Legendary Pokemon
Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Go have been promised from the get go. Its first trailer showed a hypothetical event featuring a massive battle against Mewtwo. This page includes a schedule of Legendary Pokemon Raids, the best way to take them down, and a List of Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Go.
Legendary Pokemon Raid Schedule
Click on the Pokemon's name to see the best way to defeat them!
Cresselia | Until December 18 |
Giratina | October - November 20 |
- See More on Raids
Legendary Pokemon Details
Niantic finally confirmed the arrival of Legendary Pokemon days before the first Live Event, Pokemon Go Fest in Chicago July 22, 2017.
Legendary Pokemon are only obtainable by defeating Legendary Pokemon Raids. Once defeated, Trainers will have a chance to capture the rare and powerful Pokemon much how they would a normal Raid Boss.
- You'll know a soon-to-begin Raid will feature a Legendary Pokemon if the Raid Egg is dark blue.
- You will want the full 20 players if you want to make easy work of Legendary Pokemon.
- Fewer can defeat them, at the very least six, but you need high-leveled Pokemon well-suited for the task.
- Legendary Pokemon cannot defend Gyms, but they can battle enemy Gyms and Raid Bosses.
- Base Capture Rate for Legendary Pokemon is only 3%.
- Legendary Pokemon Buddy Distance is 20km per 1 candy.
Because Legendary Pokemon are so difficult to take down, you can find recommended counters to strategically up your chance of defeating them. However, if none of your counters are high CP (1,500+ at the very least, preferably 2000+) you may as well just use your highest CP Pokemon.
Catching Legendary Pokemon
Because Legendary Pokemon have such a low capture rate at only 3%--Lugia only 2%-- you'll want to save your Golden Razz Berries and practice your Curve Balls to maximize your chance at catching a Legendary Pokemon. See the chart below made by Reddit user Epimetheos for a visualization of just how much the extra effort helps.
Medals awarded for catching certain Types of Pokemon, for example Bird Keeper for Flying-type Pokemon, will increase catch rate as well. To earn the Gold Medal, catch 200 of a specific Type of Pokemon.
Once in the process of catching the Legendary Pokemon:
- Use a Golden Razz Berry for each attempt.
- Use a Curve Ball if you're confident in your accuracy.
- Only throw a Premier Ball right after the Pokemon has attacked, so you can try to ensure your throw won't be interrupted.
- Wait for the Pokemon to re-center if it has moved to an awkward spot.
Cresselia Raids
Cresselia is first appearing until December 18, 2018, at 1:00 p.m
Cresselia Weaknesses
Cresselia, as a Psychic Pokemon, is weak to:
- Dark
- Bug
- Ghost
Also worth noting is that Dark-type Pokemon are very resistant to Psychic-type moves, making the Dark- and Rock-type Tyranitar an ideal partner against Cresselia unless it knows auror beam or moonblast in which case you'll want to swap to a different Pokemon. A bug type like Scizor is a good choice.
Cresselia's Combat Moves
To attack with combat moves, tap the screen when in battle and the Pokemon will unleash their attacks as fast as they are able. Repeated attacks will build up the bars on their special meter. When any or all bars are filled, hold down on the screen for a moment to unleash a special move.
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Psycho Cut | Psychic | 5 |
Confusion | Psychic | 20 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Aurora Beam | Ice | 80 | 2 |
Moonblast | Fairy | 130 | 1 |
Future Sight | Psychic | 120 | 1 |
Giratina Weaknesses
Giratina, as a Dragon and Ghosy-Type Pokemon, is weak to:
- Dragon
- Ghost
- Dark
- Ice
- Fairy
And is resistant to:
- Bug
- Fighting
- Normal
- Poison
- Electric
- Fire
- Grass
- Water
Giratina's moveset can include Rock-Type, Ghost-Type or Dragon-Type attacks. When up against Giratina's you will want to choose pokemon based on its moves but your best bet is to use Ice, Dark, or Fairy-Type to not be weak to its attacks. If it doesn't have any Dragon-Type moves another Dragon will be a very strong matchup due to their typically high damage output.
Pokemon such as Articuno, or dragon types like [[[Rayquaza]]|Rayquaza]] will be very effective against Giratina but may be weak to its attacks.
If you're looking for a less vulnerable counter Tyranitar is a good choice.
