Pokémon Go: Genesect Guide

Genesect is returning to Legendary raids in Pokémon Go and this time with a new Drive form. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to tackle Genesect. And be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Genesect in Pokémon Go?

A Mythical Pokémon revived from a fossil, Genesect was brought into the modern age by the scientists working for the infamous Team Plasma. These scientists weren't satisfied to just resurrect a Pokémon that had been extinct for 300 million years; they also added technological "upgrades" to the Mythical Pokémon. These modifications include a cannon on its back that can house different type Drives. In the core games, these Drives change the type of its signature move: Techno Blast.

In Pokémon Go, Genesect's Drives gives Genesect access to a different charged move and Techno Blast; however, that's mostly not played out well for Genesect. In nearly all cases, it's best use is as a Bug type. That doesn't mean players shouldn't focus on this raid. Genesect is still an excellent Bug type Pokémon, and short of a couple Mega Bug types and Shadow Bug types, it will remain the top Bug type in Pokémon Go until we see Volcarona and the Bug type Ultra Beasts introduced.

Mega Evolution strategies for Genesect in Pokémon Go? 

Even with only one weakness: Fire, there are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Genesect. 

Outperforming every counter, Mega Charizard Y was practically built to melt down Genesect. As a Fire and Flying type, it takes reduced damage from Steel and Bug type moves, and it has no weaknesses Genesect can exploit. Fire Spin and Blast Burn are the ideal moveset for any Charizard you bring to this fight.

Although it falls behind Mega Charizard Y in terms of performance, Mega Charizard X also makes quick work of Genesect. As a Fire and Dragon type, it takes reduced damage from Steel and Bug type moves, while Ice type moves hit for standard damage. While Mega Charizard Y should be given priority, if you already have a Mega Charizard X ready to go, you'll want it to know Fire Spin and Blast Burn.

If you don't have enough Mega Energy to swing a Mega Charizard, Mega Houndoom performs great in this raid. As a Dark and Fire type, it resists Steel and Ice type damage, and it has no weaknesses Genesect can exploit. If you're bringing Mega Houndoom to this raid, you'll want it to know Fire Fang and Flamethrower.

Honorable mentions

While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid: 

• Mega Manectric with Thunder Fang and Overheat
• Mega Lopunny with Low Kick and Fire Punch

What are the best counters for Genesect in Pokémon Go?

Genesect is a Bug and Steel type with access to Bug and Steel type moves, as well as one additional type depending on its drive. This time, Genesect is appearing with its Chill drive, giving it access to Ice type moves as well. Its only weakness is Fire type moves. 

The mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram is an excellent counter for Genesect. As a Dragon and Fire type, it's resistant to Bug and Steel type damage, and it has no weaknesses Genesect can exploit. Reshiram has only had two runs in raids so far, so you might not have the candy necessary to power it up. However, if you do, you'll want Fire Fang and Overheat for your Reshiram's moveset.

Darmanitan is a rather unique Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. It has a regional variant and multiple forms, but the original Fire type is the one you'll want to battle Genesect. It resists Steel, Bug, and Ice type damage. It's also very obtainable, as its first stage, Darumaka is quite common, and it only requires 50 Candy to fully evolve. If you're bringing Darmanitan to this Raid, you'll want it to know Fire Fang and Overheat.

Originally encountered in the Unova region of Gen V, Chandelure is also an excellent counter for Genesect. It's a Fire and Ghost type, giving it resistances to Bug, Steel, and Ice type damage. The Chandelure line has also been featured in multiple events, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. If you're adding Chandelure to your team, Fire Spin and Overheat are the moves it should know.

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Gold, Ho-Oh performs great against Genesect, but one Ho-Oh outperforms the rest: Apex Ho-Oh. This Fire and Flying type resists Bug and Steel type damage, while having no relevant weaknesses. Unfortunately, Apex Ho-Oh is limited to one per account and only for players who earned the Apex Masterwork Research during the Pokémon Go Tour: Johto. However, if you have an Apex Ho-Oh,  Incinerate and Sacred Fire++ is the moveset it should know in this raid. While you can bring a normal Ho-Oh, the standard Sacred Fire puts it on par with our back up counters.

The final evolution of the Gen III Fire Starter, Blaziken is another great choice for this raid. It's a Fire and Fighting type, so it has resistances to Bug, Steel, and Ice type damage, and it has no weaknesses for Genesect to exploit. It's also been readily available and even had its own Community Day, so you likely have a few powered up already. Fire Spin and Blast Burn is the moveset you'll want.

