You can catch a Zapdos after defeating it in a Raid Battle, through trading, or during special events.

9. Moltres

Moltres claims a spot in this flying-type Pokémon tier because it has some of the top charge-style moves in the game: Sky Attack and Overheat. The legendary Pokémon also has a quick yet powerful attack called Fire Spin. When it comes to flying moves that are most effective against fighting-type Pokemon, Moltres’ Wing Attack is among the top options.

Moltres is hard to capture, though. However, with strong Pokémon, some Golden Razz Berries, and properly timed throws, you can increase your chances of catching one. When trying to defeat a Moltres in a five-star Raid Battle, use a Rock-type Pokémon since it’s doubly weak against attacks of this type. You can also go in with a Water-type and an Electric-type Pokémon.

Possible Locations: You can only catch a Moltres after defeating it in a Raid Battle. You can also obtain one during special events.

10. Gyarados

With a max CP of 3,391, Generation I’s Gyarados is surely among the best Flying-type Pokémon you can catch in Pokémon Go. It has gone a long way from just being a Magikarp that flops and does not deal damage. This evolved Pokémon that is a mix of a flying and water type does well in both roles. It’s a great choice for an offensive team member since its Attack and Stamina stats are pretty high. Once it mega evolves, those stats will go even higher. Gyarados is only weak against two Pokémon types: Electric and Rock.

Gyarados is extremely rare, and when you do come across one, they’re very difficult to catch. Thus, evolving a Magikarp remains to be the easiest and most common way to obtain a Gyarados. However, you will need an insane amount of Candies — 400 to be exact. Make sure to pick the best Magikarp to evolve into Gyarados so that you can make the most out of the evolution. The Appraise feature will help you out with that.

Possible Locations: You can catch Gyarados in the Wild, particularly near bodies of water, like lakes, canals, rivers, and beaches. You can also obtain one after defeating it in a Raid Battle or by evolving a Magikarp.

11. Togekiss

Togekiss, the third and final evolution of the adorable Togepi from Generation 1, is a unique flying-type Pokémon because of its Hidden Power, an attack of a random type. It may seem soft and adorable, but it can deal a considerable amount of damage. It has reliable moves like Air Slash and Aerial Ace, which inflict damage quickly to the opponent. Togekiss is an expert player’s go-to flying-type Pokémon in the Master League. That is because the said league is dominated by dragon-type Pokémon it can defeat.

Available since November of 2018, Togekiss is among the tougher Pokémon to obtain in the game. The most common way to get Togekiss is by first obtaining a Togepi, which is its basic, unevolved form. Once you have a Togepi, you can then evolve it to Togetic, which costs 25 Candies. After that, you’ll need to give Togetic 100 Candies plus a Sinnoh Stone so that it turns into Togekiss.

Possible Locations: You can’t catch a Togekiss in the Wild; you can only get one by evolving either a Togepi or a Togetic. Currently, you can get a Togepi through trading or, sometimes, from the Eggs. As for Togetic, you can catch one in the wild, by evolving Togepi, or through trading. You can also catch a Togetic in a Raid Battle.

12. Articuno

Articuno is another first-gen Legendary that’s also one of the best Flying-type Pokémon you can catch in the game. It’s at its most destructive when it uses charged attacks, like Blizzard and Ice Beam. That said, its Attack stat isn’t as high as the other Pokémon in this list. However, its defensive capabilities are quite impressive, so it’s most useful in GO Battle Leagues. Expert Pokémon Go players prefer using the legendary bird in the Ultra League for the types it is weak against are more prevalent in the Great and Master Leagues.

To defeat an Articuno in a five-star raid, you’ll need powerful Pokémon, a team of other trainers, and a bit of luck. Although Rock-type attacks are its ultimate weakness, you shouldn’t use Rock-type Pokémon to defeat an Articuno. That’s because Pokémon of this type, however high their CPs are, can’t withstand Ice-type attacks. Instead, go in with Fire-type Pokémon, like Flareon or Arcanine.

Possible Locations: You can catch an Articuno if you defeat it in a Raid Battle. You can also obtain one during special events.

13. Charizard

Last but definitely not the least is Charizard, the iconic Flying-type Pokémon from Generation I. A third evolution of the fan-favorite Charmander, this Pokémon is balanced when it comes to its fire and flying moves. It’s doubly resistant to Bug- and Grass-type Pokémon, and receives only 62.5% of damage from Fairy-, Ground-, Fighting-, Fire-, and Steel-type Pokémon. However, try to steer clear of Electric-, Water-, and, most importantly, Rock-type attacks. With a max CP of 2,889, it’s already pretty powerful as a Regular Pokémon. But if you have enough Mega Energy, you can evolve it into a Mega Charizard X or Mega Charizard Y.

The simplest way to get a Charizard is by evolving it from a Charmander, which is quite easy to find. Once you’ve obtained a Charmander, you’ll need to give it 25 Candies to turn it into a Charmeleon. After that, you can evolve Charmeleon into Charizard, which costs 100 Candies.

Possible Locations: You can find a Charizard in the Wild, particularly around residential areas, cities, and beaches.

Catch The Best Flying-Type Pokémon in Pokémon Go

There’s no denying that Flying-type Pokémon are one of the most powerful and most reliable companions in Pokémon Go. Since most of them are dual types, they’re very versatile, and you can make a team that’s strong enough out of just Flying-type Pokémon.

That said, they aren’t the easiest pocket creatures to catch; you’ll have to do a lot of walking and searching before you can come across one of them. Plus, not all of them are found in the Wild. Some can only be caught after you’ve defeated them in five-star Raid Battles, which can be tricky to win. But don’t be discouraged! With enough experience and some luck, it’s totally possible to get hold of Flying-type Pokémon. And once you do, you’ll find that going through all that fuss just to get one is completely worth it.