0164 Noctowl

Wing Attack benefits from STAB and sports slightly superior energy generation compared to Extrasensory. 

Sky Attack is the primary charge move due to its lesser energy cost, as well as benefiting from STAB. Shadow Ball is the preferred coverage option due to it largely being unresisted against the overall meta, and is superior to Night Shade. Psychic is an alternative coverage choice, however its coverage overlaps with its Flying-type attacks, and does it no favors against popular Steel-type Pokemon. 

Noctowl features respectable bulk and a Normal/Flying typing which is valuable against Ghost-type attacks, countering common Pokemon such as Trevenant and Sableye. Access to Wing Attack gives Noctowl faster access to Sky Attack compared to other meta Pokemon like Skarmory or Altaria.

Season 13 gave Wing Attack a buff in energy gain, turning Noctowl into a top metagame threat for almost a year. Pokemon of GO: Adventures Abound knocked Noctowl off its throne by nerfing Sky Attack's energy cost, its primary source of damage. Although Noctowl is still respectable, it no longer holds the same grip on the metagame like it used to.

The level 50 update is a positive benefit for Noctowl, but it still lacks sufficient stats for Ultra League. Double resistance to Ghost-type attacks is particularly valuable in this league due to the common presence of Giratina, though Dragon Breath variants can still win. Noctowl generally enjoys favorable fights against Fighting-types, though taking neutral damage from Fighting-type damage makes it less consistent as a counter. 

Our wise owl has flown far from its home, best return back to the Great and Ultra League.