The Pokémon GO Holiday Cup: Little Edition is here! Running from December 17th to 24th, 2024, this limited-time event presents a unique challenge with a 500 CP cap and restricted type pool (Electric, Flying, Ghost, Grass, Ice, and Normal). This necessitates strategic team building, departing from typical meta strategies.
Navigating the Holiday Cup's Limitations
The type restrictions, while less severe than the Fantasy Cup, still demand careful consideration. The real hurdle is finding suitable Pokémon under the 500 CP limit. Many evolved Pokémon exceed this threshold, requiring a shift in team composition.
Smeargle, previously banned, is a significant factor this year. Its ability to copy moves, particularly Incinerate and Flying Press, poses a considerable threat. Counter-strategies are crucial.
Recommended Team Compositions
Several team strategies can effectively address the challenges of the Holiday Cup:
Team 1: Countering Smeargle's Strengths
| Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|
 Pikachu Libre |
Electric/Fighting |
 Ducklett |
Flying/Water |
 Alolan Marowak |
Fire/Ghost |
This team utilizes dual typing for broader coverage. Pikachu Libre's Fighting type counters Normal-type Smeargle, while Ducklett and Alolan Marowak (or Skeledirge as a substitute) provide additional type advantages.
Team 2: Embracing the Smeargle Meta
| Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|
 Smeargle |
Normal |
 Amaura |
Rock/Ice |
| Ducklett |
Flying/Water |
This strategy incorporates Smeargle's move-copying ability. Ducklett counters Fighting types targeting Smeargle, and Amaura provides Rock-type coverage.
Team 3: Underutilized Pokémon with Strong Synergies
| Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|
 Gligar |
Flying/Ground |
 Cottonee |
Fairy/Grass |
 Litwick |
Fire/Ghost |
This team features less common choices. Litwick's Ghost/Fire typing excels against Ghost, Grass, and Ice types. Cottonee offers strong Grass and Fairy moves, while Gligar provides advantages against Electric types and resists Fire-type attacks.
Remember, these are suggestions. Your optimal team depends on your available Pokémon and play style. Good luck conquering the Holiday Cup: Little Edition! Pokémon GO is available now.
