1. Legendary Raid Bosses
Mewtwo
Mewtwo is a Psychic-type Pokémon and one of the toughest raid bosses. The best counters include:
- Darkrai: With Shadow Ball, Darkrai deals massive damage with its Dark-type moves.
- Giratina (Origin Forme): Utilizing Shadow Ball ensures high DPS against Mewtwo.
- Tyranitar: Equipped with Bite and Crunch, Tyranitar is a solid choice.
Rayquaza
Rayquaza, a powerful Dragon and Flying-type, can be countered effectively by:
- Metagross: With Meteor Mash, Metagross can dish out serious damage.
- Garchomp: Utilizing Dragon Tail and Outrage offers excellent DPS.
- Drogon: Equipped with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor enhances damage output.
Zygarde
Zygarde (both Forms) is challenging due to its Ground and Dragon typing. Best counters are:
- Dragapult: With Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw, it excels against Zygarde.
- Rayquaza: With access to powerful moves, Rayquaza can deal substantial damage.
- Hydreigon: Utilizing Dark Pulse and Dragon Breath makes Hydreigon a formidable opponent.
2. Mega Raid Bosses
Mega Rayquaza
As a Mega Evolution, this variant boasts much higher stats. The ideal counters include:
- Mega Gardevoir: Employing Charm and Psychic can deal loads of damage.
- Mega Tyranitar: With Bite and Crunch, Mega Tyranitar counters effectively.
- Mega Latios: Utilizing Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor delivers great performance.
Mega Mewtwo X and Y
Both forms are Psychic-types with different benefits. The best Pokémon to counter them are:
- Tyranitar: Shadow Claw and Crunch offer great synergy.
- Zygarde: Its Ground typing offers an advantage against Mega Mewtwo Y.
- Darkrai: With its Dark-type moves, it remains a preferable choice for both forms.
3. Regular Raid Bosses
Gyarados
Gyarados is Water and Flying-type. The best counters include:
- Raikou: Equipped with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge makes it a perfect counter.
- Zekrom: Using Charge Beam and Wild Charge drastically reduces Gyarados’ health.
- Electivire: With Thunder Shock and Wild Charge, Electivire holds its own.
Machamp
Machamp, known for its Fighting-type moves, can be countered using:
- Gardevoir: Fairy and Psychic moves pose a significant threat.
- Flying-type Pokémon: Pokémon like Salamence with Air Slash and Hurricane can deal quick damage.
- Psychic-types: Alakazam with Confusion and Psychic is a viable option.
Snorlax
This Normal-type Pokémon can withstand numerous hits. The best choices to counter Snorlax include:
- Fighting-types: Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch can work well.
- Lucario: With Counter and Aura Sphere, it offers terrific DPS to bring down Snorlax.
- Conkeldurr: Utilizing Counter and Dynamic Punch can also deal drastic damage.
4. Seasonal Raid Bosses
Palkia
Palkia, with its Water and Dragon typing, is best faced with:
- Dragon-types: Rayquaza with Dragon Tail and Outrage counters well.
- Dragonite: Using Dragon Breath and Hurricane, Dragonite offers high DPS.
- Kyurem: With Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor, Kyurem remains a strong choice.
Giratina (Altered Forme)
To take on Altered Forme, consider the following Pokémon:
- Fairy-types: Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam can dish out severe damage.
- Flying-types: Zapdos with Air Slash and Hurricane is lethal against Giratina.
- Psychic-types: Alakazam with Confusion and Psychic also proves effective.
5. Special Event Bosses
Deoxys (Defense Forme)
Deoxys is pure Psychic and can withstand a lot of damage. Best counters include:
- Dark-type Pokémon: Like Darkrai with Snarl and Shadow Ball.
- Bug-types: Scizor with Fury Cutter and Bug Buzz excel against it.
- Ghost-types: Giratina with Shadow Claw and Shadow Force can also shine brightly.
Celebi
The Psychic and Grass-type Celebi has unique strengths. The best choices include:
- Fire-types: Pokémon like Reshiram with Fire Fang and Overheat are highly effective.
- Flying-types: Staraptor using Wing Attack and Brave Bird is a solid counter.
- Steel-types: Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash counters well.
6. Event-Specific Raid Bosses
Lugia
Lugia is a formidable Psychic and Flying-type. Best counters include:
- Ghost-types: Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball can take advantage.
- Rock-types: Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge can also inflict heavy damage.
- Electric-types: Zekrom can also counter it well utilizing Charge Beam.
Latios
Latios is known for the Psychic and Dragon type. Top counters consist of:
- Dark-type Pokémon: Mega Gyarados using Bite and Crunch is a great choice.
- Ice-types: Weavile with Ice Shard and Avalanche counters efficiently.
- Bug-types: Scizor equipped with Bullet Punch and X-Scissor works well too.
7. Generic Raid Boss Strategies
Raid Team Composition
- Diversity: Ensure a mix of Pokémon types is present.
- Counters: Always choose Pokémon that counter the raid boss’s specific types.
- Optimal Movesets: Keep an eye on the movesets; for instance, Pokémon with STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) deals more damage.
Preparations
- Power Up: Prioritize powering up Pokémon that counter hard.
- Berries and Potions: Don’t forget to stock on berries and potions for longer raids.
- Group Coordination: Raid with friends for better coordination and faster takedowns.
Focusing on the right Pokémon and utilizing effective counters greatly enhances your chances of success in Pokémon GO raids. Optimize your team to perfectly tailor your strategy for each challenging raid boss you encounter.
