NIANTIC/DEXERTOLugia, the Gen 2 Legendary from the Johto region, continues to command attention whenever it returns to Pokemon Go. Known for its bulk and iconic design, this Raid Boss is no easy opponent, but here’s how to take it down.
Whether you’re aiming for a Shiny catch or stacking up high-IV Lugia for PvP, preparation is key. With the right counters and type advantages, even this Guardian of the Seas can be brought down efficiently.
So, to help you succeed, here’s everything you need to know – from Lugia’s weaknesses to the best Pokemon to bring into battle. Let’s make sure you’re ready the next time this Legendary titan soars into Raid battles.
Lugia weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Lugia is a dual Psychic/Flying-type creature, so it’s weak to Rock, Ghost, Electric, Ice, and Dark moves, meaning players should choose their top Pokemon of these types to bring into battle if they want to reign victorious.
On the flip side, the Legendary beast is resistant to Grass, Psychic, Ground, and Fighting types, so stay clear of those unless you want your butt handed to you on a plate.
Lugia best counters
These are some of the best counters to use against Tapu Fini in Niantic’s mobile game:
POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
Mega Gengar |  | Lick & Shadow Ball |
Mega Tyranitar |  | Bite & Brutal Swing |
Shadow Raikou |  | Thunder Shock & Wild Charge |
Shadow Electivire |  | Thunder Shock & Wild Charge |
Dawn Wings Necrozma |  | Shadow Claw & Moongeist Beam |
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 the creatures mentioned, go with their alternative or regular versions, or just use your best attackers to target Lugia’s weaknesses. Remember that they should be properly leveled up and know the matching movesets.
How to get Lugia in Pokemon Go
The only way to obtain Lugia in Pokemon Go is through 5-Star raids. You’ll need to defeat the Legendary Pokemon and then attempt to catch it with the limited amount of Premier Balls given to you based on how you performed in the raid, and if you fail, tough luck, try again.
Thanks to the recent Raid rotations, Lugia is currently available and will remain so until August 11, 2025, when it will be replaced by fellow Legendary, Ho-Oh.
DEXERTOWhen challenging this Legendary, try to use Golden Razz Berries and land Excellent Curveball Throws to increase your chances of catching it.
Lugia CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Lugia 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 | 45,925 |
CP range once captured | 2028 – 2115 |
Windy weather CP range | 2535 – 2645 |
Lugia max CP (Level 50) | 4186 |
Lugia stats & moves
As a dual Psychic/Flying-type Pokemon, Lugia has the following stats:
ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
193 | 310 | 235 | 4186 |
Fast Moves
- Dragon Tail (Dragon)
- Extrasensory (Psychic/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Hydro Pump (Water)
- Sky Attack (Flying/STAB)
- Future Sight (Psychic/STAB)
- Aeroblast (Flying/STAB/Legacy Move)
- Fly (Flying/STAB)
Can Lugia be Shiny?
Yes, Lugia can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as this variation debuted the same day the Legendary was added to the game.
NIANTIC/DEXERTOPlayers might be able to spot Shiny Lugia during its time as a Raid Boss, and they can recognize it by the soft red details on its belly, eyes, and back.
However, keep in mind that there’s no way to secure a Shiny encounter, and you must keep on challenging Lugia until you come around one and cross your fingers it stays inside the Premier Ball.
That’s everything you need to know about defeating Lugia in Pokemon Go. To become the ultimate trainer, check out the Best Pokemon for competitive play, as well as the Best Elite Fast TMs and the Best Elite Charged TMs. If you want your Pokemon to become your Buddy, learn How to get Best Buddy status.