Giratina's Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Dragon Breath | Dragon | 6 |
Shadow Claw | Ghost | 9 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Dragon Claw | Dragon | 50 | 3 |
Ancient Power | Rock | 70 | 3 |
Shadow Sneak | Ghost | 50 | 3 |
Deoxys Raids
Deoxys Weaknesses
Deoxys, as a Psychic Pokemon, is weak to:
- Dark
- Bug
- Ghost
Also worth noting is that Dark-type Pokemon are very resistant to Psychic-type moves, making the Dark- and Rock-type Tyranitar an ideal partner against Deoxys. Tyranitar is especially good as Deoxys will often know an electric type move but Defense form Deoxys can know a fighting type move, so in this case a Bug-type might be a better choice.
Deoxys's has many forms with different movesets which can include Rock-Type, Poison-Type, Fighting type or Electric-Type attacks. Plan your attack accordingly.
Deoxys Moveset
Normal Form
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Charge Beam | Electric | 8 |
Zen Headbutt | Psychic | 12 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Thunderbolt | Electric | 80 | 2 |
Hyper Beam | Normal | 150 | 2 |
Psycho Boost | Psychic | 70 | 2 |
Attack Form
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Poison Jab | Poison | 10 |
Zen Headbutt | Psychic | 12 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Zap Cannon | Electric | 140 | 1 |
Dark Pulse | Dark | 80 | 2 |
Psycho Boost | Psychic | 70 | 2 |
Defence Form
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Counter | Fight | 12 |
Zen Headbutt | Psychic | 12 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Zap Cannon | Electric | 140 | 1 |
Rock Slide | Rock | 80 | 2 |
Psycho Boost | Psychic | 70 | 2 |
Speed Form
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Charge Beam | Electric | 8 |
Zen Headbutt | Psychic | 12 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Zap Cannon | Electric | 140 | 1 |
Swift | Normal | 60 | 2 |
Psycho Boost | Psychic | 70 | 2 |
Rayquaza Raids
Rayquaza is first appearing from Feb 9 - March 16.
Rayquaza Weaknesses
Rayquaza, as a Dragon and Flying-Type Pokemon, is weak to:
- Dragon
- Fairy
- Rock
Most importantly Rayquaza is especially weak against:
- Ice
And is resistant to:
- Fire
- Bug
- Grass
- Ground
- Fight
- Water
Rayquaza's moveset can include Rock-Type or Dragon-Type attacks. When up against Rayquaza's with Outrage your best bet is to use ice type Pokemon with doubly effective attacks. Ancient Power as a rock type move will be super effective, so a Dragon-Type will be better suited against these Raid Bosses.
Ice-Types such as Articuno, Jynx or Walrein will be very effective against Rayquaza but may be weak to its Rock-Type attack - especially Articuno. Dragon-Types like Dragonite are a good pick if but will be taken down quickly by Outrage.
If you're looking for a less vulnerable counter Rock-Types like Golem and Rhydon are also good choices.
Rayquaza's Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Dragon Tail | Dragon | 15 |
Air Slash | Flying | 14 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Outrage | Dragon | 110 | 2 |
Aerial Ace | Flying | 55 | 3 |
Ancient Power | Rock | 70 | 3 |
Kyogre Raids
Kyogre is first appearing from Jan 12 - February 14.
Kyogre Weaknesses
Kyogre, as a Water-type Pokemon, is weak to:
- Electric
- Grass
And is resistant to:
- Fire
- Steel
- Ice
- Water
Kyogre's moveset means that Grass Type Pokemon can be very effective by taking little damage from its Water and Electric attacks. However, the potential for Kyogre to know Blizzard means that they can also be weak to this very powerful move.
For Kyogre who don't know Blizzard Exeeggutor and other Grass Types are a great choice. Otherwise, stick with Electric Types like Raiku, Zapdos, and Jolteon.
Kyogre Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Waterfall | Water | 16 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Hydro Pump | Water | 130 | 1 |
Blizzard | Ice | 130 | 1 |
Thunder | Electric | 100 | 1 |
Groudon Raids
Groudon is first appearing around the world December 15 - Jan 15.
Groudon Weaknesses
Groudon, as a Ground-type Pokemon, is weak to quite a few types:
- Grass
- Ice
- Water
Groudon does, however, come armed with a variety of moves which can make quick work of many of types strong against it.
Gyarados with water attacks is a good pick who won't be taken out as easily by Solar Beam due to its dual Water/Flying status.
