DEXERTOMega Garchomp is returning to Pokemon Go Mega Raid battles, so brave players planning to go up against this fearsome creature must know its weaknesses and perfect counters.
There are plenty of tough creatures in Niantic’s game, but one has ruled the roost of the meta ever since it was introduced all the way back in Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. That’s right, it’s Garchomp.
The Dragon/Ground Pokemon is returning to Pokemon Go with its Mega Evolution. It will sure be tough to beat, that’s why we have gathered all the details players will need to take it down, including the perfect counters.
Mega Garchomp weaknesses in Pokemon Go
As a dual Dragon/Ground Pokemon, Mega Garchomp is weak to a few types including Dragon and Fairy. Additionally, it takes particularly more damage from Ice-type moves, so it’s worth focusing on creatures that specialize in this kind of attack.
On the other hand, Mega Garchomp has some key resistances, like Fire, Poison, Rock, and especially Electric, so be wary when building your team, as these moves won’t be of much use in battle.
Mega Garchomp best counters
Here are some of the best counters to use against Mega Garchomp in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Rayquaza |  | Dragon Tail & Breaking Swipe |
| Mega Gardevoir |  | Charm & Triple Axel |
| Mega Salamence |  | Dragon Tail & Draco Meteor |
| Shadow Articuno |  | Frost Breath & Triple Axel |
| Shadow Mewtwo |  | Psycho Cut & Ice Beam |
| Shadow Mamoswine |  | Powder Snow & Avalanche |
| Abomasnow |  | Powder Snow & Weather Ball |
| Baxcalibur |  | Ice Fang & Avalanche |
| Dragonite |  | Dragon Tail & Outrage |
| Cetitan |  | Ice Shard & Avalanche |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for every trainer to use.
If you don’t have any of those counters or their alternate forms, use your strongest Dragon, Fairy, but mostly Ice-type Pokemon to target Mega Garchomp’s weaknesses. Just make sure that your team is properly leveled up and has matching movesets.
How to get Mega Garchomp in Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go is bringing back Mega Garchomp for Mega Raids from February 17, 2025, to March 4, 2025, right after Mega Tyranitar‘s time is up.
You can take on Mega Garchomp in 5-Star Mega Raids, however, you won’t be able to catch this mighty creature in its Mega-Evolved form.
Instead, after defeating it, you’ll be given the chance to catch a regular Garchomp using the Premiere Balls you’re given – the amount will vary depending on how well you fought.
To temporarily Mega Evolve your strongest standard Garchomp, you’ll need to stock up on the Mega Energy you get as a reward for defeating this mighty creature first.
How to evolve Garchomp into Mega Garchomp
Once you’ve caught Garchomp in Pokemon Go, you can Mega Evolve it using 300 Mega Energy. This will be the standard ‘price’ for its first evolution.
Once the effect is over and you want to Mega Evolve it again, the Mega Energy requirement will drop to 60, then 30, and eventually 15.
NIANTIC/DEXERTOMega Energy
If you’re lacking Mega Energy, besides defeating Mega Garchomp in Mega Raids multiple times, you can complete Special Research tasks and take regular Garchomp for a walk after setting it as your Buddy.
It’s worth noting that for Garchomp to collect Mega Energy while going for a walk, it must have been previously Mega Evolved at least once.
Mega Garchomp CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, Mega Garchomp’s CP during a Mega Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 51,700 |
| CP range once captured | 2993 – 3099 |
| Windy/Sunny weather CP range | 3742 – 3874 |
| Mega Garchomp max CP (Level 50) | 6132 |
Mega Garchomp stats & moves
As a dual Dragon/Ground Pokemon, Mega Garchomp has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 339 | 222 | 239 | 6132 |
Fast Moves
- Mud Shot (Ground/STAB)
- Dragon Tail (Dragon/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Earthquake (Ground/STAB)
- Fire Blast (Fire)
- Sand Tomb (Ground/STAB)
- Outrage (Dragon/STAB)
- Earth Power (Ground/STAB)
Can Mega Garchomp be Shiny?
Yes, Mega Garchomp can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as this version was added into the game the same day regular Mega Garchomp debuted – as usually happens with Mega Evolutions.
NIANTIC/DEXERTOPlayers can recognize Shiny Mega Garchomp by its bright violet and pink tones, which differ very much from its usual deep purple and red.
Keep in mind that coming across a Shiny Pokemon is not easy, and there’s no special method to secure an encounter. However, the more times you challenge Mega Garchomp, the more your odds will increase.
In case you cannot find one, you can simply Mega Evolve a regular Shiny Garchomp.
That’s all you need to know about Mega Garchomp to counter it in Pokemon Go Mega Raid battles. Don’t forget to check out the latest Pokemon Go events, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.