This article is a part of directory: Mastering Pokémon GO. The Ultimate Guide to Catching Them All

Highly sought-after Legendary Fairy-type Pokémon from the Kalos region, Xerneas is the Life Pokémon. Its inclusion into Pokémon GO fundamentally changed the meta, especially in the Master League. Although it lacked a Fairy-type fast move at first, Geomancy has changed that. Now considering the game-changing inclusion of Geomancy, this thorough guide offers the best PvE and PvP movesets, counter strategies, and expert advice for maximizing Xerneas’s potential.

Xerneas Overview

  • Pokédex Entry & Typing: Xerneas is a pure Fairy-type Pokémon.
  • Resistances: Bug, Dark, Dragon (double resistance), Fighting
  • Weaknesses: Poison, Steel
  • Base Stats:
    • Attack: 250
    • Defense: 185
    • Stamina: 246

Thanks to Geomancy, Xerneas is now a top-tier Fairy-type attacker in raids and excels in the Master League PvP.

Xerneas’s Best Moveset for PvE (Raids & Gym Battles)

Geomancy has helped Xerneas’ PvE viability explode.

Perfect Move Set

  • Fast Move: Geomancy (Fairy)
  • Charged Move: Moonblast (Fairy)
  • DPS & TDO: Geomancy represents a notable improvement over Tackle or Zen Headbutt. It is a top-tier Fairy attacker since combined with Moonblast it gives Xerneas the best Fairy-type DPS and TDO.

PvE Moveset Comparison Table

Fast MoveCharged MoveEfficiency
GeomancyMoonblastIdeal PvE choice
TackleMoonblastSignificantly less than ideal
Zen HeadbuttMoonblastSignificantly less than ideal

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Xerneas is a first choice for raids against many strong Legendaries since it is quite efficient against Dragon, Fighting, and Dark-type Pokémon.

Xerneas’s Best Moveset for GO Battle League PvP

In the Master League, Xerneas rules as a major power.

Great League, Ultra League, Master League Viability

Xerneas is practically only viable in the Master League. It is underpowered for Ultra League and is not eligible for Great League.

Recommended Moveset

  • Fast Move: Geomancy (Fairy)
  • Charged Moves: Moonblast (Fairy) & Close Combat (Fighting) or Megahorn (Bug)

PvP Moveset Comparison Table

Fast MoveCharged MoveOptimal For
GeomancyMoonblast/MegahornGeneral Use
TackleMoonblast/Close CombatNot Advised
Zen HeadbuttMoonblast/Close CombatNot Advised

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Playstyle and Strategy

Xerneas works best as a lead or safe switch. Geomancy generates reasonable energy and causes much more damage than in past times. Its main STAB move, Moonblast, causes significant damage. Close Combat provides critical coverage against Steel-types, which resist Fairy-type attacks. Great coverage against Psychic-types comes from Megahorn. The particular meta threats you expect will determine which of Close Combat and Megahorn you choose. Often used is shield baiting with Close Combat or Megahorn before launching a Moonblast.

Xerneas routinely ranks among the very best Master League contenders on PvPoke. It’s a tough opponent with great stats, a strong moveset, and key resistances.

Shadow Xerneas: Validity of Worth?

Pokémon GO does not now feature Shadow Xerneas. If it were, it would be an even more potent raid attacker; but, the increased fragility would be a disadvantage in PvP.

Xerneas’s Greatest Counters

Fighting against Xerneas requires knowledge of its shortcomings.

Leading Pokémon to Counter Xerneas in Raids & PvP

  • Metagross (Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash)
  • Dialga (Metal Claw/Iron Head)
  • Ho-Oh (Incinerate/Brave Bird)
  • Reshiram (Fire Fang/Overheat)

Counter Moveset Table

Counter PokémonFast MoveCharged Move
MetagrossBullet PunchMeteor Mash
DialgaMetal ClawIron Head
Ho-OhIncinerateBrave Bird
ReshiramFire FangOverheat

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How to Obtain Xerneas in Pokémon GO

Raid Availability

Legendary Raids have been Xerneas’s main source of availability. Watch for official Pokémon GO announcements for its return.

Special Research

Occasionally, Xerneas has been included in Special Research tasks.

Trading

Trading is one very advised approach to get a Xerneas with best IVs for the Master League. Trade with friends who have advanced to maximize your chances of obtaining a Xerneas with perfect stats. Over their gameplay, these friends most certainly have come across and photographed Xerneas with exceptional IVs.

Think about also joining forums or online groups devoted to Pokémon Go. These sites frequently feature trading sections where you may interact with other users who might be ready to trade their Xerneas with appropriate IVs. Clearly state your intended IVs and be ready to present a fair trade in return when trading.

Remember that trading calls for Stardust; thus, be sure you have enough before starting a trade. Raids, catching Pokémon, and finishing research assignments all help you to generate Stardust.

If you can’t locate a suitable trade partner, you could concentrate on catching Xerneas during raid events. Xerneas shows more often during these events, thus your chances of meeting one with high IVs rise. To increase your chances of catching it, toss great curveballs with Golden Razz Berries.

Finally, be persistent and patient. Finding a Xerneas with ideal IVs might take work and time. Continue trading, raiding, and, if at all possible, catching Xerneas. Eventually you will find the Xerneas you need for the Master League with persistence and a little bit of luck.

Final Thought

Thanks to Geomancy, Xerneas is a dominant player in Pokémon GO, best in Master League PvP and a top-notch Fairy-type raid attacker. Geomancy and Moonblast make up its best PvE and PvP moveset. Adding Close Combat or Megahorn gives PvP vital coverage.

Players who want to maximize their raid teams or participate in the Master League should definitely commit Stardust, TMs, and Rare Candy into a high-IV Xerneas. That Pokémon is strong and flexible.