How to take on Mega Altaria in Pokémon Go

The Humming Pokémon, Altaria is going Mega!

Since the introduction of Mega Evolution to Pokémon Go, new Mega Raids have been one of the highlights of Pokémon Go news and the next one is here. Mega Altaria made its Pokémon Go debut on May 15, 2021 after the Swablu Community Day and, like most Mega Raids, it's a tough one to beat! Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to take on the Humming Pokémon and add this awesome new Mega Evolution to your roster. And be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Mega Altaria in Pokémon Go?

The Humming Pokémon, Altaria is the final evolution of Gen III's Swablu. Normally a Dragon and Flying type, when Mega Evolved, Mega Altaria is a Dragon and Fairy type. While it's the first Fairy type Mega Pokémon in Pokémon Go, with Gardevoir, Mawile, Audino, and Diancie all having Mega Evolutions, it won't be alone for long. However, while Mega Altaria is currently our only Mega Fairy type, it's also unique in that it's a Dragon type that resists Dragon type attacks. This means it will definitely be useful for future Dragon type Raids.

What may hold Mega Altaria back in either capacity is its lacking movepool. As we've noted with other Fairy types, there are so few Fairy type moves in Pokémon Go and Charm is the only fast move - a move which Altaria cannot learn in the core games. The only Dragon type moves Altaria can learn are Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse, leaving Dragon Breath and Dazzling Gleam as its most powerful moveset in a vaccum. With some additional moves, Mega Altaria could be far more useful, but even with weaker moves, the Mega boost it gives will make it worth having.

What are the best counters for Mega Altaria in Pokémon Go?

As a Dragon and Fairy type, Mega Altaria is weak to Poison, Steel, Ice, and Fairy type attacks. It can deal Dragon, Fairy, and Flying type damage. Although Mega Gengar, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Abomasnow are all in our top ten for counters, with Metagross being as common as it is and having a Shadow variant, most Trainers will be relying heavily on Metagross for this Mega Raid. If you happen to have the extra Mega Energy or already have one of these Megas ready, it will still perform well, but at least until Mega Metagross or another Mega Steel type joins the fray, you don't need to focus too much on Mega Evolved counters.

Mega Gengar

Although Mega Evolved Pokémon need not be prioritized this go round, Mega Gengar outperforms every other Pokémon save for Shadow Metagross when going up against Mega Altaria. As a Poison and Ghost type, Gengar takes reduced damage from Mega Altaria's Fairy type attack and has no weaknesses the Humming Pokémon can exploit. It will also boost any Poison types your fellow Raiders might use. If possible to bring one along, you'll want Lick and Sludge Bomb for your Mega Gengar's moveset.

Metagross

The real star of the show and likely what most Trainers will be bringing along, Metagross is the final evolution of Gen III's Beldum. A Steel and Psychic type, Metagross takes half damage from all of Mega Altaria's attacks, making it one of the most durable Pokémon on this list. Having been featured in a number of events, including Community Day and having a Shadow variant, there's no good reason not to have a whole team of Metagross ready for this Mega Raid. Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash are the moves you'll want your Metagross to know, but if you don't have the Community Day exclusive move or the Elite TM to spare, Flash Cannon is a decent substitute.

Mega Beedrill

Although Mega Gengar is the best pick for a Mega Evolved Pokémon here, Mega Beedrill is a decent choice as well if you happen to have more Beedrill Mega Energy. Even without other Poison types on the field to boost, Mega Beedrill is still an excellent counter, as its Bug and Poison typing mean it takes reduced damage from Fairy type attacks. However, it does take double damage from Flying type attacks, so moveset is important here. Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb are the moves you'll want your Mega Beedrill to know.

Mega Abomasnow

Another Mega Evolved option for this Raid is Mega Abomasnow. This Grass and Ice type takes double damage from Flying type attacks and brings no useful resistances to the fight, but it performs well when Mega Altaria doesn't have Flying type moves. If you're bringing Mega Abomasnow along, you'll want Powder Snow for its fast attack and the Ice type Weather Ball for its charged attack.

Dialga

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Diamond, Dialga performs quite well against Mega Altaria. This Steel and Dragon type takes reduced damage from Flying type attacks and has no weaknesses that the Humming Pokémon can exploit. Unfortunately, Dialga has had relatively limited availability in Pokémon Go, so many players don't have the Candy to power it up. Still, if you have one ready, it will serve you well with Metal Claw and Iron Head.

