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#181
Default
211
ATK
169
DEF
207
STA
Lvl 50Max CP
3225
Lvl 40
2852
Lvl 25Weather Boost
2037
Lvl 20Raids/Eggs
1630
Lvl 15Research
1222

PvE Analysis

Ampharos is a fan-favorite. This little Lighthouse Pokemon made its debut in Generation 2, and has long since lived as a highlight Pokemon for many players over the years. However, it genuinely doesn't have much utility in terms of the PvE meta. It's competing in one of the more competitive types in the game, meaning it has a bit of a hard time differentiating itself... at all.

Honestly, the only reason to raise Ampharos is for Mega Ampharos.

Best PvE Offensive Moveset

Volt Switch + Zap CannonBest
  • Volt Switch outperforms Charge Beam on paper, but the latter is easier to dodge with. 
  • Zap Cannon is the charge move of choice, doing far more damage for the same amount of energy as Thunder.
  • Thunder Punch deals less damage per hit, but as a 3-bar move is more consistent and is a good option for a 2nd charge move. 
  • Focus Blast, Dragon Pulse, Brutal Swing, Trailblaze, and Power Gem have little to no use on an offensive Ampharos.

Best PvE Defensive Moveset

Volt Switch + Trailblaze or Brutal SwingBe
  • Ampharos is decent on defense thanks to Volt Switch’s huge damage; Charge Beam doesn’t hold a candle to it.
  • Trailblaze has great defensive performance for Ampharos, especially thanks to its ability to counter Ground Types.
  • Brutal Swing is a 3-bar move with an early damage window and good coverage, making it also an excellent defensive option
  • Dragon Pulse* is another great defensive charge move. 
  • Thunder Punch is generally a great option for defense due to its frequent use as a 3-bar move. However, its flexibility also leaves Ampharos extremely vulnerable to Ground Types, so it's generally not a good choice.
  • Focus Blast has solid type coverage, but Ampharos probably won't get a chance to use it..
  • Thunder hits fast and is hard to dodge, whereas Zap Cannon hits harder but is easy to dodge.
  • Power Gem offers some coverage and can perform similarly to Dragon Pulse. 

PvP Analysis

Volt Switch + Brutal Swing and Trailblaze or Focus Blast or Thunder Punch

Volt Switch is the superior fast move in both damage output and energy gains, though it with an animation duration of 2 seconds (4 turns), it can be cumbersome to use. 

Brutal Swing costs the least energy and provides coverage against Grass-, Ground-, Ghost-, and Psychic-type Pokemon. Thunder Punch is another cheap option that increases the consistency of Ampharos's Electric-type damage. Trailblaze can be used to add further pressure against Ground-type Pokemon, being particularly effective against Water/Ground-type Pokemon.

Focus Blast costs the most energy, but also threatens massive damage if unshielded. Dragon Pulse is a mediocre move that can give some coverage against opposing Dragon-type Pokemon. Power Gem adds some coverage, but it is often redundant with Ampharos's Electric STAB. Zap Cannon is largely used for highlight reels due to its nuclear damage, but it is often inconsistent for serious use. Thunder is an awkward middleground between Thunder Punch and Zap Cannon and sees no play. Return doesn't provide much coverage to be worth its cost.

Great League
2.5 / 5
Ampharos is a mono-Electric Pokemon with below average bulk in Great League. Due to its somewhat frail bulk, Ampharos generally performs better when given both shields, as its powerful fast move can deal out significant damage over a prolonged fight. The moveset that Ampharos has makes it considerably threatening in this league, with coverage options against popular Water, Steel, and Dark-types, in addition to relatively strong neutral damage overall. Grass and Ground Pokemon are usually losing fights, and Pokemon with high damage output like those with access to Charm or Razor Leaf will easily be able to abuse Ampharos's fragility.
Ultra League
3.5 / 5
Ampharos performs much better in Ultra League, with most of its struggles being Grass-types, Giratina, and Swampert. Since Ampharos is still somewhat squishy in comparison to bulkier Pokemon, it can struggle against tanks like Cresselia or Armored Mewtwo. Overall the coverage that Ampharos has is quite unique and allows it to threaten much of the meta, if not being part of the meta itself.
Master League0 / 5
Ampharos simply lacks the stats for Master League.
Vulnerable
Ground
160%
Purification Cost
5 Candy + 5,000 Stardust
Second Charge Move Cost
75,000 Stardust + 75 Candy
Flee Rate
5 %
Buddy Distance
5 KM
Catch Rate
12.5 %
Female Ratio
50 %
Male Ratio
50 %