Lugia, the iconic Psychic and Flying-type Legendary Pokémon, is one of the most formidable raid bosses in Pokémon Go. Taking down Lugia requires strategic planning, the right Pokémon, and a well-coordinated team. Here’s everything you need to know to beat Lugia effectively.
Lugia’s dual typing makes it resistant to a variety of attacks. Specifically, it resists Fighting, Grass, Ground, and Psychic-type moves. However, it is vulnerable to Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost, and Dark-type moves, making these your go-to options when assembling a raid team.
The Best Counters to Lugia
To maximize your chances of success, you’ll want to use Pokémon that exploit Lugia’s weaknesses while being able to withstand its powerful attacks. Below are some of the top counters to Lugia:
- Mega Gengar: With its Ghost typing and access to moves like Lick and Shadow Ball, Mega Gengar offers the highest DPS (Damage Per Second) among all counters. However, be cautious of Lugia’s Psychic-type moves, which can quickly take down Mega Gengar.
- Zekrom: This Electric and Dragon-type Pokémon is another excellent counter. Zekrom’s Charge Beam and Wild Charge combo deals significant damage, especially when Lugia uses Flying-type moves like Sky Attack. Zekrom also resists Lugia’s Hydro Pump, making it a durable option.
- Shadow Weavile: This Dark and Ice-type Pokémon is effective with moves like Snarl and Avalanche. Weavile double resists Psychic-type moves, but it’s relatively frail, so you’ll need to dodge to keep it in the fight.
- Shadow Raikou: Similar to Zekrom, Shadow Raikou can use Thunder Shock and Wild Charge to deal substantial damage. It’s less durable than Zekrom but still a solid choice, particularly if you can dodge Lugia’s charged moves.
- Rampardos: This Rock-type Pokémon is the best non-Shadow DPS option available. With Smack Down and Rock Slide, Rampardos can quickly wear down Lugia. However, it’s weak to Hydro Pump, so careful dodging is required.
Additional Effective Counters
Other Pokémon that can effectively counter Lugia include:
- Magnezone: With Spark and Wild Charge, Magnezone can resist most of Lugia’s attacks while dishing out solid damage.
- Tyranitar: If you have a Shadow variant with Smack Down and Stone Edge, Tyranitar can serve as a reliable counter, particularly against Flying-type moves.
- Giratina (Origin Forme): With Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball, Giratina offers excellent durability and can deal consistent damage over the course of the battle.
Battling Strategy and Tips
- Team Composition: Assemble multiple teams before the raid. Lugia’s charged moves are powerful, and you may need to re-enter the battle with fresh Pokémon. Use Pokémon that can resist Lugia’s moves or deal maximum damage before fainting.
- Dodging is Key: Lugia’s moves, especially Sky Attack and Hydro Pump, can decimate your team if not dodged. Practice dodging to extend the life of your Pokémon and minimize the need to revive them mid-battle.
- Use Mega Evolutions and Shadows: Mega Evolutions like Mega Gengar or Mega Houndoom can significantly boost your team’s performance, especially when paired with Pokémon that benefit from their type boosts. Shadow Pokémon also offer higher DPS but require more resources to power up.
- Group Size: Lugia is a tough opponent, especially in five-star raids. You’ll need at least four trainers with optimized counters, though having more (five to nine) will make the battle much smoother. With ten or more trainers, the raid becomes much easier.
Catching Lugia
After defeating Lugia, you’ll have a chance to catch it. Lugia’s CP can range from 2028 to 2115 in normal weather, or 2535 to 2645 CP when weather-boosted (Windy). Use Golden Razz Berries to improve your chances of a successful capture, and aim for excellent curveball throws to maximize your catch rate.
Defeating Lugia in Pokémon Go is a challenge that requires preparation, strategy, and teamwork. By leveraging the right Pokémon, practicing dodging, and coordinating with your raid group, you can bring down this legendary Pokémon and add it to your collection. Whether you’re battling for a shiny Lugia or aiming to fill out your Pokédex, this guide will help you emerge victorious.
