Pokemon GO Elite Raids: How to defeat Mega Rayquaza

Niantic has announced that the next set of Elite Raids will feature Mega Rayquaza, giving Pokemon GO players a chance to catch the legendary Pokemon. Rayquaza is a dragon and flying-type Pokemon. The Pokemon will be arriving as a Raid Boss on June 29 during different intervals on June 29, 2024.

Here is the schedule for Mega Rayquaza Elite Raids:

June 29, 2024

• 12 p.m. PT
• 1 p.m. PT
• 5 p.m. PT
• 6 p.m. PT

There will also be a free Timed Research to take part in during this event, and completing the research tasks would allow players to earn a Meteorite. This is a rare item in Pokemon GO and is necessary to teach the Charged Attack Dragon Ascent to Rayquaza. Teaching this move is also a requirement to Mega Evolve this particular Pokemon.

How to defeat Mega Rayquaza?

The legendary Rayquaza is weakest against Ice attacks. It is also vulnerable to Dragon, Fairy, and Rock moves. Rayquaza is strong against Fighting, Fire, Bug, Water, Grass, and Ground moves. Since its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, there are selective Pokemon who are equipped to deal with Rayquaza during a battle. Entering this battle with a Pokemon who knows Ice attacks are a must, and their secondary attack has to be a Dragon, Fairy, or Rock attack.

Best counters

Mamoswine (its shadow variant will be a better choice), Mega Gardevoir, Shadow Mewtwo, Cetitan, and Mega Glalie are some of your best choices. Mamoswine is a relatively common Pokemon among these choices, and if you do not have others, you can also go with Glaceon, the ice-type evolution of Eevee. Keep in mind that this is not an easy raid to complete on your own, and it is best to enter this fight with at least two more trainers who are well-equipped for this encounter.

What are Elite Raids?

Elite Raids in Pokemon GO refers to special raid battles that arrive only for 45 minutes once a special Raid Egg hatches. Also, players can only engage in a raid battle by physically visiting a nearby gym, meaning that neither you nor your friends can join an Elite Raid battle using a Remote Raid Pass.