Mega Evolution has finally arrived in Pokémon Go and with it, Mega Raids! A whole new class of raids, Mega Raids let you and your friends challenge a Mega Evolved Pokémon. These are some of the most challenging raids yet, but we here at iMore got your back. Here's everything you need to know about taking on Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go and be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!
What is Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go?
The final evolution of the Fire type starter from Gen I, fan favorite Charizard has two different Mega Evolutions: Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y. While Mega Charizard Y retains the typing of Charizard, Mega Charizard X exchanges it's Flying type for the Dragon type it always deserved! One of the most challenging Raids yet, Mega Charizard X requires an entirely different strategy than Charizard or Mega Charizard Y.
That having been said, Mega Charizard Y tends to be the preferred Mega Charizard. That's not to say X isn't worth investing in, as it certainly has its uses too and both share Mega Energy.
Mega Evolution strategies for Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go?
There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Mega Charizard X, focusing on each of its weaknesses: Dragon, Rock, and Ground.
Mega Latios
If you have the Mega Energy to spare, Mega Latios is the best option for countering Mega Charizard X. As a Psychic and Dragon type, he resists Fire type damage, while taking super effective damage from Dragon type moves. Mega Latios's best moveset for countering Mega Charizard X is Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw.
Mega Aerodactyl
If you're up against a Charizard with Dragon Claw or simply don't have the Mega Energy for Latios, Mega Aerodactyl is the best Mega counter. This Rock and Flying type resists Fire and Flying type damage, while taking normal damage from Dragon type moves. Rock Throw and Rock Slide are the moves you'll want your Mega Aerodactyl to know for this fight.
Mega Latias
Although Latios is preferred, Mega Latias is another excellent choice for Mega Pokémon in this fight. It's also a Dragon and Psychic type, so resistant to Fire type damage, while weak to Dragon type moves. Mega Latias lasts a little longer on the field than her twin, but doesn't deal quite as much damage. Her best moves to counter Mega Charizard X are Dragon Breath and Outrage.
Mega Charizard X
If you can't afford to bring either Mega Latios or Mega Latias, Mega Charizard X is a great counter for itself. It will resist Fire type damage, but take increased damage from Dragon Claw. Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the moves you'll want your Charizard to know for this Mega Raid.
Honorable mentions
While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid:
- Mega Charizard Y with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Mega Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Mega Ampharos with Volt Switch and Dragon Pulse
- Mega Kangaskhan with Mud-Slap and Outrage
What are the best counters for Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go?
A Fire and Dragon type, Mega Charizard X is a Fire and Dragon type with access to Fire, Dragon, and Flying type moves. Its weaknesses include Ground, Rock, and Dragon type damage, leaving a few different winning strategies.
Rayquaza
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Emerald, Rayquaza is the King of Dragons and one of the best Pokémon Go has to offer. As a Dragon and Flying type, it takes increased damage from Mega Charizard X's Dragon type attack, but reduced damage from Fire type attacks. On top of that, Rayquaza has been available many times so most players have at least one powered up. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the moveset you'll want for your Rayquaza.
Salamence
The pseudo-Legendary from Gen III, Salamence is a great option for this raid. It's had pretty widespread availability, having been featured in Community Day, the Ultra Unlock Bonus Dragon Week, and even as a Shadow Pokémon. As a Dragon and Flying type, it's also resistant to Fire attacks and weak to Dragon attacks. You'll want your Salamence to know Dragon Tail and Outrage for this Mega Raid.
Palkia
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Pearl and Pokémon Shining Pearl, Palkia works very well in this raid. As a Water and Dragon type, it does take increased damage from Mega Charizard X's Dragon type move, but resists Fire type damage. It's been available in raids, though not as often as Rayquaza. Still, if you have one powered up, you'll want it to know Dragon Tail and Dragon Meteor for this Mega Raid.
Rampardos
A Fossil Pokémon originally found in the Sinnoh region of Gen IV, Rampardos is another excellent counter for Mega Charizard X. As a Rock type, it resists both Fire and Flying type attacks and it isn't weak to Dragon Claw like most of the counters. Having been featured in events, including the recent Adventure Week, as well as only being a two stage Pokémon, Rampardos is pretty easy to obtain. If you're bringing Rampardos to this fight you'll want Smack Down for the Fast attack and Rock Slide for the Charge attack.
