Annihilape hasn’t been in Pokemon Go for very long but it’s already displaced another Pokemon in the competitive scene.
Annihilape was introduced in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet as a new Ghost/Fighting-type evolution for Primeape. Thanks to its amazing type combo and stats, it quickly cemented itself as one of the strongest new Pokemon, with moves that its Tera Type can further empower.
It’s now possible to catch an Annihilape in Pokemon Go, either through beating it in Raids or evolving a Primeape by beating 30 Ghost or Psychic-type Pokemon while it’s set as your Buddy.
It didn’t take long for Annihilape to make a name for itself in the Pokemon Go competitive scene, as it’s already appeared in tournaments with a performance record that has allowed it to usurp a previously popular Pokemon.
Annihilape has replaced Medicham in Pokemon Go competitive battles
A user on The Silph Road Reddit has shared the top 12 Pokemon that appeared in Play! Pokemon Regionals held in Charlotte. Annihilate is already the sixth most used Pokemon on the list, with 33.3% usage, allowing it to supplant Medicham, which was often seen in competition.
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“I’m quite happy to see Medicham on his way out. I have a fairly good one at 1495 CP, but barely used it. Now to wait for the death of Azu,” one user wrote, while another said, “I never built Medicham because I foresaw this (I’m dust poor).”
This might not be a permanent state of affairs, as one user believes: “He’ll be back. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the death of Azu, Registeel, and Skarmory were greatly exaggerated. Although I don’t think Mark Twain played PVP.”
Medicham (and its Mega Evolution) was a powerful force in Pokemon Go, with some great typing and moves that allowed it to perform well in battles. It was a great Counter/Ice Punch user, which is something Annihilape also excels at, along with access to Close Combat & Shadow Ball.
The Pokemon Go meta is always changing, with new Pokemon being added to the game while old ones are updated over time. Annihilape has made an early splash on the competitive scene, but earning a spot and holding it are two different things, and Medicham could easily reclaim its place in the future.