In Pokémon GO you can currently have your Crypto-Pokémon forget the move Frustration. Which monsters is it worthwhile for?
These are Crypto monsters: Crypto-Pokémon are used by Team GO Rocket when you confront the thugs, bosses, or top boss Giovanni. After each Rocket battle, you can also receive one of these Crypto-Pokémon as a reward.
These monsters can theoretically be redeemed, but you can also keep them in their “evil” form. While these Crypto monsters are not as strong defensively, they have an increased attack value. They deal 1.2 times the damage compared to the “normal” variant, which makes them very useful in raids and gyms. There are several reasons to keep the Crypto form.
The problem: Normally, they all master the charged move “Frustration,” which can only be changed during certain periods using Charge or Elite TMs.
Now you can change the move: One such period is currently during the Game Awards event. It only lasts for one day and ends on the night of Saturday, December 12, at 1:00 AM. So you only have Friday left to use, or you can change the move for one hour after midnight. After that, you won’t be able to get rid of “Frustration” for now.
These Pokémon moves you should change
What kind of list is this? For most Crypto-Pokémon, it is worthwhile to change the move. After all, Frustration essentially does nothing. We will look at some Pokémon where the switch is particularly worthwhile right now. Primarily, we are listing monsters from the PvE sector that are strong against gyms and raids.
Two important notes: First, we are partially looking at the last developments of monsters that you can obtain in earlier evolutionary stages as Crypto. You can also take the move away from the “small” evolutions and then evolve them. Frustration will not return.
Secondly, you should not redeem the Pokémon once you have given them a new move. While they will get a HP boost and power-up bonuses, they will also learn the move “Return.” You would have to make them forget that move again – and if you have given your Pokémon an exclusive move, that is only possible through Charge TM or at events.
Crypto Mewtwo
Why is Mewtwo worthwhile? If you have a Crypto-Mewtwo, you have the potential top attacker in the game. You just need to get rid of the move Frustration.
What are the best moves for Mewtwo? The strongest Mewtwo combination you get with the fast move Confusion and the exclusive charged move Psystrike. However, you need an Elite TM for the latter as it is not readily available.
However, you can also equip your Mewtwo with moves like Psyshock, Shadow Ball (also exclusive), Focus Blast, Ice Beam, or Thunderbolt if you want to use it as a specific counter or already own a Psystrike Mewtwo. You will need the Charge TM for this, but it teaches random moves.
Here you can find more monsters where the Elite TM is worthwhile.
Legendary Crypto-Pokémon
In general, legendary Cryptos are worth changing moves as they usually offer high attack values. Here is a brief overview of the monsters that are particularly worthwhile.
- Crypto Raikou: The monster belongs to the absolute top attackers of the Electric type in its Crypto variant. The charged move Thunder Shock is worthwhile here.
- Crypto Entei: Entei deals a lot of Fire damage as Crypto. Teach it Overheat for particularly high damage. Flamethrower is suitable if you want a fast charged move.
- Crypto Zapdos: Do you not have Raikou but have a Crypto-Zapdos? Then this one could take a spot as your top Electric attacker. Here Thunder Cannon or Thunderbolt are good options.
- Crypto Moltres: Moltres is good as a Fire or Flying attacker. With an Elite TM, you can teach it Sky Attack. As a Fire attacker, you can combine Fire Spin and Overheat.
Also Articuno and Suicune are worth considering with other moves more than with Frustration, but they are not as strong as these alternatives.
These Crypto monsters are also worthwhile
You do not only need to look at legendary Pokémon; other monsters become significantly stronger due to the Crypto bonus. Here you can find a selection of really strong attackers.
- Crypto Salamence: Salamence is among the best Dragon attackers, and the Crypto variant takes the top spot in terms of damage. Equip it with Draco Meteor, or get Outrage. You can either get this move via Charge TM or if you evolve a Dratini on the December Community Day into Salamence.
Important: For the last variant, you have to change the move of Bagon or Dratini by 1:00 AM, not just starting at the Community Day. You must then evolve it at the event. - Crypto Dragonite: Dragonite ranks just behind Salamence among Crypto dragons. Here Outrage or Draco Meteor are also good options.
- Crypto Metagross: Crypto-Metagross is the strongest Steel attacker in the game. It has one of the best moves overall, Meteor Mash, but you need an Elite TM for this.
- Crypto Machamp: Machamp is useful in many gyms against Normal monsters, as it is the best fighting attacker. Teach it Counter instead of Frustration.
- Crypto Tyranitar: Tyranitar is one of the best Rock attackers, and the Crypto variant does even more damage. Particularly with the combination of Smack Down and Stone Edge, it is extremely dangerous. However, the fast move Smack Down is an event move.
Who else is worthwhile? As already mentioned, it is generally worthwhile to replace Frustration with another move. Consequently, the list is quite long. If you are looking for more good attackers, check out monsters like Swampert, Magnezone, Gyarados, Electivire, Venusaur, or Charizard.
A good overview is also provided by the list of best attackers in Pokémon GO. Monsters included in this list are usually also worthwhile as Crypto variants once you have gotten rid of Frustration.
