Pokemon GO Milotic: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good in PvP and Raids?

Milotic is one of the best Water-types in the main series, but Pokemon GO is a different game entirely. Featuring reworked combat and a simplification of the franchise's stats system, many creatures have had their viabilities shifted in the transition from the main series to the mobile spin-off.

This can lead to some favorable results, like Stunfisk going from a joke monster to one of the best battlers in Pokemon GO, but it can also unintentionally make some monsters much weaker. So what about Milotic? Here is everything to know about Milotic if players intend on using it for competitive fights or Raid Battles.

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Everything to know about Milotic in Pokemon GO

Milotic is a great choice for newer players looking to make their Battle League debut (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Milotic is a pure Water-type Pokemon and is usually seen as a counterpart to Gyarados. This still remains relatively true in Pokemon GO where Gyarados is very similar to Milotic in terms of its stats, but Milotic focuses more on defense, while Gyarados has more attack. The two also share Dragon Tail and Waterfall as fast attacks in their movepool.

For PvP battles, Milotic is best run with a moveset of Dragon Tail, Blizzard, and Surf. This gives it the most coverage options, which is very helpful since it is a defensive creature, meaning it will be in more fights for a longer period of time against a wide array of different monsters.

For PvE, Milotic is best run with a set of Waterfall and Surf. Being a pure Water-type, this will maximize Milotic's damage output capacity, which is important for taking down Raid Bosses and gym defense teams.

Milotic loses against monsters that can withstand more damage than it is capable of putting out, as well as those with offensive stats and a type advantage. With its optimal moveset, it is countered by common picks like Steelix, Virizion, Cresselia, Cobalion, and Registeel.

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Is Milotic good in Pokemon GO PvP?

Milotic is a solid beginner's choice but gets outscaled hard as the player's options broaden (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Pokemon GO's Milotic is bottle-necked by the combat power limitations present in the different tiers of play. Having a maximum combat power close to 3,000, its potential is held back significantly by the limitations of the Great League. It is still a good choice given its high stats, solid defensive typing, and many coverage options in its moveset, but there are simply better options.

Niantic gave most Water-type Starter Pokemon special treatment by giving them access to the exclusive Hydro Cannon charged attack. Being the best Water-type attack outside of Legendary-exclusive moves, the Water-type starters are all seen as better choices than most other Water-types.

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Is Milotic good for Pokemon GO PvE?

Milotic's lack of a Mega Evolution hurts its viability in PvE play (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Where Milotic is decently bulky with high maximum combat power, it simply falls short for PvE play outside of potentially making a good gym defender. This is due to its lack of access to Hydro Cannon and a Mega Evolution. Mega Blastoise and Primal Kyogre are still the best Water-types for PvE play, and with Milotic not having an alternate form or signature attack, these two simply outperform it.