Best Xerneas Raid Counters in Pokemon Go

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