Hey trainers! Are you ready to take on the powerful Latios in Pokémon GO? This legendary Dragon and Psychic-type Pokémon is a formidable opponent, but with the right strategy and team, you can add it to your collection. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to conquer Latios raids, including its weaknesses, the best counters, and tips for catching it.
Latios Raid Overview
Latios is a Tier 5 raid boss, meaning you'll need a group of strong trainers to take it down. It boasts high Attack and Special Attack stats, making it a significant threat in battle. Knowing Latios's type matchups is crucial for building an effective raid team. As a Dragon and Psychic-type, Latios is double weak to Dragon-type attacks and also vulnerable to Bug, Dark, Fairy, and Ghost-type moves. However, it resists Electric, Fighting, Fire, Psychic, and Water-type attacks, so avoid using these Pokémon in your lineup. Guys, trust me, going in prepared is half the battle!
Key Stats and Information
- Type: Dragon/Psychic
- Weaknesses: Dragon (2x), Bug, Dark, Fairy, Ghost
- Resistances: Electric, Fighting, Fire, Psychic, Water
- Raid Tier: 5
- CP: 52107
- Weather Boost: Windy (boosts Dragon and Psychic-type moves)
- Shiny Availability: Yes
Understanding these stats will help you strategize your approach. For instance, if it's windy weather, Latios's Dragon-type attacks will hit even harder, so you'll need to be extra cautious. Conversely, windy weather also boosts your Dragon-type counters, making them even more effective. Keep these details in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to victory!
Best Counters for Latios Raids
To defeat Latios, you'll need a team of powerful counters that can exploit its weaknesses. Dragon-type Pokémon are your best bet due to Latios's double weakness to them. However, other types like Bug, Dark, Fairy, and Ghost can also be effective. Let's dive into the top counters you should consider:
Dragon-Type Counters
- Mega Rayquaza: This Pokémon is an absolute powerhouse and the top counter for Latios. Its Dragon-type moves, such as Dragon Tail and Outrage, deal massive damage. If you have a Mega Rayquaza, it’s a must-have for this raid.
- Rayquaza: If you don't have the Mega evolution, a regular Rayquaza is still an excellent choice. It shares the same typing and moves as its Mega form, making it a top-tier attacker.
- Salamence: Salamence is another strong Dragon-type attacker with access to Dragon Tail and Outrage. It's a reliable option and can dish out significant damage.
- Dragonite: Dragonite is a classic Dragon-type Pokémon that remains a viable counter. With Dragon Tail and Outrage, it can contribute substantially to the raid.
- Dialga: Dialga, a Dragon and Steel-type, resists Dragon-type attacks, making it a sturdy choice. It can use Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor to deal solid damage.
Other Effective Counters
- Mega Gengar: As a Ghost and Poison-type, Mega Gengar can exploit Latios's Ghost-type weakness. It's a glass cannon, though, so be mindful of its survivability. Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball are its best moves.
- Mega Gardevoir: Mega Gardevoir, a Fairy and Psychic-type, can take advantage of Latios's Fairy-type weakness. Charm and Dazzling Gleam are its optimal moves.
- Gholdengo: Gholdengo, a Steel and Ghost-type, offers a unique resistance profile while dealing Ghost-type damage with Hex and Shadow Ball.
- Hydreigon: Hydreigon, a Dark and Dragon-type, can leverage Latios's weaknesses with Bite and Brutal Swing.
- Giratina (Origin Forme): This Ghost and Dragon-type Pokémon is a strong counter with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball. Its bulk makes it a reliable choice in the raid.
When building your team, prioritize Pokémon with high Attack stats and moves that match Latios's weaknesses. Having a diverse team ensures you can deal consistent damage throughout the raid. Remember, guys, teamwork makes the dream work! Coordinate with your raid group to maximize your chances of success.
Preparing for the Raid
Before you jump into the raid, there are a few things you can do to prepare and increase your chances of victory. Here are some essential tips:
Form a Strong Raid Group
Latios is a challenging raid boss, so you'll want to team up with other trainers. Aim for a group of at least 5-6 high-level players to ensure you have enough firepower. Coordinating with your group beforehand can help you strategize and choose the best counters. Using remote raid passes is also a great way to invite friends who can't join in person.
Power Up Your Pokémon
Make sure your counters are powered up to a decent level. Level 30 or higher is recommended for most Pokémon. Investing Stardust and Candy into your top counters will significantly boost their performance in the raid. Don't underestimate the difference a few extra levels can make!
