Pokemon Go Moltres Raid Guide: Weaknesses & best counters
NianticThe Legendary Moltres from the Kanto region is returning to Pokemon Go Raid battles. If you want to defeat and catch this Legendary bird, here are its weaknesses and the best counters to use against it.
The original Legendary trio – Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres – are some of the most beloved Pokemon of all time, especially as they invoke so much nostalgia among longtime fans of the franchise.
Any chance to catch them in Pokemon Go is welcome, and you’ll be able to do just that when the Fire/Flying-type bird Moltres returns to the game as a Raid Boss in August 2024. So, here are its weaknesses and best counters to get you ready for the battle.
Moltres weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Moltres is a dual Fire/Flying-type Pokemon, which means it’s weak against Electric, Rock, and Water-type attacks. Rock-type attacks are double effective against Moltres, so focus on those if possible.
The Legendary bird also has quite a few type resistances, so you should avoid using Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Grass, Ground, and Steel-type Pokemon or attacks when facing off against it.
Best counters for Moltres in Pokemon Go
These are some of the best counters and movesets to defeat Moltres in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Diancie |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Mega Tyranitar |  | Smack Down & Stone Edge |
| Mega Aerodactyl |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Rampardos |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Rhyperior |  | Smack Down & Rock Wrecker |
| Shadow Omastar |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Primal Kyogre |  | Waterfall & Origin Pulse |
| Terrakion |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Tyrantrum |  | Rock Throw & Meteor Beam |
| Gigalith |  | Smack Down & Meteor Beam |
The table includes a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadows, and more common Pokemon, so there should be something for trainers of all levels. Just keep in mind that even though super effective, they must be properly leveled up.
If you don’t have any of the counters above, focus on your strongest Rock-type Pokemon with Rock-type moves. Water-type and Electric-type Pokemon can be used as backup options.
How to get Moltres in Pokemon Go
Before you can catch Moltres, you’ll need to defeat it in a 5-Star Raid Battle. We recommend that you team up with at least six other trainers and use a team of powerful counters to target its weaknesses.
After you defeat Moltres, you’ll be given a limited amount of Premier Balls to capture. As always, you can use Silver Pinap Berries and Excellent Curveball Throws to increase your chances of success.
As Moltres is returning to Raid battles, players will have plenty of time to challenge it between August 3, 2024, and August 12, 2024. Plus, it will be the center of the Raid Hour on August 7, 2024, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM local time. Moltres will be followed by Incarnate Forme Thundurus and then Xerneas.
THE POKEMON COMPANYCan Moltres be Shiny in Pokemon Go?
Yes, Moltres can be Shiny in Pokemon Go and players who take on this mighty beast during its time as a Raid boss will have the chance to encounter Shiny Moltres.
This variation was added to the game back in 2018 when Moltres Day was celebrated and players can recognize it by the change in its plumage, which changes from golden to pink.
Remember that Shiny odds in Pokemon Go are very low, mostly when Legendaries are involved, so no encounter is guaranteed.
That’s everything you need to know about the best Moltres counters and weaknesses. Check out our guides on All the Ultra Beasts available in the game, as well as the Best Mega Evolutions, and keep up with this season’s events with our Shared Skies hub.