Xerneas is coming back to Pokémon GO raids in February 2026, and a lot of Trainers want a no-nonsense guide to get ready. Xerneas isn't easy to catch. It's got a big HP pool, hits hard with its moves, and doesn't have many weaknesses.
So, if you don't show up with a good enough plan and the right counters, you'll feel it. But in this Xerneas Pokémon GO raid guide, we'll talk over Xerneas's type and weaknesses, the best counters for 2026, and its CP range and weather boost. We'll also share its Shiny odds, and how to join raids from anywhere. So, keep reading!
Xerneas in Pokémon GO is a Raid attacker and is a pure Fairy-type, and the mascot of Pokémon X. It is part of the Kalos region's Aura Trio, alongside Yveltal and Zygarde. Known as the Life Pokémon, Xerneas can share eternal life and sleeps for a thousand years in the form of a tree. It does not evolve and has specific weaknesses and resistances in battles.
Xerneas's main role is a bulky Charge Move spammer, using Geomancy to generate energy quickly for frequent Charge Moves. A typical moveset is Geomancy (Fast), Moonblast (Fairy STAB), and Close Combat (coverage), giving strong pressure and shield-baiting. While solid in Master League, it's not top-tier like Mewtwo or Dialga.
In Pokémon GO, Xerneas appears mainly as a five-star Raid Boss, so players need to team up to defeat it. But in main series games, battles are 1-on-1 and more strategic. Xerneas's ability, Fairy Aura, boosts all Fairy-type moves on the field. With a base stat total of 680, including 131 in Attack and Special Attack and 126 HP, it is a powerful offensive threat. In PvP, it works only in Master League, where access to Geomancy boosts Xerneas Pokémon GO ranking.
Please swipe to view
Xerneas's strongest stats are Attack and Special Attack (131 each) and HP (126), while its Defense and Special Defense are weaker and can be targeted. The best counters are high-DPS Pokémon like Mega Gengar (Poison), Mega Beedrill (Poison), and Mega Rayquaza (Dragon, using non-Dragon moves). But as of 2026, the best counters to Xerneas differ between Pokémon GO Raids and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Here's how:
Please swipe to view
But one thing to remember in this Xerneas Pokémon GO raid guide is that a Tier 5 Xerneas Pokémon GO cannot be soloed. Despite its low Defense, its high HP (15,000 in raids) and strong attacks make it too tough for one player. Typically, 3 to 7 trainers are needed, though a duo with perfect maxed-out counters is theoretically possible but very hard. Xerneas has no double weakness, so it can't take 256% damage like some Legendaries.
In Pokémon GO, Xerneas's CP varies by encounter type and its level when caught. Different encounters set specific levels, creating predictable CP ranges. Cloudy weather boosts Xerneas, increasing its spawn rate in the wild and making raid encounters stronger. In raids, it appears at Level 25 instead of 20, giving higher CP. Weather-boosted Xerneas is also slightly easier to catch.
Please swipe to view
Xerneas Pokémon GO Shiny is available only through 5-Star Raids. Each raid gives about a 1 in 20 (~5%) chance to catch it Shiny, with no guarantees. It cannot be found in the wild, eggs, or research, but can be traded once obtained. To hunt for Shiny Xerneas, focus on preparing for raids and maximizing your attempts. Here's how:
Raids Only: Xerneas can only be caught by winning active 5-Star Raids.
Use Strong Counters: Bring Poison and Steel-type attackers like Mega Gengar, Shadow Metagross, and Dusk Mane Necrozma to reach the encounter phase.
Team Up: Xerneas cannot be soloed, so join local or remote players to secure victory.
Xerneas will appear in the Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos 2026 during both in-person and global events. In-person (LA or Tainan, Feb 20--22) ticketed Trainers can find it in 5-Star Raids, possibly through exclusive Special Research. But during the global event (Feb 28--Mar 1), all Trainers can encounter Xerneas in 5-Star Raids for free.
Whereas ticket-holders can complete Special Research to choose Xerneas with a special background as a reward. However, if you don't want to attend the event, you can still catch Xerneas with your team from the comfort of your home. An iOS/Android Location Changer like Tenorshare iAnyGo lets you spoof your location safely to any coordinates you want. It employs Bluetooth hardware for safer GPS changes without jailbreak or rooting.
The tool offers many advantages, such as:
Follow the instructions beneath to spoof your location to catch Xerneas with Tenorshare iAnyGo:
Execute iAnyGo on your computer. Then, attach your iPhone/Android to your computer. Tap "Enter" on iAnyGo. For Android, activate USB Debugging, but for iPhone, trust the computer.
Choose your iOS/Android device. Next, type your desired address or coordinates for the Kalos Tour (e.g., Tainan) on the map. Click "Start to Modify." iAnyGo will spoof your location.
The best PvP moveset for Xerneas is Geomancy (Fast) with Close Combat and Moonblast. Geomancy generates energy very quickly, Close Combat helps deal with Steel-types, and Moonblast is a strong Fairy-type Charge Move. For Pvp rank, Xerneas is a top Master League Pokémon, ranked #4, but is much lower in Ultra League (#139) and is not usable in Great League.
Xerneas is very strong in the Master League. With its best moveset, it is an S-Tier Fairy-type ranked #5, using its bulk and fast Charge Moves to defeat meta Pokémon like Dialga, Garchomp, and Zacian. Its success depends completely on having the exclusive Geomancy fast move.
Yes, it is possible but difficult to duo a Xerneas Tier 5 raid. Both trainers need maxed-out Steel or Poison-type counters like Mega Metagross, Shadow Metagross, or Mega Gengar with the right moves. Weather boosts (such as Snow for Steel) and friendship bonuses are also often needed to beat the tight time limit.
Here's everything you need to know about Xerneas in this Pokémon GO raid guide. Xerneas is a strong Fairy-type Pokémon known for Master League PvP, Tier 5 Raids, and shiny hunting. Defeating it takes teamwork, strong Steel- and Poison-type counters, and awareness of weather boosts and CP ranges.
But events like Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos 2026 give more chances to catch Xerneas through raids and Special Research, especially the Shiny ones. But if you can't attend in person, you can spoof your location safely with a tool like Tenorshare iAnyGo. It uses Bluetooth hardware to change your GPS location and allow you to catch Xerneas from home without jailbreaking or rooting.
then write your review
Leave a Comment
Create your review for Tenorshare articles
2026 Top Location Changer
With Bluetooth tech built-in: no cracked/error 12, 0-risk.
iAnyGo-No.1 Free Location Changer for iOS and Android
Change GPS with 1-click, simulate routes, joystick control, no jailbreak!
iAnyGo-No.1 Free Location Changer
1-Click GPS change, joystick, no jailbreak!
By Jenefey Aaron
2026-02-08 / change location