Gather the Right Movesets
Having the right movesets is crucial for dealing maximum damage. Use TMs (Technical Machines) to teach your Pokémon the best moves for the raid. Refer to the list of best counters above to see the recommended movesets for each Pokémon. A Pokémon with a suboptimal moveset can still be useful, but it won't be as effective.
Stock Up on Healing Items
Raids can be intense, and your Pokémon will likely take a beating. Stock up on Potions and Revives to heal your team after each attempt. Max Potions and Max Revives are the most effective, so prioritize using those. Running out of healing items in the middle of a raid session can be frustrating, so it's always better to be prepared.
Consider Weather Conditions
Weather conditions in Pokémon GO can significantly impact raid battles. As mentioned earlier, Windy weather boosts Dragon and Psychic-type moves, making Latios's attacks more potent but also boosting your Dragon-type counters. Other weather conditions, such as Fog (boosts Dark and Ghost-types) and Cloudy (boosts Fairy-types), can also affect the effectiveness of your team. Guys, always check the weather forecast before heading out for a raid!
Battling Latios: Strategies and Tips
Once you're in the raid, it's time to put your preparation to the test. Here are some strategies and tips to help you battle Latios effectively:
Dodge Charge Attacks
Latios has powerful Charge Attacks that can quickly knock out your Pokémon. Dodging these attacks is crucial for staying in the battle longer and dealing more damage. Watch for the flashing yellow bars and swipe left or right to dodge. Timing your dodges can be tricky, but with practice, you'll become more adept at avoiding damage.
Use Mega Evolutions Strategically
Mega Evolutions can provide a significant boost to your team's damage output. Mega Evolving your strongest counter can help you deal damage much faster, but it’s important to time it right. Generally, it’s best to Mega Evolve your Pokémon as early as possible to maximize its effect throughout the raid.
Coordinate with Your Team
Communication is key in raid battles. Coordinate with your team to ensure everyone is using their best counters and dodging effectively. If you're raiding with friends, you can use voice chat to communicate in real-time. Even simple callouts, like when Latios is using a Charge Attack, can make a big difference.
Pay Attention to Latios's Moveset
Latios can have different movesets, which can impact the difficulty of the raid. Knowing its moveset can help you anticipate its attacks and adjust your strategy accordingly. Some of Latios's possible moves include Dragon Breath, Psychic, Luster Purge, and Solar Beam. If Latios has Solar Beam, be especially cautious, as it can quickly knock out Dragon-type Pokémon.
Rejoin the Battle Quickly
If your Pokémon faint during the battle, don't hesitate to rejoin the raid. You can use Max Revives to quickly revive your fainted Pokémon and get back into the action. The more damage your team can deal, the better your chances of defeating Latios.
Catching Latios
Congratulations, trainers! You've defeated Latios! Now comes the exciting part: catching it. Here are some tips to help you secure the catch:
Use Golden Razz Berries
Golden Razz Berries significantly increase your chances of catching Latios. Use them on every throw to maximize your odds. These berries are precious, but they're worth using on a legendary Pokémon like Latios. Guys, don't be stingy with those berries!
Throw Curveballs
Throwing Curveballs increases your catch rate. Practice your curveball technique to consistently land accurate throws. The bonus for a curveball can be the difference between catching Latios and watching it flee.
Aim for Excellent Throws
Excellent Throws provide the highest catch bonus. Aim for the center of the target circle when it's at its smallest. This requires precision, but the reward is well worth the effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't land Excellent Throws every time; just keep practicing.
Be Patient
Catching a legendary Pokémon can take time and patience. Don't get frustrated if Latios breaks out of the Poké Ball multiple times. Keep using Golden Razz Berries, throwing Curveballs, and aiming for Excellent Throws. Eventually, you'll get the catch. Stay positive and persistent!
Consider Weather Boost
If the weather is Windy, Latios will be weather-boosted, making it stronger but also slightly easier to catch. Weather-boosted Pokémon have higher CP, so catching a weather-boosted Latios is a great achievement.
Final Thoughts
Latios is a powerful and rewarding raid boss to defeat and catch in Pokémon GO. By understanding its weaknesses, building a strong team of counters, preparing effectively, and using smart battle strategies, you can conquer this legendary Pokémon. Remember to coordinate with your raid group, use Golden Razz Berries, throw Curveballs, and aim for Excellent Throws when catching Latios. With dedication and effort, you'll add this amazing Pokémon to your collection. Happy raiding, trainers! Remember, guys, have fun and enjoy the thrill of the battle!