A Legendary from the Sinnoh region of Gen IV, Heatran is another Pokémon that performs great against Genesect. As a Steel and Fire type, it is resistant to Bug, Steel, and Ice type damage, while having no relevant weaknesses. Heatran has also had several runs in raids now, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. If you're bringing Heatran to this fight, you'll want it to know Fire Spin and Flamethrower.

One of the Legendary birds from Gen I, Moltres performs very well in this raid. As a Fire and Flying type, it has resistances to Bug and Steel type damage, and no weaknesses Genesect can exploit. Moltres has been available in numerous raids, Research Breakthrough Rewards, and even as a Legendary Shadow Pokémon, so most players have a few. Fire Spin and Overheat is the moveset you'll want; however, if you happen to have a Moltres with the Legacy move, Sky Attack, do not TM this move away. It's one of the best Flying type attacks and can only be regained with an Elite TM.

One of the Legendary Beasts of Johto, Entei is another fantastic choice for this raid. As a pure Fire type, it has no relevant weaknesses, and resists all of this version of Genesect's moves. Entei has been available in raids, as a Research Breakthrough Reward, and even as a Shadow Legendary Pokémon on Giovanni's team, so odds are you have at least one. If you're bringing one into this fight, you'll want it to know Fire Fang and Overheat.

Another fully evolved Fire starter, Emboar is a great counter for Genesect. Like Blaziken, it's a Fire and Fighting type, so it resists Steel, Bug, and Ice type damage. It's also had the Community Day treatment, as well as having been featured in a number of other events, so most players have a few by now. Ember and Blast Burn are the moves you'll want your Emboar to know for this raid.

Last but not least is the Fire type "Eeveelution": Flareon. Another pure Fire type, Flareon resists all of this Genesect's attack types. Plus, because Eevee has been in the game since day one and has been featured in countless events, including several Community Days, there is no good reason not to have the resources for an entire team of Flareons. Fire Spin and Overheat is the moveset you'll want your Flareon to know when going up against Genesect.

Back ups?

Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:

• Infernape with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Charizard with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Typhlosion with Incinerate and Blast Burn
• Pyroar with Fire Fang and Overheat
• Hisuian Arcanine with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
• Magmortar with Fire Spin and Fire Punch
• Victini with Quick Attack and V-Create
• Arcanine with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
• Delphox with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
• Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
• Incineroar with Fire Fang and Fire Blast
• Salamence with Fire Fang and Fire Blast
• Heatmor with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
• Salazzle with Incinerate and Fire Blast
• Simisear with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
• Rapidash with Fire Spin and Fire Blast
• Ninetales with Fire Spin and Weather Ball
• Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Flamethrower
• Camerupt with Ember and Overheat
• Genesect (Burn Drive) with Fury Cutter and Techno Blast (Burn)

Shadow Pokémon?

The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:

• Shadow Moltres with Fire Spin and Overheat
• Shadow Ho-Oh with Incinerate and Sacred Fire+
• Shadow Entei with Fire Fang and Overheat
• Shadow Typhlosion with Incinerate and Blast Burn
• Shadow Charizard with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Shadow Magmortar with Fire Spin and Fire Punch
• Shadow Arcanine with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
• Shadow Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flamethrower
• Shadow Ninetales with Fire Spin and Weather Ball
• Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Flamethrower

Note: This is an excellent raid for Shadow Pokémon. As expected Shadow Moltres, Apex Shadow Ho-Oh, and Shadow Entei perform on par with the Megas; however, the more readily obtainable Shadow Typhlosion, Shadow Charizard, Shadow Magmortar, Shadow Arcanine, and Shadow Houndoom all perform on par with the top counters.

How many players does it take to beat Genesect in Pokémon Go?

Genesect wasn't a particularly challenging Raid before Mega Evolution. Now, that there are three Fire type Mega Pokémon available, you should be able to easily take out Genesect with just a couple high level Trainers. If you don't have the Mega Energy to spare, lack the best counters, or are a lower level, you might want to aim for four players, but even then, this should be a relatively easy raid.

Weather Conditions that could impact this Raid include:

• Rainy Weather will boost Genesect's Bug type moves
• Snow will boost its Steel and Ice type moves
• Sunny/Clear weather will boost your Fire type counters

Questions about taking on Genesect in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions for countering Genesect? Got any tips for fellow Trainers? Drop us a comment below and be sure to check out our other Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!