A new era of Pokemon GO is on the way as the May 2021 calendar of events introduces some incredibly exciting Pokemon debuts to the mobile game. The Luminous Legends events are on the way and in just a few days trainers are going to have the chance to face off against Xerneas for the very first time and hopefully earn some encounters with the Gen VI Fairy-type Legendary.
Xerneas is appearing in Pokemon GO for the very first time from Tuesday, May 4, 2021 through Monday, May 17, 2021. During that period of time, trainers are going to want to as many opportunities as possible to battle the Fairy-type Pokemon and each encounters to stock up on the new Candy and try to catch a Xerneas with a high IV. In order to successfully do that trainers are going to need to take some time to prepare a new Battle Raid monsters that takes advantage of the creature's weaknesses.
Since Xerneas is a Fairy-type, that means it is going to be weak against Steel- and Poison-type Pokemon. That's a pretty interesting pairing and not necessarily one that comes up often in the current Pokemon GO PvE meta game. With that mind, don't be surprised if forming the ideal counter roster might require spending some Candy and TMs this time around...
Best Xerneas Raid Counters
Gengar (Mega) - Lick/Sludge Bomb
Metagross - Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash
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
Jirachi - Charge Beam/Doom Desire
Xerneas seems like it is going to be a pretty tough Battle Raid boss, so even with the right counters assembled players are going to want to team up with some friends and take advantage of those bonuses for this big fight. As always, trainers should remember that they don't need every one of these exact recommendations with the perfect move set in order to succeed, but things will definitely be a bit easier if they have that option.
The most important tip for success is to have a roster of Pokemon with high DPS that can take advantage of Xerneas' Steel- and Poison-type weaknesses. Trainers should also keep in mind that Xerneas is strong against Dark-, Dragon-, and Fighting-type Pokemon, so be sure to avoid those options when forming a roster.
In the coming weeks, players should learn a lot more about what other events are on the way throughout the final weeks of the the Season of Legends. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.
Source: Pokemon GO Hub