The Legendary Lugia has returned to Pokémon GO as a 5-Star Raid boss, meaning it's so strong that you'll need its weaknesses and the best counters to win and get a chance at trying to catch a Shiny. The Gen 2 Diving Pokémon has been a part of the time for quite a long time. Be that as it may, that does not mean it can't take Trainers by surprise with some strong attacks in its moveset. For example, it can know deadly moves like Dragon Tail or Extrasensory as Fast Attacks, which give it a high DPS rating each.

As for Charged Attacks, Lugia can know moves of three different types that can be just as tough to take in their own right: Hydro Pump (Water), Sky Attack (Flying), and Future Sight (Psychic). Among all of the bosses in the Pokémon GO Raid schedule for this month, it can for certain be one of the most intimidating. Nevertheless, its dual typing opens up plenty of chances for Trainers to take advantage of its weaknesses. With a high base defensive stat to boot, this fan-favorite water dragon-looking Legendary remains one that players will want to add to their collections.

Lugia Weaknesses

Dark, Electric, Ice & More

In Pokémon GO, the Psychic and Flying-type Lugia is weak to Rock, Ghost, Electric, Ice, and Dark-type attacks, each dealing 160% damage to the 5-Star boss. Meanwhile, Lugia is resistant to Psychic- and Grass-type moves, each type dealing 63% damage, along with Fighting- and Ground-type attacks which both deal only 39% damage. So if you managed to catch a Gengar from the recent Halloween event, checking out the best Gengar moveset might be for you.

Its high Defense means it will be a challenging Raid, but having five weaknesses gives you plenty of broad options when it comes to deciding which Pocket Monsters you should take into battle. Even though Ghost and Dark types are rarer to find, there are plenty of Rock and Electric counters that even very casual players can use. Still, if you want the best chance of overcoming the tanky Diving Pokémon, prioritizing the counters with higher offensive stats will give you the best chance for definite.

Best Counters For Lugia

Overcome Its High Defense

The best counters to send out against Lugia in Pokémon GO are those with high Attack stats and can use moves targeting its weaknesses while resisting those in the boss' moveset, like Xurkitree, Zacian (Crowned Sword), and Thundurus. Thundurus is also an excellent counter to beat Team Rocket Leader Sierra. You can find the rest with their types and movesets in the table below.

While there are some that could initially work as stronger counters due to higher Attack stats and DPS levels, their own type vulnerabilities to some of Lugia's own attacks make them a lesser fit due to inferior survivability. For example, Zekrom, while Electric, is also a Dragon-type that's weak to Lugia's Dragon Tail. Galarian Darmanitan (Zen), while capable of using decent Ice-type moves, is vulnerable to Lugia's Hydro Pump as a part-Fire-type.

Having counters using a move of its own type adds a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus).

Can Lugia Be Shiny?

Legendarily Pink

Trainers will be happy to know that Lugia can be Shiny in Pokémon GO. Unlike some Shinies in the game, which can be a bit underwhelming, Lugia's variant form is quite impressive, with its dark pink belly and pink hue adorning its other features. It should be a rather dazzling addition to any player's collection.

All players should keep in mind that Shiny Lugia being available doesn't mean you're guaranteed to encounter one. On the other hand, the odds of finding one are 1:20, making it lower than other Shiny odds in Pokémon GO. to target Lugia's weaknesses for Rock, Ghost, Electric, Ice, and Dark-type attacks with counters like Xurkitree, and victory in this 5-Star Raid will be yours.