Zekrom
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon White, Zekrom is a great choice for this Mega Raid. As an Electric and Dragon type, it brings with it resistances to both Fire and Flying type attacks. It still takes increased damage from Dragon Claw, but so do most of the best counters. Zekrom has had somewhat limited availability, having been introduced in the middle of a global pandemic, but if you have one, you'll want Dragon Breath and Outrage for its moveset.
Garchomp
Another pseudo-Legendary, Garchomp is the final evolution of Gible, a Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region. As a Ground and Dragon type, Garchomp resists Mega Charizard X's Fire type attacks while taking increased damage from Dragon Claw. It's been featured in events and had the Community Day treatment, so most active players have had the chance to evolve and power up at least one Garchomp. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the ideal moveset for this Mega Raid; however, it's Ground type move, Earth Power can work as well. As Earth Power is a Legacy move, don't TM it!
Rhyperior
The Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen I's Rhyhorn, Rhyperior performs well here. Having been featured in Community Day and other events, most players have a couple already. You'll deal the most damage with Mud-Slap and Rock Wrecker, but Earthquake can also work if you don't have the Elite TM to spare, but it cannot currently benefit from a same type Mega Boost. Plus, as a Ground and Rock type, it resists Flying and Fire type attacks, while taking normal damage from Dragon attacks.
Reshiram
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram performs very well in this Mega Raid. It's a Fire and Dragon type, so it resists Fire type damage, while taking increased damage from Dragon type moves. As it was introduced at the height of a global pandemic, many players don't have the candy to power it up. However, if you do, you'll want the Fast move Dragon Breath and the Charge attack Draco Meteor.
Haxorus
A pure Dragon type from Gen V's Unova region, Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew. Although Axew tend to be pretty rare normally, it was featured in raids during Pokémon Go Fest 2022, so a lot more active players have this Pokémon now. If you have a powered up Haxorus, it resists Mega Charizard X's Fire attacks, but, like nearly every Dragon type, it takes double damage from Dragon Claw. If you're bringing Haxorus to this Mega Raid, Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw is the moveset you'll want it to know.
Dragonite
Last but not least is the pseudo-Legendary from Gen I's Kanto region, Dragonite. Dragonite has been featured in events, Community Day, Special Research, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, so many players have entire teams of Dragonite. It's and Dragon and Flying type, so resistant to Fire type moves and weak to Dragon type damage, like most of the best counters. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the ideal moveset for this raid.
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:
- Dialga with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
- Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Terrakion with Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Groudon with Dragon Tail and Earthquake
- Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
- Tyrantrum with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Landorus (Incarnate forme) with Rock Throw and Earth Power
- Landorus (Therian forme) with Mud Shot and Earthquake
- Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Giratina (Origin) with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
- Hydreigon with Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse
- Gigalith with Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Nihilego with Acid and Rock Slide
- Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
- Rhydon with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
- Lycanroc (Midday) with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
- Regigigas with Hidden Power (Rock) and Giga Impact
- Omastar with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
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 Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
- Shadow Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Shadow Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Shadow Omastar with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Shadow Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Flygon with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Mewtwo with Confusion and Psystrike
Note: Shadow Salamence and Shadow Dragonite outperform all of the best counters, including the Megas, while Shadow Latios is only beat out by Mega Latios.
How many players does it take to beat Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go?
Moveset impacts this Mega Raid dramatically. If you're going up against a Mega Charizard X with Fire or Flying type moves, it will be much easier to defeat and will require fewer Revives and Potions, than one with Dragon Claw. Under ideal conditions, two top level Trainers can beat Mega Charizard X, but if you're lower level or lacking the best counters, you may need four or five. That having been said, you get more Mega Energy the faster you beat the Mega Raid, so it's best to bring along as many trainers as possible.
Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:
- Sunny/Clear Weather will boost Mega Charizard X's Fire type attacks, while also boosting Ground type counters
- Wind will boost its Flying and Dragon type moves, as well as your Dragon type counters.
- Partly Cloudy Weather will boost your Rock type counters.
Questions about taking on Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go?
Do you have any questions about taking on this Mega Pokémon? Any tips for fellow trainers? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our other Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