Ho-Oh with a Solar Beam would also be an excellent choice against Groudon.
Groudon Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Dragon Tail | Dragon | 15 |
Mud Shot | Ground | 5 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Fire Blast | Fire | 140 | 1 |
Earthquake | Ground | 120 | 1 |
Solar Beam | Grass | 180 | 1 |
Ho-Oh Raids
Ho-Oh was available via raid battles from November 27, 2017 to December 14, 2017.
Ho-Oh Weaknesses
Ho-Oh is a Fire/Flying-Type Pokemon and thus has several weaknesses.
- Electric
- Water
Each of these will do 1.4x the usual damage.
- Rock
Rock-type moves will do 1.96x the damage.
Electric types like Zapdos, Raiku, and Jolteon are a safe bet for doing extra damage without being weak to any of Ho-Oh's moves.
Golem and Omastar or other Rock or Water-Type Pokemon are also good counters to Ho-Oh, as they are resistant to some of Ho-Oh's attacks and will deal extra damage. However, Ho-Oh's potential to know Steel Wing and Solar Beam can put these Pokemon at a disadvantage.
Ho-Oh Movest
Possible Fast Attacks | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Extrasensory | Psychic | 12 |
Steel Wing | Steel | 12 |
Possible Charged Attacks | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Brave Bird | Flying | 90 | 3 |
Fire Blast | Fire | 140 | 3 |
Solar Beam | Grass | 180 | 2 |
Raikou Raids
Raikou is first appearing in the Americas August 31 - September 30. In Pokemon Gold and Silver, this Legendary Beast would appear in random areas of the map, only to run away to a different far away land when encountered. To somewhat mirror this mechanic, the Legendary Beasts in Pokemon Go will be available in different regions of the world at different times.
Raikou Weaknesses
Raikou, as an Electric-type Pokemon, is only weak to one type:
- Ground
Additionally, Ground-type Pokemon are resistant to Electric-type attacks. This makes the Ground- and Rock-Types Golem and Rhydon with Ground-type moves the most ideal counters to Raikou.
Steelix, with its Ground-type and super high defense, would make a decent anchor Pokemon.
Other Ground-type Pokemon, like Donphan, would be a great choice up against Raikou as well.
Raikou Moveset
Possible Fast Attacks | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Thunder Shock | Electric | 6 |
Volt Switch | Electric | 12 |
Possible Charged Attacks | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Thunder | Electric | 100 | 3 |
Thunderbolt | Electric | 80 | 3 |
Wild Charge | Electric | 90 | 3 |
Suicune Raids
Suicune is first appearing in the Asia-Pacific region August 31 - September 30. In Pokemon Gold and Silver, this Legendary Beast would appear in random areas of the map, only to run away to a different far away land when encountered. To somewhat mirror this mechanic, the Legendary Beasts in Pokemon Go will be available in different regions of the world at different times.
Suicune Weaknesess
Suicune, as a Water-type Pokemon, is weak to the following types:
- Electric
- Grass
Exeggutor will resist Suicune's Water-type attacks and deal super effective damage with its Grass-type attacks. Though Zapdos won't resist Suicune, it will do an incredible amount of damage.
Venasaur would be a good choice, but may be susceptible to Suicune's possibly Psychic-type quick move. Raikou, Jolteon, Meganium, and other Electric- or Grass-type Pokemon are also respectable.
Suicune Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Extrasensory | Psychic | 12 |
Snarl | Dark | 12 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Hydro Pump | Water | 130 | 1 |
Bubble Beam | Water | 45 | 2 |
Water Pulse | Water | 70 | 2 |
Entei Raids
Entei is first appearing in Europe and Africa August 31 - September 30. In Pokemon Gold and Silver, this Legendary Beast would appear in random areas of the map, only to run away to a different far away land when encountered. To somewhat mirror this mechanic, the Legendary Beasts in Pokemon Go will be available in different regions of the world at different times.
Entei Weaknesses
Entei, as a Fire-type Pokemon, is weak to quite a few types:
- Ground
- Rock
- Water
As such, there are quite a few good counters against Entei. The most common of these is the Water-type Vaporeon, but Rock-type Pokemon, like Tryanitar are exceptional as well. Both are resistant to Fire-type attacks.
