Xerneas is a Fairy-type legendary Pokemon from generation X that forms the Aura trio with Yveltal and Zygarde. You can get your hands on this majestic creature in Pokemon GO as it becomes available in the 5-star raids from August 16 – 23, 2023, and August 27 – September 1, 2023. You should look to exploit Xerneas’ weakness and counter it with the right Pokemons while aiming to get the best moveset in the raids. For that purpose, we have penned this article to provide all the necessary details you need in order to achieve your goal.
Everything you need to know about Xerneas in Pokemon GO
Attention, Trainers! It looks like some Trainers have started to encounter the Legendary Pokémon Xerneas in Pokémon GO for the first time! Legends say it can share eternal life. It slept for a thousand years in the form of a tree before its revival. pic.twitter.com/Kicv1QV309
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) May 7, 2021
Xerneas Weakness Types
Xerneas is particularly weak against Poison and Steel-type Pokemon. Be sure to stack your party with these types of Pokemon while going up against it. We should mention that Xerneas is resistant to attack types with Fighting, Bug, Dark, and Dragon. Remember to avoid using Pokemon with these types of movesets.
Best Counters
You should choose the Pokemon listed below with their relevant movesets to defeat the legendary Xerneas effectively.
- Zacian (Crowned Sword) with Metal Claw and Iron Head
- Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
- Deoxys with Poison Jab and Zap Cannon
- Nihilego with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
- Dialga with Metal Claw and Iron Head
- Roserade with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
- Eternatus with Poison Jab and Cross Poison
- Genesect with Metal Claw and Magnet Bomb
A cloudy day provides a buff to the Poison type, while a snowy day boosts the power of the Steel type. You should be able to use these weather boosts to your advantage on a day with the relevant weather condition.
Best Movesets

Let’s take a look at Xerneas’ best movesets for both offense and defense with their effectiveness in percentage.
Offense
- Tackle and Giga Impact – 100%
- Zen Headbutt and Giga Impact – 97%
- Tackle and Moonblast – 89%
- Zen Headbutt and Moonblast – 87%
- Tackle and Megahorn – 84%
Defense
- Zen Headbutt and Giga Impact – 100%
- Zen Headbutt and Mega Horn – 90%
- Zen Headbutt and Moonblast – 88%
- Zen Headbutt and Close Combat – 86%
- Zen Headbutt and Thunder – 86%
Judging from the list, a moveset with Zen Headbutt and Giga Impact is optimal for offensive and defensive purposes.
How to Get Xerneas
I caught a Shiny Xerneas during Evolving Stars event today!✨💫 #PokemonGO #ポケモンGO #色違い #Xerneas #ShinyPokemon #Pokemon #ポケモン #SeasonOfLight #ShinyXerneas pic.twitter.com/FA0GYt6MHL
— KingDeoxys (@kingdeoxystr) October 10, 2022
- You can get Xerneas from the 5-star raids in Pokemon GO between August 16-23, 2023, and August 27 – September 1, 2023. Make sure to gather a large group of friends or conduct the raid in an area with multiple Pokemon GO players.
- With luck on your side, you will be able to capture a shiny Xerneas, which has a very low spawn rate.
- Be sure to collect important items like the Golden Razz Berry to get a greater chance at catching this legendary Pokemon.
This was everything you needed to know about the best movesets, counters and weakness of Xerneas in Pokemon GO. Let us know which one is your favorite legendary Pokemon among the Aura trio in the comments below.
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