Pokemon Go Xerneas Raid Guide: Weaknesses, Best Counters & Shiny Details

The Legendary Fairy-type Xerneas is set to make a comeback in August 2024 in Pokemon Go 5-Star Raids. To successfully defeat and capture it, you will need a team of powerful counters.

Referred to as the Life Pokemon, Xerneas, a stag-like creature, was initially introduced in the Kalos region of Pokemon X & Y on the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. It later made its debut in Pokemon Go during the Luminous Legends X event in May 2021.

If you were unable to participate in previous events or simply wish to have another opportunity to capture a Shiny, you’ll be pleased to hear that Xerneas will be making a comeback in 5-Star Raids during Raid Hours on August 21 and 28, 2024.

In the following guide, we have compiled a list of the most effective counters to use against Xerneas in battle. These strategies will help you take advantage of its weaknesses and ultimately lead you to victory. Additionally, we have included recommended movesets for maximum success.

Xerneas Pokemon
The Pokemon Company

The Kalos region’s Legendary Xerneas is making its return in 5 Star Raids.

Xerneas weaknesses in Pokemon Go

Xerneas, a pure Fairy-type Pokemon, is only vulnerable to Steel and Poison-type attacks. Remember to target these weaknesses when entering into battle.

When facing Xerneas, it’s best to steer clear of Dark, Dragon, and Fighting-type Pokemon as they will not be very effective and are vulnerable to the Life Pokemon’s attacks.

Xerneas Strategies in Pokemon Go

The most effective counters against Xerneas in 5-Star Raids are undoubtedly Shadow Metagross and Mega Gengar, although these highly evolved creatures may not be readily available to all trainers.

Below, we have compiled a list of the most effective counters to use against Xerneas that are not Mega or Shadow Pokémon.

Pokemon Fast Move Charged Move Sprite
Metagross Bullet Punch Meteor Mash
Dialga Metal Claw Iron Head
Genesect Metal Claw Magnet Bomb
Roserade Poison Jab Sludge Bomb
Gengar Lick Sludge Bomb
Excadrill Metal Claw Iron Head
Jirachi Charge Beam Doom Desire
Victreebel Acid Sludge Bomb
Aggron Iron Tail Heavy Slam
Vileplume Acid Sludge Bomb

In the table above, you will find a balanced combination of rare Legendaries and common discoveries, providing options for every trainer to use in battle against the formidable Xerneas.

If you happen to lack any of those, there is no need to worry. Instead, concentrate on your strongest Steel and Poison-type Pokemon, join forces with a minimum of five other trainers, and you will have a high chance of achieving victory.

Is Xerneas Worth Getting?

Upon its initial appearance in Pokemon Go, Xerneas received backlash from Trainers who were dissatisfied with Niantic’s decision to only give it two Fast Moves, Tackle and Zen Headbutt, to use in battles.

Despite not being a top contender before, Xerneas has become a valuable addition to any Pokemon collection with the addition of the Fast Move Geomonacy to its moveset. A simple examination of its performance on PvPoke reveals that it holds the 5th spot in the Master League, boasting notable victories against Dragonite, Garchomp, and even Dialga.

Is Shiny Xerneas Available in Pokemon Go?

The great news is that Shiny Xerneas is now obtainable in Pokemon Go. It was first introduced in October 2022.

Although Legendary Raid Bosses are more likely to be Shiny than regular wild spawns, it will still take a combination of luck and perseverance to encounter a Shiny Xerneas.

Peruse additional guides for Pokemon Go, such as the schedule for the Spotlight Hour and event calendar.

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