Dragonite, though it doesn't have any super-effective moves, is resistant to Entei's Fire-type attacks and is overall a well-rounded Pokemon. Omastar and Golem are again useful when up against Entei, as they are with many other Legendary Pokemon.
Entei Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Fire Spin | Fire | 15 |
Fire Fang | Fire | 12 |
Possible Special Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Flamethrower | Fire | 70 | 1 |
Fire Blast | Fire | 140 | 3 |
Overheat | Fire | 160 | 2 |
Mewtwo Raids
Mewtwo first appeared on August 14 during the Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama. This Legendary Pokemon began appearing in Exclusive (EX) Raid Battles September 6 at certain sponsored gyms. The EX Raids are still in beta and will soon be more widely available. Mewtwo will only appear in Exclusive Raids.
NOTE: Niantic has updated EX Raids. Here is some new info:
You must be invited to partake in them ahead of time, however. To get invited, raid often and get higher level gym badges and you might be invited. Most EX Raids happen at sponsored gyms or gyms at parks.
Mewtwo Weaknesses
Mewtwo, as a Pyschic-type Pokemon, is weak to the following types:
- Dark
- Ghost
- Bug
Also worth noting is that Dark-type Pokemon are very resistant to Psychic-type moves, making the Dark- and Rock-type Tyranitar an ideal partner against Mewtwo.
Unfortunately, Mewtwo does have a 25% chance of having the Fighting-type Charge Move Focus Blast, which is super effective against Tyranitar. However, Tyranitar is resistant to Mewtwo's other possible Charge Attacks - so just be weary of which charge move the Mewtwo has.
Umbreon would be a good choice to put at the end of a team, as it has high survivability against Mewtwo - just be ready to dodge those Focus Blast attacks if it has them.
Pinser, Houndoom, and other Bug- and Dark-types are decent choices. Gengar, though it will do an impressive amount of damage, is weak to Mewtwo's Pyschic-type attacks and cannot survive long.
Mewtwo Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Confusion | Psychic | 20 |
Psycho Cut | Psychic | 5 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Psychic | Psychic | 100 | 3 |
Shadow Ball | Ghost | 100 | 3 |
Hyper Beam | Normal | 150 | 2 |
Focus Blast | Fighting | 140 | 2 |
Zapdos Raids
Zapdos began appearing on August 7, 2017, and will remained until August 14.
Zapdos Weaknesses
Zapdos, as an Electric- and Flying-type Pokemon, is weak to the following types:
- Ice
- Rock
These will do 1.4x the usual damage. Unlike the other two Legendary Birds, Zapdos does not have a dual weakness. Additionally, many Pokemon that know Ice-type attacks are weak to Electric-type moves, like the Water- and Ice-type Lapras, or aren't generally very strong, like Jynx. Remember that Flying-type Pokemon will take Super Effective damage from Zapdos we well.
Golem, a Ground- and Rock-type, will resist Zapdos' Electric-type attacks and dish out extra damage with Rock-type moves. Just make sure the Golem has Rock-type moves, as although Ground-type attacks are usually Super Effective against Electric-type Pokemon, Zapdos' Flying-type neutralizes the buff.
Tyranitar, though it isn't resistant to Zapdos, can still dish out a great deal of damage if its Charge Attack is Stone Edge. Piloswine will resist Zapdos and deal Super Effective damage with its Charge Attack Avalanche, but can't learn an Ice-type Fast Attack. Rhydon will resist Zapdos' attacks, and can learn Stone Edge, but Zapdos has resistance to both of it's fast attacks (the STAB on Mud Slap makes it the slightly better of the two).
Dragonite's Dragon-typing resistance and Flying-typing weakness allows it to sustain only neutral damage from Electric-type attacks, and though it can't deal Super Effective damage, it's still a generally strong contender in raids.
Zapdos Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Charge Beam | Electric | 8 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Zap Cannon | Electric | 140 | 2 |
Thunderbolt | Electric | 80 | 3 |
Thunder | Electric | 100 | 3 |
Moltres Raids
Moltres began appearing in Raids on July 31, 2017, and will remained until August 7.
Moltres Weaknesses
Moltres, as a Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon, is weak to the following types:
- Electric
- Water
Each of these will do 1.4x the usual damage.
- Rock
Rock-type moves will do 1.96x the damage.
Golem with two Rock-type attacks is the best counter to Moltres, as it's resistant to all of Moltres' attacks and will deal 1.96x damage. Compared to Omastar, it's easier to obtain and has a higher attack power.
