Elite Charged & Fast TM (Best Elite TM Targets Tier List)

The Elite Charged & Fast TM system is arguably the most impactful resource-allocation decision a Pokémon GO trainer can make. Unlike standard TMs that randomize movesets, the Elite TM guarantees a specific move, unlocking legacy attacks and exclusive movesets that define both the PvP meta and raid counters chart. With Elite TMs remaining scarce despite recent research breakthroughs and event distributions, knowing exactly which Pokémon deserve this premium currency separates top-tier trainers from the rest. This guide breaks down the mechanic, ranks the best targets, and shows you how to maximize your limited supply.

Elite Charged & Fast TM: How This Mechanic Works

The Elite Charged TM and Elite Fast TM function identically to regular TMs with one critical distinction: you choose the exact move your Pokémon learns, rather than cycling through a random pool. This is essential for Pokémon with legacy moves—attacks removed from the current learnset pool that can only be acquired through Community Day, special research, or historical events. Without an Elite TM, Pokémon like Mewtwo (Psystrike), Zacian (Wild Charge), or Community Day exclusives lose access to their best-in-class attacks permanently once they evolve or level up past the event window.

Elite TMs are distinct from regular Fast and Charged TMs in both scarcity and application. While standard TMs are farmed relatively easily through raids, PvP rewards, and weekly research, Elite TMs are distributed sparingly—typically one or two per season through Special Research, Timed Research, or GO Pass Premium rewards. This scarcity forces trainers to treat every Elite TM as a strategic investment rather than a convenience item, making the tier list below essential reading before you commit.

The mechanic also interacts directly with Meta relevance windows. A Pokémon that dominates Great League today may fall out of favor after a shadow release or new Community Day shifts the type chart balance. Smart trainers track upcoming events, shadow Pokémon reveals, and rumored move additions before spending an Elite TM, since misallocation means waiting months for another. This is particularly true for raid attackers, where a single legacy Charged Move can be the difference between a top-5 DPS ranking and irrelevance.

Best Elite TM Targets Tier List for PvP and Raids

Ranking Elite TM priority requires balancing PvP viability, raid DPS, and move exclusivity. The following tier list reflects current meta value across Great League, Ultra League, Master League, and raid tier lists.

S-Tier (Unlock Immediately):

• Mewtwo — Psystrike (raid and Master League staple)
• Zacian (Hero) — Wild Charge (top Master League closer)
• Kyogre — Origin Pulse (best Water-type raid attacker)
• Metagross — Meteor Mash (legacy Steel-type nuke for raids and Master League)
• Excadrill — Drill Run (Ground-type PvP and raid relevance)

A-Tier (High Priority):

• Zapdos — Thunderbolt (Electric-type coverage move)
• Gyarados — Aqua Tail (Great League safe-switch closer)
• Machamp — Cross Chop (fighting raid utility)
• Charizard — Blast Burn or Dragon Claw (raid/PvP flex depending on Mega availability)

B-Tier (Situational):

• Alolan Ninetales — Blizzard (niche Ice raid role)
• Snorlax — Body Slam (Great League bulk-up option)
• Electivire — Ice Punch (coverage tech in Master League)

Investing in S-Tier targets first guarantees your Elite TM never goes to waste, as these Pokémon maintain relevance across multiple seasons regardless of shadow releases or new hatches.

Top Pokémon Worth an Elite Fast TM Right Now

While Elite Charged TMs get most of the attention, the Elite Fast TM unlocks equally game-changing legacy Fast Moves that dictate energy generation and DPS ceilings. Fast Move selection often matters more than Charged Moves because it determines how quickly a Pokémon reaches its damage output.

• Mewtwo — Confusion (legacy Fast Move, superior to Psycho Cut for raid DPS)
• Rayquaza — Air Slash (Master League PvP viability)
• Tyranitar — Bite (Great League bait-and-switch consistency)
• Alolan Marowak — Hex (Ghost-type raid attacker gains massive energy generation)
• Venusaur — Vine Whip (essential for both PvP and raid Grass DPS)
• Golem (Alolan and Kantonian) — Mud Shot (superior Ground-type energy gain over Rock Throw)

These Fast Move upgrades often unlock a Pokémon’s true competitive ceiling, transforming middling attackers into top-10 tier list entries. Trainers optimizing for the current raid meta should prioritize Fast TMs on Pokémon they already own with high IVs, since a perfect-IV legacy-move Pokémon is significantly harder to replace than acquiring a fresh catch.

If you’re missing the high-IV base Pokémon needed to justify an Elite TM investment, securing a guaranteed Shundo or high-IV legendary through the Pokémon GO Raid Service ensures your Elite TM lands on a Pokémon worth the permanent commitment, rather than gambling on wild catches or lower-IV raid pulls.

How to Earn and Unlock Elite TMs Efficiently

Elite TMs are distributed through a limited number of reliable channels, and understanding the calendar around these sources is critical for planning your roster. Special Research storylines tied to major events (typically 2-4 times per year) are the most consistent source, often rewarding one Elite Charged TM upon completion. Timed Research during anniversary events and select Community Days occasionally includes Elite Fast TMs as milestone rewards.

The GO Battle League season reward track has historically included Elite TMs at rank milestones (Ace or Veteran rank), making consistent PvP participation a viable long-term farming strategy. Additionally, Pokémon GO Fest and other ticketed global events frequently bundle Elite TMs into paid ticket rewards, making event participation a worthwhile investment for serious meta players. Securing these tickets affordably through Buy PokéCoins Cheap allows you to stack event rewards without overspending real currency.

Once earned, resist the urge to use Elite TMs impulsively. Cross-reference the tier list above, confirm the target Pokémon has strong IVs (ideally 90%+ for PvP, high Attack stat for raids), and ensure adequate Stardust reserves for the subsequent power-ups, since a maxed legacy-move Pokémon requires significant investment beyond the TM itself. For trainers short on resources after a big Elite TM power-up push, the Pokémon GO Stardust Service accelerates the grind needed to fully realize your newly unlocked moveset in Master League or raid content.

Elite Charged & Fast TM FAQ: Common Trainer Questions

Can Elite TMs unlock moves a Pokémon never had access to?
No. Elite TMs only unlock moves already present in that Pokémon’s historical learnset pool, typically legacy or Community Day exclusive moves, not entirely new movesets outside their established pool.

Should I use an Elite TM on a shadow Pokémon?
Yes, if the shadow variant has a legacy move advantage and high IVs. Shadow Pokémon often outperform normal counterparts in DPS due to the attack boost, making Elite TM investment worthwhile.

Do Elite TMs expire or disappear?
No, Elite Fast and Elite Charged TMs remain in your item storage indefinitely until used, allowing you to wait for the ideal Pokémon or meta shift before committing.

How often are Elite TMs released?
Niantic typically distributes Elite TMs 4-6 times annually through Special Research, Timed Research, and GO Battle League season rewards, making them a scarce, high-value resource.

Is Mewtwo always the best Elite TM target?
Mewtwo with Psystrike remains a top-tier Master League and raid pick, but prioritize based on your existing roster gaps and current meta shifts each season.

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