Here are the top 10 Gym defenders to use in Pokemon GO. Putting these Pokemon in Gyms will give any trainer a difficult time!
Pokemon GO players are always looking to get more coins to spend. Whether it is to expand their Pokemon Storage and inventory space or just to buy items from the in-game Shop, you can never have enough.
However, the only way to get PokeCoins right now is by leaving your Pokemon in Gyms – the longer they stay in the Gym, the more coins you get (up to 50 per day). Therefore, it’s in your interest to have your ‘Mon in Gyms for as long as possible.
Not every Pokemon is up to the task of defending Gyms though. You’ll want to check your Pokemon’s IV values before you assign them as a Gym defender.

Plus, not every Pokemon is cut out to defend Gyms because of its stats and moves. That’s why we’ve made this list of the top 10 Gym defenders in Pokemon GO!
But first, find out the fastest way to get PokeCoins in Pokemon GO! You’ll want to know this before you start putting your Pokemon in Gyms.
Best Gym Defenders in Pokemon GO
10. Magnezone

Magnezone is our first Pokemon on the list because it is resistant to 12 different types of attacks! It might not be the best defender stats-wise, but these resistances can make it a great part of a Gym defending lineup.
- Fast Move – Charge Beam
- Charged Move – Mirror Shot
9. Gyarados

Not only does Gyarados deal some significant damage, but it also counters all of the strong Fire, Rock, and Ground-type attackers. This makes it a solid option for a Gym defender in Pokemon GO.
- Fast Move – Waterfall
- Charged Move – Outrage
8. Milotic

Milotic is a mono-type Water Pokemon, meaning there are very few effective counters against it. What’s more, its high defense makes it a nuisance to take down.
- Fast Move – Waterfall
- Charged Move – Hyper Beam
7. Dragonite

Dragonite has always been a popular Gym defender in Pokemon GO, and for good reason. With so many great Fighting-type attackers, it’s always handy to defend Gyms with Pokemon like Dragonite which resist Fighting attacks.
- Fast Move – Dragon Tail
- Charged Move – Outrage
6. Goodra

With the right attacks, Goodra can do a load of damage, but it also has pretty impressive defense too. This makes it pretty tough to take down when you place it in a Gym!
- Fast Move – Dragon Breath
- Charged Move – Draco Meteor
Unfortunately, Goodra is pretty hard to get, but it doesn’t quite make our list of the top 10 rarest Pokemon in Pokemon GO!
5. Drifblim

Drifblim is another great option to use as a Gym defender in Pokemon GO thanks to its huge defense and Ghost-typing. This means it is resistant to all of the powerful Fighting-type attackers.
- Fast Move – Hex
- Charged Move – Shadow Ball
4. Togekiss

Togekiss is one of the very best Gym defenders in Pokemon GO. Not only does it have some strong Fairy-type attacks but Togekiss has a load of HP too!
- Fast Move – Charm
- Charged Move – Dazzling Gleam
3. Snorlax

Snorlax is one of the tankiest Pokemon in the game. It might not deal too much damage to attackers, but Snorlax’s huge HP bar makes it very tough to defeat.
- Fast Move – Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move – Hyper Beam
2. Metagross

In second place is Metagross. It counters Fighting Pokemon that many trainers use to take down strong Normal-type defenders, has some great stats, and can deal some damage too!
- Fast Move – Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move – Meteor Mash
1. Blissey

Of course, Blissey is our number 1 pick for the best Gym defender in Pokemon GO. An insane amount of health and good defense makes Blissey the most annoying Pokemon to kick out of a Gym!
- Fast Move – Zen Headbutt
- Charged Move – Dazzling Gleam
Good luck defending Gyms with these powerful Pokemon – not that you’ll need it! Also, make sure you know the fastest way to get XL Candy in Pokemon GO so you can power up these Pokemon and make them even tougher to take down.