Fans of Pokemon's sixth generation are likely very familiar with the cover art legendaries from that era. Pokemon GO fans who may not be as familiar with want to brush up on the duo's types, strengths, and weaknesses before challenging them in any of the mobile AR game's Battle Raids.
One half of the pair is Xerneas. This popular pokemon is a pure Fairy-type, which gives it an interesting set of weaknesses for Pokemon GO trainers to try and exploit. Earning an encounter reward with the Legendary Fairy-type is something that will likely appeal to the mobile AR game's collector scene, as well as fans of the PvE and PvP meta game who might want to have a few powerful Fairy-types on hand for future battles.
As trainers review Xerneas' weaknesses and the best counter options available, they will want to take careful note of the move sets recommended and consider spending any TMs or Elite TMs needed to optimize their roster. Players who really want to climb to the top of the DPS charts should also review each possible counter option's IV in their collection and decide if it's worth investing some Candy and Stardust to level them up to their max CP.
Xerneas Weaknesses
This Legendary raid boss is a Fairy-type, which means Xerneas is weak to Steel- and Poison-type moves.
Best Xerneas Counters
Gengar (Mega) - Lick/Sludge Bomb
Metagross - Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash
Nihilego - Acid/Sludge Bomb
Zacian - Metal Claw/Iron Head
Beedrill (Mega) - Poison Jab/Sludge Bomb
Dialga - Metal Claw/Iron Head
Genesect - Metal Claw/Magnet Bomb
Roserade - Poison Jab/Sludge Bomb
Excadrill - Metal Claw/Iron Head
Gengar - Lick/Sludge Bomb
Deoxys - Poison Jab/Zap Cannon
Jirachi - Charge Beam/Doom Desire
Mewtwo - Confusion/Psystrike
Even if players don't have the exact counter options listed here, it's still possible to earn a victory and an encounter reward opportunity. Trainers should field the best roster of Steel- and Poison-types that they have access to and make sure that they enter the battle with enough allies to guarantee a victory. In this case, that should probably be a minimum of five players. Trainers will want to ensure that they enter the fight with enough buddies to guarantee a victory, so that they don't waste any precious Raid Passes or other valuable resources on multiple failed attempts against the legendary boss.
Be sure to check back for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates in the near future. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.