Is Xerneas a good Pokémon in Pokémon GO overall? I’m seeing conflicting information online. Some sources say its Fairy typing is fantastic and its stats are decent for raids, while others claim it’s outclassed by other Fairy-types like Gardevoir and Togekiss, and that its charged moves are too slow. I’m specifically interested in its viability in different aspects of the game: PvE (raids and gyms), PvP (Master League), and even as a general-purpose Pokémon to invest in for newer players. Given its limited availability and the Stardust cost of powering it up, is Xerneas truly worth the investment compared to other, more readily available Fairy-type options, or should I prioritize other Pokémon? How does its signature move, Geomancy, impact its performance compared to other charged moves, and how relevant is its role against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type opponents in the current meta?
Answer
Xerneas is a good Pokémon in Pokémon GO, primarily for its performance in raids.
Strengths:
- High Attack Stat: Xerneas boasts a high attack stat, which is crucial for dealing damage in raids and gym battles. This makes it a potent Fairy-type attacker.
- Good Bulk: While not exceptionally bulky, Xerneas has decent HP and defense, allowing it to withstand some damage and stay in battle longer.
- Fairy-type Dominance: Fairy-type Pokémon are strong against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type Pokémon. Since Dragon-type Pokémon are common raid bosses, Xerneas is a valuable counter.
- Geomancy (Signature Move): Geomancy is a strong Fairy-type charged move and Xerneas’ signature move.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Availability: Xerneas is a Legendary Pokémon, making it available only during specific events or raid periods. This can make it challenging to obtain a high-IV Xerneas or collect enough Candy and XL Candy to power it up significantly.
- Vulnerable to Poison and Steel: Xerneas is weak to Poison and Steel-type moves.
- Charged Move Availability: Until its signature move Geomancy was released, Xerneas was held back by lackluster charge moves.
Raid Performance:
- Xerneas excels in raids against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type bosses.
- It is often a top-tier or near top-tier Fairy-type attacker, depending on the specific boss and available counters.
- With Geomancy, it becomes even more viable and powerful as a raid attacker.
PvP Performance:
- Xerneas has moderate success in Master League PvP.
- Its moveset and stats make it a reasonable choice, but it is often outclassed by other top-tier Master League Pokémon.
- Its Fairy typing is useful against Dragon-type Pokémon common in Master League.
- However, its weaknesses to Poison and Steel can be problematic.
Overall Assessment:
Xerneas is a valuable asset in Pokémon GO, primarily for its raid performance. Its high attack stat and Fairy typing make it an effective counter against many common raid bosses. While its PvP performance is more limited, it can still be a viable option in certain situations. However, its limited availability and vulnerability to certain types are factors to consider. The introduction of Geomancy significantly boosted its value as a raid attacker.