The chance to catch an Ultra Beast doesn't pop up too often in Pokemon GO, so trainers should make sure they are always ready and prepared for when those wormholes open. Each of the Ultra Beasts are pretty valuable in terms of Pokedex completion and the PvE meta game, so it's worthwhile to take the time to prepare for the battles ahead of time and ensure the best odds of a successful encounter reward.
The get ready for the Nihilego battles, Pokemon GO trainers are going to need to take the time to study up on the Ultra Beast's weaknesses first. As a Rock-/Poison-type Battle Raid boss, Nihilego has a huge 2x vulnerability to Ground-type Pokemon. With that in mind, trainers should be able to bring out some old reliable counters for this battle.
Before heading into the big fight, it would be wise for players to take some time to optimize their counter roster by spending some Candy, Stardust, and Elite TMs. Getting the right move sets in place ahead of the fight can help players climb to the top of the DPS charts and hopefully earn a few bonus Premier Balls for the encounter reward.
Weaknesses
This Ultra Beast is a Rock- and Poison-type, which means that Nihilego is weak to Ground-, Psychic-, Water-, and Steel-type moves. It is double weak against Ground-type moves.
Best Nihilego Counters
Excadrill - Mud-Slap/Earthquake
Landorus (Therian) - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Garchomp - Mud Shot/Earth Power
Rhyperior - Mud-Slap/Earthquake
Groudon - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Landorus (Incarnate) - Mud Shot/Earth Power
Landorus - Mud Shot/Earth Power
Rhydon - Mud-Slap/Earthquake
Golurk - Mud-Slap/Earth Power
Mamoswine - Mud-Slap/Bulldoze
Donphan - Mud-Slap/Earthquake
Golem - Mud-Slap/Earthquake
Mewtwo - Psycho Cut/Psystrike
Swampert - Mud Shot/Earthquake
Flygon - Mud Shot/Earth Power
That should be everything trainers need to know before they head into the big battle against Nihilego. Be sure to stick to the recommended counter types and enter the battle with enough allies around to help out. For a battle like this one, it would be wise to join the fight with at least four other experiences players who are bringing smart counters to the table.
Be sure to check back in the near future for lots more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.