All featured Pokemon during Pokemon GO Yamask Research Day, ranked by PvP viability

With the spooky month finally here, Niantic is slowly releasing more Ghost-types in Pokemon GO. On October 19, the Yamask Research Day will commence, handing players an easier chance of encountering the standard Unovan Yamask, as well as its Galarian counterpart. Each species of Yamask also has its specific evolution.

Other creatures will also be available during the event, which may lead some to wonder if Yamask truly is the top prize. Here is every wild Pokemon that players can find during the Yamask Research Day. The entries are ranked from worst to best in terms of their competitive viability.

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Ranking every Yamask Research Day encounter in Pokemon GO

7) Galarian Yamask

Galarian Yamask's secondary typing holds it back from success (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While its evolution, Runerigus, does have decent stats, the additional Ground typing leaves it vulnerable to numerous additional elements compared to the standard Unovan Yamask and its evolution. Being a tank Pokemon with so many weaknesses ends up counterproductive, making Galarian Yamask much worse than its standard form.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

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6) Zigzagoon

Linoone has a low maximum combat power, making it one of the worst creatures players can grind for (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Zigzagoon and its Galarian variant will both be available during Pokemon GO's Yamask Research Day. With the Galarian variant having the advantage of additional evolution, there is no reason for players to exert more effort into the base Zigzagoon family. Given the critter's low maximum combat power, it is only somewhat viable in the Great League.

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5) Shieldon

Bastiodon is one of the sturdiest walls in Pokemon GO's Great League, but it deals very little damage (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Shieldon's evolution, Bastiodon, is one of the more niche but effective tanking options players reach for in Pokemon GO's Great League. It boasts a massive defense stat of 286, but a miniscule attack stat of 94. Its Rock and Steel typing also leaves it with debilitating weaknesses to the ever-present Fighting and Ground elements.

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4) Cubone

Marowak's recent buff to its moveset makes it one of the best Ground-types in Pokemon GO's Great League (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Cubone evolves into Marowak. Following recent balancing changes in September, the latter has become one of the most popular Ground-type critters in the Great League. Buffs to both Bone Club and Mud-Slap make Marowak significantly better than over the years. However, its low combat power limit only leaves it viable in the Great League.

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3) Duskull

Duskull's final evolution is a decent Ghost-type tank in both the Great and Ultra League tiers (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Both of Duskull's evolutions have their respective uses in Pokemon GO's competitive scene. Dusknoir, its final form, performs much better in the Ultra League. The critter's recent Community Day giving Dusknoir access to Shadow Ball has also made it perform slightly better.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

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2) Galarian Zigzagoon

Galarian Zigzagoon evolves into Obstagoon, who is incredibly oppressive in the Ultra League (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Galarian Zigzagoon ultimately evolves into Obstagoon. Unlike its standard form, the Galar family are Dark and Normal-types. Obstagoon boasts a balanced stat distribution, making it tanky and capable of dishing out solid damage. The critter also has access to Counter, the strongest Fighting-type fast attack in Pokemon GO. For these reasons, it remains a great choice for Ultra League parties.

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1) Yamask

Cofagrigus is one of the best non-Legendary Ghost-type tanks in Ultra League (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Ironically, while its Galarian form is arguably the worst encounter during Research Day, Unovan Yamask stands as the best. Its evolution, Cofagrigus, is a pure Ghost-type tank. The critter's moveset makes it a direct upgrade to Dusknoir. Unlike the latter, Cofagrigus has access to Shadow Claw, which allows it to inflict much more damage than Dusknoir while being similarly tanky.

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For more information on the game, check out the articles below:

• Ditto disguises
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts