u/MarkusEF

That is, excluding Kyurem, Necrozma, Zacian & Zamazenta. I‘m free-to-play and have just enough fusion energy to fuse exactly 1 of each form, but their appraisals are all bad (<90% overall, <= 14 attack.) I’d do it as a last resort, but there should be alternatives.

Last season, I reached Ace in the last 1-2 weeks using Metagross Lv51 (SC/MM/EQ), Kyogre Lv41 (Avalanche/Origin Pulse) and Origin Palkia Lv41 (Aqua Tail/Spacial Rend.) This season I’ve been hard stuck in the 1800s, though it’s a bit earlier in the season. My goal is only to reach Ace.

I‘ve rarely gone 5-0 above the 1,500 rating level. There‘s always one opponent with triple Level 50 legendary/fusion teams mixed in with another who doesn’t even have a single 3000+ CP Pokemon. The rating system isn’t working as intended in this league for whatever reason…

This season, the most common Pokemon I’ve encountered in the 1500-1900 range are Mewtwo with Shadow Ball, Crowned Zacian, and Kyogre with Avalanche and either Origin Pulse or Thunder. If I lead with Metagross, a LV50 Mewtwo always beats me to the first charged attack, meaning I have to shield or take a ton of damage. Kyogre bait (Avalanche vs Thunder) also depends on random guesswork a lot of the time.

Any recommendations? Thank you.

A Thunderous Discovery
Step 1
Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms - 2,026 XP
Make a Nice Throw - 20 Pokeballs
Catch 10 Pokémon - 2,026 Stardust
Step Rewards: Star Piece, Hat Caterpie Encounter, Lucky Egg
Step 2 - In-Person Go Fest Exclusive?
Catch 10 Pokémon in the Recruitment Zone - Hat Pikachu
Catch 10 Pokémon in the Conservatory Zone - Hat Pikachu
Catch 10 Pokémon in the Cultivation Zone - Hat Pikachu
Catch 10 Pokémon in the Team GO Rocket Hideout - Sandile Encounter
Step Rewards: 2,026 XP, Wash Rotom Encounter, 26 Pokeballs
Step 3 - Electric Types
Catch 3 Electric-type Pokémon - 26 Pokeballs
Power up Electric-type Pokémon 6 times - Magnetic Lure
Transfer 3 Pokémon - 26 Great Balls
Step Rewards: 2,026 XP, Dhelmise Encounter, 2,026 Stardust
Step 4 - Throws
Explore 2km - 26 Pokeballs
Make 6 Nice Throws - 6 Pinaps
Make 3 Curveball Throws - Lucky Egg
Step Rewards: 2,026 XP, Mudbray Encounter, 3 Premium Battle Passes
Step 5 - Raids
Battle in 2 raids - 6 Max Revives
Win a raid - 6 Max Potions
Use 3 Max Potions - 26 Ultra Balls
Step Rewards: 2,026 XP, Comfey Encounter, 2 Super Incubators
Step 6 - Throws & Zeraora Encounter
Explore 2km - 2,026 Stardust
Make 3 Great Throws - 3 Rare Candies
Make an Excellent Throws - Rare Candy XL
Step Rewards: 6 Zeraora Stickers, Zeraora Encounter, 26 Zeraora Candies
Step 7 - Zeraora Interactions
Take a snapshot of Zeraora - Poffin
Earn a Candy exploring with Zeraora as your buddy - 26 Ultra Balls
Earn 6 hearts with Zeraora as your buddy - Golden Razz Berries
Step Rewards: 6 Go Fest Stickers, Zeraora T-shirt, 2 Lure Modules
Step 8 - Time Gate
Catch a Pokémon on 7 different days - 2,026 XP
Hatch 2 Eggs - 2,026 Stardust
Send a gift to a friend - 2,026 XP
Step Rewards: 6 Rare Candies XL, Poke Ball Shades, 6 Zeraora Candies XL

Since the Volcanion special research distributed to F2P trainers in March was largely the same as last year’s ticketed Go Fest versions, this is likely broadly similar to what we’ll be getting in July. But it won’t be identical: I expect Step 2 to be removed from the global version since it’s venue-specific, and it’s also quite possible that Mudbray & Comfey encounters - as well as the more generous premium items - will be axed for F2P. :(