Lunala is one of the most recognizable Legendary Pokémon from the Alola region, and it remains a valuable catch in Pokémon GO. The Psychic- and Ghost-type Legendary is also an important part of the game’s fusion system because it can combine with Necrozma to create Dawn Wings Necrozma. However, Lunala is not a Pokémon you can normally find in the wild. You need to watch the raid rotation and take advantage of events when it returns.
Where to find Lunala
The main way to catch Lunala in Pokémon GO is through five-star raids. Its availability changes with the raid schedule, so it may disappear for long periods before returning during a special event or rotation.
In 2026, Lunala appeared in five-star raids during the Road of Legends event on July 6 and during Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global. If you are reading this after those events, check the current in-game raid lineup and official event announcements for its next return. Raid schedules can change, so an older guide may not accurately describe when Lunala is available.
How to catch Lunala from a raid
When Lunala appears in a five-star raid, you first need to defeat it before you receive a chance to catch it. Lunala is a Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokémon, making it especially vulnerable to Dark- and Ghost-type attacks.
Strong counters can include powerful Dark- and Ghost-type Pokémon. Mega Tyranitar, Dawn Wings Necrozma, Mega Gengar, Shadow Tyranitar, and other high-level attackers can perform well, depending on their moves and your available roster.
After winning the raid, you will receive a limited number of Premier Balls. Your goal is to make every throw count.
For better catch odds:
- Use a Golden Razz Berry before important throws.
- Use Curveball throws whenever you are comfortable with them.
- Wait for Lunala’s attack animation to finish before throwing.
- Aim for Great or Excellent throws by controlling the target circle.
- Use a Silver Pinap Berry if you want extra Lunala Candy and are confident about the encounter.
Do not rush your throws. Waiting for Lunala to settle can prevent wasted Premier Balls and gives you a better chance of landing accurate throws.
Can you get Lunala without raids?
Lunala is not a normal wild encounter. Its availability has mainly been tied to raids and special events. Another important route involves Cosmog, although this depends on which research or event opportunities are currently active in the game.
Cosmog can eventually evolve into Cosmoem and then Lunala. However, you need the required Cosmog Candy and an evolution opportunity that allows Cosmoem to become Lunala. If you already have Cosmog, check its evolution screen before spending Candy, especially if you are also trying to obtain Solgaleo.
How to get Dawn Wings Necrozma
Catching Lunala is especially useful if you want Dawn Wings Necrozma. This fused form cannot simply be caught as a fused Pokémon from a raid. Instead, you need a Necrozma and a Lunala.
The fusion requires:
- 1,000 Lunar Fusion Energy
- 30 Necrozma Candy
- 30 Cosmog Candy
- One Lunala
- One Necrozma
Once you have the required resources, select Necrozma and use the fusion option with Lunala. The result is Dawn Wings Necrozma, which remains fused until you separate it. Separating the Pokémon does not cost Fusion Energy or Candy.
Best strategy for getting Lunala
If Lunala is currently unavailable, do not waste Raid Passes looking for it randomly. Legendary raid bosses follow scheduled rotations, and Lunala will only appear when Niantic places it in the active lineup.
Keep an eye on upcoming events, save your Raid Passes, and prepare a strong team of Dark- and Ghost-type attackers before Lunala returns. Remote Raids can also help when local gyms do not have the boss you need.
