Pokemon Go Xerneas counters, movesets, and how to beat it

These Pokemon Go Xerneas counters will help you catch this powerful Pokemon, one that trainers will want to catch as many of as they can. Of course, the Gen 6 Legendary has been in the game for a little while now but its return marks the debut of its Shiny variant, which all trainers should strive to find and capture.

Xerneas Raids will only be available in Pokemon Go for a limited time, in conjunction with the Pokemon Go Evolving Stars event, so trainers should get to their closest Raid as often as they can. From Saturday, October 8 until Thursday, October 20 the Fairy-type Pokemon will appear in Level 5 Raids.

To help Pokemon Go trainers take down as many Xerneas as possible, in the shortest time possible, we’ve come up with this handy guide. You need some great counter Xerneas counter ideas? We got it. 

But that’s not all, this guide will give trainers an in-depth look at which moves Xerneas can use and how they would affect your team. 

So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about Xerneas in Pokemon Go.

How to Catch Shiny Xerneas in Pokemon Go 

With Shiny Xerneas making its debut, trainers will want to know how to catch it. Of course, it’ll be extremely rare to come across a Shiny Xerneas but there will be plenty of chances to find them.

There will be a special Raid Hour on October 12 and October 19 that will see all Five-Star Raids filled with Xerneas. Battle as many of them as you can, and you’ll have a chance to find the elusive Shiny Xerneas.

There’s no trick to finding this rare variant, but trainers will just need some luck.

Pokemon Go Xerneas counters

Xerneas is a pure Fairy-type Pokemon, making it weak to just Poison and Steel-type attacks.

Since Xerneas’ debut in Pokemon Go, trainers have access to more Mega Pokemon that can help take down the Legendary than before. We’re talking about Mega Steelix and Mega Aggron.

Before trainers had just Poison-type options like Mega Gengar and Beedrill -- and we’ll get to them -- but if you’re looking to bring an all-Steel Pokemon team these two should be brought with you.

To round out your Steel team, bring Pokemon like Metagross and Excadrill.

Mega Gengar and Beedrill should be the base of your Poison-type teams, and while they don’t have the most powerful Poison moves their ability to boost the moves of your team is invaluable.

Nihelego and Roserade are perfect non-Mega Poison types to use on your team.

Here are some suggestions for Xerneas counters in Pokemon Go.

Pokemon Go Xerneas moveset

Xerneas can be tricky as its moveset is very vast. Poison types will not like Zen Headbutt, which is one of Xerneas’ Fast Attacks. However, the Legendary doesn’t have a Charged Attack that can deal super effective damage, in fact both Gengar and Beedrill resist all but one of the Pokemon’s more powerful moves.

Steel types will have a much easier time dealing with Xerneas, though. They resist both Tackle and Zen Headbutt, the Pokemon’s Fast moves, while only one Charged Attack deals super effective damage.

Close Combat is the one move that Steel-type trainers have to look out for. It will deal a lot of damage to most Steel types. Genesect’s Bug typing makes the move neutral, if you run across a Xerneas knowing this move and are in need of something to take hits.

Here’s every move Xerneas can know in Pokemon Go.  

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