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For the Pokémon GO lineup used from April 1 through April 29, 2026, Arlo led with Mawile, Cliff led with Magikarp, and Sierra led with Hoppip. Each leader’s second and third Pokémon were drawn from three possibilities, so there was no single guaranteed six-Pokémon matchup. Build coverage for the possible slots, then adjust after each Pokémon is revealed. A new rotation began on April 30.
April 2026 leader lineups
The following combinations are the archived lineup for the rotation that started January 23 and ended April 29. The first slot was fixed; slots two and three could vary.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokémon GO Plus + | $154.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon GO Plus + | $133.73 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokemon Go Plus + | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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Silicone Case for Poke Go Plus + (2023), Go Plus Plus Cover Case with Strap, Soft Protective Case... | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Pokemon Go Plus + (Renewed) | $149.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Leader | First slot | Possible second slot | Possible third slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo | Mawile | Slowbro, Steelix, or Golurk | Charizard, Alakazam, or Scizor |
| Cliff | Magikarp | Skarmory, Cradily, or Annihilape | Tyranitar, Camerupt, or Gallade |
| Sierra | Hoppip | Blastoise, Flygon, or Ferrothorn | Steelix, Houndoom, or Milotic |
This is historical guidance for April 1–29, not the lineup after the April 30 rotation. The lineup archive is community-maintained; Niantic documents leader encounters and mechanics but does not publish a complete historical lineup list.
How to build counters when slots are random
Do not lock your party around one predicted second or third Pokémon. Use a lead that handles the fixed opener, then keep coverage for the revealed later slots. A Pokémon with a second Charged Attack of a different type can cover more possibilities, although that is general strategic advice rather than proof of a best April 2026 moveset.
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- The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
Arlo: Mawile lead
- Prepare a reliable answer to Mawile, then reserve options for Water- or Ground-oriented matchups against possible Steelix and Golurk, while retaining answers for Charizard, Alakazam, and Scizor.
- Because the final slot can switch between Fire-, Psychic-, and Bug/Steel-oriented threats, prioritize complementary Charged Attack types rather than three counters that all solve the same matchup.
- After the second Pokémon appears, swap your planned finisher if the revealed weakness makes another member of your party safer.
Cliff: Magikarp lead
- Use an efficient answer to Magikarp, but do not treat the easy opener as evidence that the rest of the battle will be easy.
- Possible second slots include Skarmory, Cradily, and Annihilape, which demand different coverage. Keep at least one option that can pressure the actual Pokémon rather than relying on a single predicted type.
- The third slot may be Tyranitar, Camerupt, or Gallade. Save a healthy, broad-coverage counter for this reveal instead of spending every shield and Charged Attack on the opener.
Sierra: Hoppip lead
- Plan for Hoppip first, then preserve coverage for Blastoise, Flygon, or Ferrothorn in slot two.
- Her possible final Pokémon—Steelix, Houndoom, and Milotic—have very different defensive profiles. A second Charged Attack or a swap-ready teammate is particularly valuable here.
- Once Sierra reveals slot two, choose the remaining party member that best covers that Pokémon and the three possible finishers.
Practical battle plan
- Scout the leader’s fixed opener. Arlo always starts with Mawile, Cliff with Magikarp, and Sierra with Hoppip for this rotation.
- Use the opener to gain information. Note how quickly the leader reaches Charged Attacks and avoid spending all of your shields before the variable slots appear.
- Identify slot two. Replace your planned matchup with the counter that fits the Pokémon actually on screen; the archive’s three-way possibilities make prediction unreliable.
- Save coverage for slot three. Keep at least one healthy Pokémon and, where practical, a different-type Charged Attack for the final reveal.
- Rebuild after a loss. Record the leader’s revealed sequence and change only the weak matchup before trying again.
Finding and retrying a leader
Niantic requires a Rocket Radar to locate Arlo, Cliff, or Sierra in a leader hideout. Winning consumes the Radar. If you lose, you can re-engage that leader while the same hideout remains on the map. A Rocket Radar-equipped Team GO Rocket balloon can also bring one of the three leaders, but balloons are available only for a limited time.
Charged TMs and Frustration
Niantic event announcements sometimes allow a Charged TM to remove Frustration from a Shadow Pokémon during the named event. That permission is event-specific; it is not a standing guarantee that Frustration can always be removed. Check the active event rules before using a TM for this purpose.
Rank #2
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
What changed on April 30?
The January 23 lineup ended on April 29, and a new leader rotation started April 30. Do not use the table above as “current” advice for encounters after that date; verify the lineup applicable to the date you are playing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Premium Silicone Material for Comfort & Safety: Crafted from high-quality silicone, this case delivers a soft, pleasant touch while shielding your Poke GO Plus+ from scratches, dirt, and daily wear.
- Portable Design with Wrist Strap: The built-in hand strap allows you to wear the case on your wrist, ensuring easy portability and hands-free convenience during outdoor adventures.
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.
Rank #3
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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