How to Beat Mega Altaria in Pokémon GO: Complete Guide – Mega Altaria, a Dragon/Fairy-type Pokémon, is a formidable opponent in Pokémon GO Mega Raids. With its beautiful yet intimidating presence, Mega Altaria requires careful planning and the right team to defeat. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or new to Mega Raids, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to beat Mega Altaria and add its Mega Energy to your collection.
Mega Altaria Overview
1. Type and Characteristics
Mega Altaria is a dual Dragon/Fairy-type Pokémon, giving it unique strengths and weaknesses. This typing makes it both versatile and tricky to counter.
2. Weaknesses
Due to its dual typing, Mega Altaria has the following weaknesses:
- Steel
- Fairy
- Ice
These types are your best bet for dealing maximum damage during the raid.
3. Resistances
Mega Altaria resists several types of attacks, including:
- Bug
- Dark
- Dragon (double resistance)
- Electric
- Fighting
- Grass
- Water
4. Raid Boss Stats
Raid CP: Approximately 50,000
Catch CP Range:
- Normal weather: 1097 – 1148 CP
- Boosted weather (Windy or Cloudy): 1371 – 1435 CP
Preparing for the Mega Altaria Raid
1. Optimal Group Size
Mega Altaria can be challenging, especially for smaller groups. For most trainers, a group of 5-8 players is recommended. Highly experienced players with optimized counters may defeat it with 3-4 players.
2. Best Weather Conditions
Understanding how weather affects the battle can give you a significant advantage:
Boosted Conditions:
- Windy weather boosts Dragon-type moves but makes Altaria’s Dragon attacks stronger.
- Cloudy weather boosts Altaria’s Fairy moves and Fairy counters.
Ideal Conditions:
- Snowy weather boosts Steel-type moves, your primary counter option.
- Partly Cloudy weather boosts Rock moves but isn’t optimal in this case.
3. Stock Up on Raid Essentials
- Revives and Max Potions: To keep your team ready for additional battles if necessary.
- Golden Razz Berries: To improve your catch rate after defeating Mega Altaria.
- Mega Pokémon: If possible, bring your own Mega Evolution to amplify your team’s power.
Best Counters to Mega Altaria
To defeat Mega Altaria efficiently, focus on Pokémon that exploit its weaknesses. Below are the top choices for each category.
1. Steel-Type Pokémon (Best Counter Option)
Steel is one of the most effective counters against Mega Altaria, as it resists Fairy moves and deals super-effective damage.
Top Steel Counters
- Metagross
- Moveset: Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash
With its incredible bulk and powerful moves, Metagross is the undisputed best counter to Mega Altaria.
Dialga
- Moveset: Metal Claw + Iron Head
- This Legendary Pokémon brings exceptional durability and heavy-hitting Steel moves.
Excadrill
- Moveset: Metal Claw + Iron Head
- Excadrill’s typing and strong Steel moves make it an excellent budget option.
Magnezone
Moveset: Spark + Wild Charge (Electric moves are neutral but still viable)
Budget Steel Counters
- Steelix: Iron Tail + Heavy Slam
- Aggron: Iron Tail + Heavy Slam
2. Fairy-Type Pokémon
Fairy moves are super effective against Mega Altaria’s Dragon typing.
Top Fairy Counters
Gardevoir
- Moveset: Charm + Dazzling Gleam
- Gardevoir’s dual Psychic/Fairy typing makes it a strong choice for this raid.
Togekiss
- Moveset: Charm + Dazzling Gleam
- Togekiss brings excellent bulk and strong Fairy-type damage.
Granbull
- Moveset: Charm + Play Rough
- Granbull is a reliable option for trainers with fewer Legendary Pokémon.
Budget Fairy Counters
- Clefable: Charm + Dazzling Gleam
- Sylveon: Charm + Moonblast
3. Ice-Type Pokémon
While not as effective as Steel or Fairy, Ice-types can also exploit Altaria’s Dragon weakness.
Top Ice Counters
Mamoswine
- Moveset: Powder Snow + Avalanche
- Mamoswine is one of the strongest Ice attackers and a good secondary option.
Weavile
Moveset: Ice Shard + Avalanche
Glaceon
Moveset: Frost Breath + Avalanche
Strategy for Beating Mega Altaria
1. Build a Balanced Team
Your team should include a mix of Steel, Fairy, and Ice Pokémon. Prioritize Steel Pokémon for their resistance to Altaria’s Fairy moves and their super-effective damage output.
2. Utilize Mega Evolutions
If available, Mega Pokémon can significantly boost your team’s performance. Consider using:
- Mega Gardevoir (Fairy)
- Mega Steelix (Steel)
- Mega Abomasnow (Ice)
3. Dodge Key Attacks
Mega Altaria’s charged moves, such as Dragon Pulse and Moonblast, can deal significant damage. Dodging these moves can help your Pokémon survive longer and maximize damage output.
4. Focus on Timing
Time your charged moves to hit when Mega Altaria is vulnerable, avoiding wasted energy.
Post-Raid: Capturing and Using Mega Altaria
1. Catching Altaria
After defeating Mega Altaria, you’ll have the chance to catch a regular Altaria. Use these tips:
- Golden Razz Berries: Maximize your catch rate.
- Curveball Throws: Practice Excellent Curveball throws to increase your chances.
2. Mega Evolving Altaria
Once you have enough Mega Energy, you can Mega Evolve your Altaria. Mega Altaria is a unique Dragon/Fairy-type Pokémon, giving it valuable utility in battles and raids.
How to Get Mega Energy
- Complete more Mega Altaria Raids.
- Walk with Altaria as your buddy (if you’ve previously Mega Evolved it).
Rewards for Beating Mega Altaria
Successfully defeating Mega Altaria rewards you with:
- Mega Energy: Used to Mega Evolve Altaria.
- Rare Candies: A useful resource for powering up Pokémon.
- Golden Razz Berries and TMs: Additional rewards to enhance your gameplay.
- XP: Boost your trainer level by participating in raids.
Tips for Returning Trainers
If you’re jumping back into Pokémon GO after a break, here are some quick tips to prepare for Mega Altaria:
- Level Up Fast: Participate in raids, complete daily tasks, and catch Pokémon regularly.
- Join a Community: Use platforms like Discord or local Facebook groups to find raid partners.
- Focus on Key Counters: Build a strong team of Steel, Fairy, and Ice Pokémon.
Conclusion
Mega Altaria presents an exciting challenge for Pokémon GO trainers. By preparing with the right counters, understanding its moves, and building a balanced team, you can defeat this majestic Mega Pokémon and collect its Mega Energy. Whether you’re raiding for fun or to strengthen your roster, this guide ensures you’re ready to face Mega Altaria head-on.