DEXERTODialga is one of the most powerful Legendaries in Pokemon Go, but if you know the right counters to combat its weaknesses, you’ll be able to defeat and catch one in no time.
The Legendary Dialga boasts a very high max CP, some excellent moves, a brilliant dual Dragon/Steel-typing, and an Origin Forme, which is why it is considered to be not just one of the best Master League contenders, but one of the best Pokemon in Go full-stop.
As a result, we’d recommend that every trainer have one in their collection. So, now that this Legendary is about to debut its Shadow variation, here’s everything you need to know about Dialga to easily defeat it.
Dialga weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Dialga is a dual Dragon/Steel-type Pokemon, which means it’s only weak against Fighting and Ground-type moves. Players will have a slim pool of types to pick from, however, there are some excellent Fighting and Ground-type attackers in the game that will work nicely against this Legendary.
In terms of Dialga’s resistances, there are plenty, mainly due to its Steel typing. You’ll want to avoid using any Bug, Electric, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Rock, Steel, and Water-type moves as they’ll deal reduced damage. More so, avoid Grass and Poison at all costs, as Dialga is double resistant against both.
Dialga best counters
Here are some of the best counters to use against Dialga in Pokemon Go raid battles:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Groudon |  | Mud Shot & Precipice Blades |
| Mega Lucario |  | Force Palm & Aura Sphere |
| Mega Garchomp |  | Mud Shot & Earth Power |
| Shadow Excadrill |  | Mud-Slap & Scorching Sands |
| Shadow Conkeldurr |  | Counter & Dynamic Punch |
| Landorus Therian Forme |  | Mud Shot & Sandsear Storm |
| Terrakion |  | Double Kick & Sacred Sword |
| Heracross |  | Counter & Close Combat |
| Blaziken |  | Counter & Focus Blast |
| Swampert |  | Mud Shot & Earthquake |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for every trainer to use.
If you don’t have any of those counters or their alternate forms, use your strongest Fighting and Ground-type Pokemon to target Dialga’s weaknesses. Just make sure that your team is properly leveled up and has matching movesets.
How to get Dialga in Pokemon Go
As with most of the Legendaries in the game, the only way to get Dialga in Pokemon Go is to challenge and defeat it in 5-Star Raid battles. However, this mighty beast is not being featured as a Raid boss currently.
But fret not, as Shadow Dialga is about to debut in Pokemon Go thanks to the Crown Clash: Taken Over event, which will run from May 14, 2025, until May 18, 2025.
NIANTICDuring the event, players will unlock a Special Research where they’ll receive a Super Rocket Radar to chase down Giovanni for a chance at defeating him and saving this new Shadow Pokemon from his grasp.
Even though the event ends on May 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM local time, trainers can claim this Special Research until the end of the current Might and Mastery season, on June 3, 2025.
If you succeed in defeating it, you’ll be able to attempt a catch with the Premier Balls you’re given after the encounter. The number of balls you get will depend on your performance during the battle. It’s worth remembering that using Golden Razz Berries and landing Excellent Curveball Throws can increase your chances of catching any type of Pokemon.
How to evolve Dialga into Origin Forme Dialga
You cannot evolve Dialga into Origin Forme Dialga in Pokemon Go. If you want to get the alternative and more powerful Hisuian Legendary, you must capture it after taking it down in battle.
Currently, Origin Forme Dialga is not available in the game, so players looking to capture it must wait until it returns to the game.
DEXERTODialga CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Dialga has during a Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it after defeating it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 53,394 |
| CP range once captured | 2217 – 2307 |
| Snow/Windy weather CP range | 2771 – 2884 |
| Dialga max CP (Level 50) | 4565 |
Dialga stats & moves
As a dual Dragon/Steel-type Pokemon, Dialga has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 275 | 211 | 205 | 4564 |
Fast Moves
- Dragon Breath (Dragon/STAB)
- Metal Claw (Steel/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Iron Head (Steel/STAB)
- Thunder (Electric)
- Draco Meteor (Dragon/STAB)
Can Dialga be Shiny?
Yes, Dialga can be Shiny in Pokemon Go. This rare variation actually made its long-awaited debut during the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time event back in July 2021.
NIANTIC/DEXERTOShiny hunters can easily recognize Shiny Dialga due to how its deep blue body turns teal with aquamarine details instead of its usual light blue.
Remember that there’s no secret method to encounter a Shiny Dialga in the game, as it will happen entirely at random. However, if you’re determined to catch one, all you can do is stock up on Raid Passes and battle as many Dialga as you can.
That’s all you need to know to take down and catch Dialga in a Pokemon Go raid. Be sure to check out the latest Pokemon Go event, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.
