DEXERTOThe Legendary Fairy-type Xerneas will return to Pokemon Go 5-Star Raids, but you’ll need to gather some strong counters if you want to take it down for a chance at catching it.
Known as the Life Pokemon, the stag-like Xerneas first appeared in Pokemon X & Y’s Kalos region on the Nintendo 3DS back in 2013. It then made its Pokemon Go debut in May 2021 during the Luminous Legends X event.
If you missed out on previous appearances or just want another chance at catching a Shiny, you’ll be glad to know that the Legendary Xerneas is returning to the game along with its counterpart, Yveltal.
Here’s all you need to know about this outstanding creature, including the ideal counters to capitalize on its weaknesses as well as details on its full move pool.
Xerneas weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Xerneas is a pure Fairy-type Pokemon, which means its only weaknesses are Steel and Poison-type attacks, so focus on either of these when you head into battle. While it may seem like the options are slim, there are plenty of useful creatures you can use.
When it comes to Xerneas’ resistances, you’ll want to avoid using Bug, Dark, Dragon, and Fighting-type moves or Pokemon, as they won’t do much damage and will be weak to the Life Pokemon’s attacks.
It’s worth remembering that this Legendary’s power is boosted by Cloudy weather, so it’s best to avoid battling it during that condition – unless you are a fan of bigger challenges, of course.
Xerneas best counters
Here are some of the best counters to use against Xerneas in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Gengar |  | Lick & Sludge Bomb |
| Mega Beedrill |  | Poison Jab & Sludge Bomb |
| Shadow Metagross |  | Bullet Punch & Meteor Mash |
| Shadow Excadrill |  | Metal Claw & Iron Head |
| Dusk Mane Necrozma |  | Metal Claw & Sunsteel Strike |
| Dawn Wings Necrozma |  | Metal Claw & Moongeist Beam |
| Nihilego |  | Poison Jab & Sludge Bomb |
| Aggron |  | Iron Tail & Heavy Slam |
| Melmetal |  | Thunder Shock & Double Iron Bash |
| Scizor |  | Bullet Punch & Iron Head |
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.
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If you don’t have any of those counters or their alternate forms, use your strongest Steel and Poison-type Pokemon to target Xerneas’ weaknesses. Just make sure that your team is properly leveled up and has matching movesets.
How to get Xerneas in Pokemon Go
As with most of the Legendary Pokemon in the game, the only way players can get Xerneas in Pokemon Go is to challenge and defeat it in 5-Star Raid battles. Then, attempt a catch using the Premier Balls given based on performance.
Luckily for trainers, this beautiful creature will return to the game during the final weeks of the Dual Destiny season, so they’ll have the chance to capture it from February 17, 2025, until February 24, 2025, along with Yveltal.
More so, both will be featured in a Raid Hour on February 19, 2025 and will be accompanied by Mega Garchomp in Mega Raids.
NianticWhen challenging Xerneas, keep in mind that using Golden Razz Berries and landing Excellent Curveball Throws can increase your chances of catching it.
Xerneas CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Xerneas 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 | 45,899 |
| CP range once captured | 2073 – 2160 |
| Cloudy weather CP range | 2591 – 2701 |
| Xerneas max CP (Level 50) | 4275 |
Xerneas stats & moves
As a pure Fairy-type Pokemon, Xerneas has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 185 | 246 | 4275 |
Fast Moves
- Tackle (Normal)
- Zen Headbutt (Psychic)
- Geomancy (Fairy/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Megahorn (Bug)
- Thunder (Electric)
- Moonblast (Fairy/STAB)
- Close Combat (Fighting)
- Giga Impact (Normal)
Can Xerneas be Shiny?
Yes, Xerneas can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as this variation – considered one of the most beautiful creatures in the game – made its debut in October 2022.
NIANTIC/DEXERTOPlayers can recognize Shiny Xerneas by its light blue upper body (usually deep blue) and silver legs, torso, and tail (usually black).
While Legendary Raid Bosses have a better chance of being Shiny than regular wild spawns, the odds of spotting a Shiny Xerneas are low and there’s no special method to change that.
The only way trainers can improve their chances is by challenging Xerneas multiple times and waiting for the best.
That’s all you need to know to defeat the Legendary Xerneas in Pokemon Go Raid battles. Don’t forget to check out the latest Pokemon Go events, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.