Mamoswine

A Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen II's Swinub, Mamoswine is a great choice for this Mega Raid. As an Ice and Ground type, it brings no notable resistances or weaknesses to face Mega Altaria, but it's bulky and easy to come by. It's been featured in a Community and other events so most players have had plenty of chances to add this mammoth to their roster. Powder Snow and Avalanche are the ideal moveset for this fight.

Galarian Darmanitan

One of four different versions of Darmanitan, Galarian Darmanitan is another great counter for Mega Altaria. As a pure Ice type, it doesn't resist any of the Humming Pokémon's attacks, but it doesn't take increased damage from any of them either. Galarian Darmanitan uses the same Candy as its Unovan version and its first stage, Darumaka has been common in events and Eggs, so it's easy to obtain and power up. If you're bringing Galarian Darmanitan to this Raid, you'll want it to know Ice Fang and Avalanche.

Genesect

Genesect, a Mythical fossil Pokémon originally from the Unovan region, is a great choice for this Mega Raid. As a Steel and Bug type, it resists Dragon and Fairy type attacks, while having no weaknesses the Humming Pokémon can take advantage of. Even though it's a Mythical Pokémon, Genesect has been in Raids multiple times, as well appeaing in Research and as a Pokémon Go Battle League reward encounter, so there have been plenty of opportunities to add it to your roster. Metal Claw and Magnet Bomb are the ideal moveset for fighting Mega Altaria and its Drive doesn't matter in this fight.

Excadrill

Gen V's Excadrill is a solid pick for challenging Mega Altaria. As a Ground and Steel type, it doesn't bring any relevant weaknesses or resistances, but its first stage, Drilbur has been boosted in a number of events, so most players have had a chance to catch plenty. The best moveset for this Raid is Metal Claw and Iron Head.

Roserade

Last but not least is another Sinnoh Stone evolution finishing up the list. Roserade is a Poison and Grass type, meaning it takes added damage from Flying type attacks, while resisting Fairy type. Its first stage, Roselia is common enough and had its own Community Day, as well as having a Baby stage, Budew that has been available in Eggs many times. Poison Jab is the fast move you'll want your Roserade to know and Sludge Bomb is the charged move.

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:

• Jirachi with Confusion and Doom Desire
• Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
• Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche
• Gengar with Lick and Sludge Bomb
• Weavile with Ice Shard and Avalanche
• Scizor with Bullet Punch and Iron Head
• Aggron with Iron Tail and Heavy Slam
• Victreebel with Acid and Sludge Bomb
• Ursaring with Metal Claw and Play Rough
• Vileplume with Acid and Sludge Bomb
• Muk with Poison Jab and Gunk Shot
• Articuno with Frost Breath and Ice Beam
• Skuntank with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb

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 Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
• Shadow Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
• Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
• Shadow Scizor with Bullet Punch and Iron Head
• Shadow Aggron with Iron Tail and Heavy Slam
• Shadow Victreebel with Acid and Sludge Bomb
• Shadow Ursaring with Metal Claw and Play Rough
• Shadow Vileplume with Acid and Sludge Bomb
• Shadow Muk with Poison Jab and Gunk Shot
• Shadow Articuno with Frost Breath and Ice Beam
• Shadow Skuntank with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb

Note: Shadow Metagross outperform every single Pokémon in the best counters list. Shadow Mamoswine, Shadow Gardevoir, Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Scizor, Shadow Aggron, and Shadow Victreebel also perform on par with the other best counters. If you do happen to have a Mega Gengar, Mega Beedrill, or Mega Abomasnow on the field, the Poison or Ice boost will make some of these Pokémon more viable.

How many players does it take to beat Mega Altaria in Pokémon Go?

Even with the best counters and top level Trainers, it takes at least three to beat Mega Altaria. This is almost certain to change when Mega Metagross is introduced, but until then, you'll want to aim for more players. That having been said, the faster you beat a Mega Raid, the more Mega Energy you're rewarded with and, considering how common Swablu was before it got its own Community Day, that should be your goal.

Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:

• Cloudy weather will boost Mega Altaria's Fairy type move, as well as both your Poison and Fairy type counters.
• Wind will boost its Dragon and Flying type attacks.
• Snow will boost your Ice and Steel type counters.

Questions about taking on Altaria in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about taking on Mega Altaria in Pokémon Go? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, so you can be the very best like no one ever was!

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