Xerneas Pokémon GO raid guide: weaknesses, counters, and October 2026 dates

Pokémon GO Hub’s October 2026 calendar lists Xerneas as a five-star raid boss from September 30 to October 6. Event rotations can vary by local time and change, so confirm the raid egg or active boss in Pokémon GO before planning a group.

Xerneas is a pure Fairy type, so build around Poison and Steel damage. Pokémon’s official raid guide recommends choosing attackers that have both a Fast Attack and a Charged Attack of one of those types, then prioritizing your strongest available Pokémon.

Official examples include Poison attackers such as Nihilego, Roserade, and Mega Beedrill, plus Steel attackers such as Metagross, Dialga, and Excadrill. Check each Pokémon’s actual moves before joining: a Steel-type Pokémon using unrelated attacks will not follow the intended counter plan.

You have a limited number of Premier Balls to catch Xerneas. Bring Golden Razz Berries, wait for a comfortable target circle, and use curveballs when you can land them consistently. The Pokémon guide notes that battling with friends and finishing faster can increase the Premier Balls awarded.