Omastar with Rock-type moves is a fantastic counter to Moltres as well though. Like Golem, it's resistant to Moltres' attacks, and if it has Rock-type moves, will do 1.96x damage as well. Even if your Omastar has Water-type moves, it will still do extra damage.
Strong Water-type Pokemon with decent defense like Gyarados, Vaporeon, and Kingdra, if it has Water-type moves, will do well against Moltres. Tyranitar, though it doesn't have access to two moves that are super-effective, will do well along with other favorites like Dragonite.
Moltres Moveset
Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Fire Spin | Fire | 14 |
Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Fire Blast | Fire | 140 | 3 |
Heat Wave | Fire | 95 | 2 |
Overheat | Fire | 160 | 2 |
Lugia Raids
Lugia first appeared in Raids July 22, 2017, at the conclusion of Pokemon Go Fest. It is unclear how long it will be available. Lugia is especially tough to take down. Plan on having 20 trainers, or at least 8 of very well-prepare, high-level players. Lugia will cease from appearing in Raids on Aug. 31, 2017, and it is unknown when it will appear again.
Lugia Weaknesses:
Lugia, as a Psychic- and Flying-type Pokemon, is weak to the following types:
- Dark
- Rock
- Ice
- Ghost
- Electric
Each of these will do 1.4x the usual damage.
Lugia is able to attack with Psychic, Flying, Dragon, and Water-type moves.
Tyranitar would be a good offensive Pokemon to take Lugia on, but you must be especially wary of its Hydro Pump charged attack and plan on manually dodging those, or your Tyranitar may be one-shot.
Jolteon, with Electric-type moves, and Omastar, with Rock-type moves, will also be good choices. Gengar has super-effective Ghost-type attacks, but is weak to Lugia's Psychic-type attacks.
Lugia Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Extrasensory | Psychic | 12 |
Dragon Tail | Dragon | 15 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Sky Attack | Flying | 70 | 3 |
Hydro Pump | Water | 130 | 1 |
Futuresight | Psychic | 120 | 1 |
Articuno Raids
Articuno first appeared in Raids July 22, 2017, at the conclusion of Pokemon Go Fest, and will only be available in its first run until July 31, 2018.
Articuno Weaknesses:
Articuno, as an Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon, is weak to the following types:
- Electric
- Fire
- Steel
Each of these will do 1.4x the usual damage.
- Rock
Rock-type attacks will do 1.96x the damage, being undoubtedly the best type to attack Articuno with.
Articuno only attacks with Ice-type moves, giving Omastar a fantastic advantage against the legendary bird if it has Rock-type attacks. The Rock- and Water-type Fossil Pokemon Omastar does 1.96x the damage with its Rock-type moves, and is resistant to Articuno's Ice-type attacks.
Houndoom is also resistant to Articuno, and will do super-effective damage with its Fire-type attacks. Tyranitar is also a good choice, taking neutral damage but dishing out super-effective Rock-type attacks.
Other plain Fire-type Pokemon, like Typhlosion and Flareon, are also good choices.
Articuno Moveset
Possible Attack Moves | ||
Name | Type | Damage |
Frost Breath | Ice | 10 |
Possible Charge Moves | |||
Name | Type | Damage | Number of Special Bars |
Ice Beam | Ice | 90 | 3 |
Icy Wind | Ice | 60 | 2 |
Blizzard | Ice | 130 | 3 |
Special Research Legendary Poekmon
These include the mythical Pokemon Mew and Celebii, both of which were incredibly difficult to procure in the main Pokemon games. The only way to find Celebii and Mew in the original Pokemon games are through special events and as such in Pokemon go these Pokemon can only be acquired through completing special research or Quests.
Mew | Celebii |
| |
Complete A Mythical Discovery | Complete A Ripple in Time |
Legendary Pokemon We Might See Next
With the addition of Gen 4 it is very likely the next set of Legendaries we see will some of these.
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#480 Uxie | |
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#481 Mesprit | |
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#482 Azelf | |
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#483 Dialga | |
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#484 Palkia | |
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#485 Heatran | |
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#486 Regigigas | |
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#487 Giratina | |
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#488 Cresselia | |
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#489 Phione | |
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#490 Manaphy | |
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#491 Darkrai | |
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#492 Shaymin | |
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#493 Arceaus | |