The Legendary Life deer-like Xerneas is making a reappearance in August 2023 as a 5-Star Raid in Pokemon Go. Without a doubt, this gorgeous Fairy-type Legendary is not one you’ll want to miss out on. While Togekiss and Gardevoir are definitely S-tier Fairy-type competitors to counter Dark-, Fighting-, and Dragon-type opponents, Xerneas is just as valuable for your roster. To help you get this exquisite and powerful Legendary, we’ll cover the best Xerneas Raid counters in Pokemon Go.

What Are Xerneas’ Weaknesses in Pokemon Go?

counter xerneas in a pokemon go raid
Image Source: Niantic via Count Jinsula Screenshot

To beat Xerneas in Pokemon Go, let’s consider this Legendary’s weaknesses as a Fairy-type pocket monster: Poison and Steel. Possessing only two weaknesses does make party prep for the fight with the Legendary Life stag quite straightforward. However, this doesn’t make the battle any easier. 

Like any 5-Star Raid, it’s almost essential that you join forces with five to six Trainers to take on Xerneas. If you’re unable to gather a friend group in-game or via Discord, we recommend using an app like Poke Genie. Such applications ensure you’re able to queue up with other players, but you will need a Remote Raid Pass to participate. 

Best Xerneas Pokemon Go Counters & Movesets

Next, here is a list of the best Poison- and Steel-type counters you can use to achieve victory in a Xerneas Raid in Pokemon Go: 

Best Poison Counters
Pokemon How To Evolve Best Moveset
Mega Gengar
  • 1st & 2nd Stages: Gastly and Haunter
  • Total Candy: 125
  • Mega Evolution Energy: 200
  • Fast Attack: Lick
  • Charged Attack: Sludge Bomb
Mega Beedrill
  • 1st & 2nd Stages: Weedle and Kakuna
  • Total Candy: 62
  • Mega Evolution Energy: 100
  • Fast Attack: Poison Jab
  • Charged Attack: Sludge Bomb
Nihilego
  • No Evolution
  • Fast Attack: Poison Jab
  • Charged Attack: Sludge Bomb
Roserade
  • 1st & 2nd Stages: Budew and Roselia
  • Total Candy: 125
  • Evolution Item: Sinnoh Stone
  • Fast Attack: Poison Jab
  • Charged Attack: Sludge Bomb
Gengar
  • 1st & 2nd Stages: Gastly and Haunter
  • Total Candy: 125
  • Fast Attack: Lick
  • Charged Attack: Sludge Bomb
Overqwil
  • 1st Stage: Hisuian Qwilfish
  • Total Candy: 50
  • Fast Attack: Poison Jab
  • Charged Attack: Sludge Bomb
Best Steel Counters
Metagross
  • 1st & 2nd Stages: Beldum and Metang
  • Total Candy: 125
  • Fast Attack: Bullet Punch
  • Charged Attack: Meteor Mash
Dialga
  • No Evolution
  • Fast Attack: Metal Claw
  • Charged Attack: Iron Head
Melmetal
  • 1st Stage: Meltan
  • Total Candy: 400
  • Fast Attack: Thunder Shock
  • Charged Attack: Double Iron Bash
Mega Scizor
  • 1st Stage: Scyther
  • Total Candy: 50
  • Evolution Item: Metal Coat
  • Mega Evolution Energy: 200
  • Fast Attack: Bullet Punch
  • Charged Attack: Iron Head
Mega Aggron
  • 1st & 2nd Stages: Aron and Lairon
  • Total Candy: 125
  • Mega Evolution Energy: 200
  • Fast Attack: Iron Tail
  • Charged Attack: Heavy Slam
Excadrill
  • 1st Stage: Drilbur
  • Total Candy: 50
  • Fast Attack: Metal Claw
  • Charged Attack: Iron Head

Related:

Pokemon Go: How To Beat Giovanni (August 2023)

If you’d like more tips and tricks on how to counter Xerneas in its 5-Star Pokemon Go Raid, here’s a video by The Trainer Club: