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Mega Raid Guide: Top Mega Charizard X Counters In Pokémon GO

Mega Evolution has rolled out in Pokémon GO and, with it, Mega Raids. These raids will be their own tier independent of the known ranking system of raids, but they seem to be, at least thus far, at the same difficulty level of Tier Five Legendary Raids. Mega Charizard X, the black and blue flaming beast that replaces Charizard's Fire/Flying-typing with a Fire/Dragon-typing. Here's how you can take down Mega Charizard X.

Mega Raid Guide: Top Mega Charizard X Counters. Credit: Niantic
Mega Raid Guide: Top Mega Charizard X Counters. Credit: Niantic

Top Mega Charizard X Counters

Pokebattler, which calculates all possible combinations of Pokémon and moves, lists the top 10 Mega Charizard X counters as such:

  • Shadow Salamence (Dragon Tail, Outrage)
  • Shadow Dragonite (Dragon Tail, Outrage)
  • Rayquaza (Dragon Tail, Outrage)
  • Palkia (Dragon Tail, Draco Meteor)
  • Zekrom (Dragon Breath, Outrage)
  • Reshiram (Dragon Breath, Draco Meteor)
  • Salamence (Dragon Tail, Outrage)
  • Rampardos (Smack Down, Rock Slide)
  • Garchomp (Dragon Tail, Outrage)
  • Shadow Tyranitar (Smack Down, Stone Edge)

It is recommended to power up your counters as much as possible, and creating that amount of strong Shadow Pokémon with their moves unlocked is a tall order for even the most practiced players. Here are ten additional non-Shadow counters that can help take down Mega Charizard X with efficiency.

  • Haxorus (Dragon Tail, Dragon Claw)
  • Dragonite (Dragon Tail, Outrage)
  • Dialga (Dragon Breath, Draco Meteor)
  • Terrakion (Smack Down, Rock Slide)
  • Latios (Dragon Breath, Dragon Claw)
  • Tyranitar (Smack Down, Stone Edge)
  • Kyurem (Dragon Breath, Dragon Claw)
  • Groudon (Dragon Tail, Earthquake)
  • Hydreigon (Dragon Breath, Dragon Pulse)
  • Mega Charizard Y (Wing Attack, Dragon Claw)

It is of major note that, while it is only the eighteenth best overall counter by itself, bringing in Mega Charizard X will boost the attack of other trainers' Fire or Flying-type Pokémon, such as Rayquaza and Salamence.

How Many Trainers Are Needed?

It is possible for two trainers using maxed counters from the above list and Best Buddy boost to defeat Mega Charizard X as a duo. However, a duo is not recommended for Mega Raids. The point of these Raids is to accrue Mega Energy, which is awarded to trainers in different amounts based on the speed at which the raid was completed. Mega Raids will always be more rewarding with a full lobby.

Mega Raid Guide: Top Mega Charizard X Counters. Credit: Niantic
Mega Raid Guide: Top Mega Charizard X Counters. Credit: Niantic

Catching Mega Charizard X

When defeating Mega Pokémon, the raid boss will revert back to its standard form… so you're catching a standard Charizard. Charizard is a tough catch, so using Golden Razz Berries and the circle lock technique is recommended.

Using the circle lock technique, players can hold down the ball until Charizard's catch circle shrinks. Releasing when the circle is at its smallest point allows the circle to lock, guaranteeing an "Excellent" throw if the ball can hit that point. To make sure that can be done, throw the ball when Charizard is finishing its attack. The attack is a smooth loop and strike at the player. The Pokémon will settle back into its place and, as it settles, throw the ball. The best berry to help catch this Fire-type is the Golden Razz Berry. Paired with "Excellent" throws, this should lead to a successfully caught Charizard.

Shiny Mega Charizard X odds

Shiny Charizard is available from Mega Charizard X raids, but it is too early for researchers to determine a Shiny rate. Stay tuned to Bleeding Cool, as we will report on the Shiny rates once they become available.

100% IVs

When looking for a Pokémon with the best stats, the 100% IV Charizard will have a CP of 1651 in normal weather conditions, and 2064 in boosted conditions. We hope this Raid Guide helps you catch this iconic Generation One Fire-type and rake in enough Mega Energy to evolve your own Charizard.


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Theo DwyerAbout Theo Dwyer

Theo Dwyer writes about comics, film, and games.
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