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?

Source: The Pokémon Company

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.

What are the best counters for Mega Charizard X in Pokémon Go?

A Fire and Dragon type, Mega Charizard X is weak against Ground, Rock, and Dragon type attacks. It can deal Fire, Flying, and Dragon type damage and the moveset makes a pretty big difference. When fighting against a Mega Charizard X with its Dragon type attack, Dragon Claw, all of the Dragon type counters will go down fast.

Rayquaza

Source: The Pokemon Company

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

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The pseudo-Legendary from Gen III, Salamence have had pretty widespread availability with its first stage, Bagon being featured in a 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

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The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Pearl and the upcoming 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 moves. 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.

Zekrom

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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.

Rampardos

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A Fossil Pokémon originally found in the Sinnoh region of Gen IV, Rampardos is another great 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 and Eggs, 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.

Garchomp

Source: The Pokémon Company

Another pseudo-Legendary, Garchomp is the final evolution of Gible 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. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the ideal moveset for this Mega Raid; however, it’s Ground type moves, Mud Shot and Earth Power can work as well. As Earth Power is a Legacy move, don’t TM it!

Reshiram

Source: The Pokémon Company

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 attacks, while taking increased damage from Dragon type attacks. As it was introduced at the height of a global pandemic, many players don’t even have one, much less the Candies to power it up. However, if you do, you’ll want the Fast move Dragon Breath and the Charge attack Draco Meteor.

Rhyperior

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The Sinnoh Stone evolution of Rhyhorn, Rhyperior works 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. Plus, as a Ground and Rock type, it resists Flying and Fire type attacks, while taking normal damage from Dragon attacks.

Dragonite

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The pseudo-Legendary from Gen I’s Kanto region, 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 and weak to Dragon, like most of the best counters. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the ideal moveset for this Raid, but Dragon Breath, Draco Meteor, or Dragon Claw can all work as well if you don’t have the TMs to spare.

Haxorus

Source: The Pokémon Company

A pure Dragon type from Gen V’s Unova region, Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew. Although Axew tend to be pretty rare, if you have a powered up Haxorus, it resists Mega Charizard X’s Fire attacks, but, like most Dragons, 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.

Mega Charizard X

Source: The Pokémon Company

As is the case with most Dragon type Pokémon, Mega Charizard X is a great counter for itself. Plus, it will boost all the other Dragon types on the field, so make sure you coordinate with your Raid party. 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.

Mega Gyarados

Source: The Pokémon Company

While it doesn’t perform quite as well as Mega Charizard X, Mega Gyarados is another solid choice for this Mega Raid. As a Water and Dark type, you won’t benefit from the same type Mega boost, but it has no weaknesses Mega Charizard can exploit and it resists Fire type damage. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the moveset you’ll want your Mega Gyarados to know for this fight.

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:

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 Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• 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 Aggron with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Shadow Charizard with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
• Shadow Swampert with Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Bulldoze

Note: Shadow Salamence and Shadow Dragonite outperform all of the best counters.

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 condistions, three top level Trainers can beat Mega Charizard X, but if you’re lower level or lacking the best counters, you may need five or six. 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 Complete Pokédex, as well as our many other Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!