Pokémon Go Deoxys weakness, counters, and best moveset

Deoxys is a rare Mythical Pokémon who appears in Pokémon Go raids in four different Formes — Normal, Attack, Defense, and Speed.

Deoxys makes his most recent appearance during the Go Tour: Hoenn global Event in Feb. 2023. Here, the four Formes along with Primal Kyogre & Groudon will be on hand for raids throughout the weekend.

Weakness in Deoxys

Despite having different stats, their weaknesses are the same. Deoxys is a psychic-type Pokémon meaning that it’s going to beYou are weak to dark-, ghostly-, or bug-type moves.

Deoxys Counters

You’ll have the most success against Deoxys with the following counters:

• TyranitarCrunch and Bite
• MewtwoWith Shadow Ball and Psycho Cut/Confusion
• GengarWith Shadow Claw/Hex or Shadow Ball
• ScizorFury Cutter and X -Scissor
• HoundoomFoul Play and Snarl

While Speed, Attack, and Normal Forme Deoxys can be taken down easily with a group of four or more people using good counters, its Defense Forme is tankier, meaning you’ll likely need around seven or more players.

If you can bring along a few Mega Evolutions for Gengar and Houndoom, then that’ll improve your chances further.

Niantic/The Pokémon Company

The best moveset to use for Deoxys Normal Attack, Defense, Speed, and Speed Formes

When used in raids, none of Deoxys’ forms are particularly good. Both Attack and Normal Forme glass cannons have low defense but high attacks.

If you’re set on using them, the best Deoxys movesets are:

• Normal Forme best moves: Charge BeamAnd Thunderbolt
• Attack Forme best moves: Poison JabAnd Dark Pulse
• Defense Forme best moves: Contra Thunderbolt
• Speed Forme best moves: Zen HeadbuttAnd Thunderbolt

Some notes on the above; the Defence Forme’s low attack make it not really worth using over any other fighting- or electric-type attackers, while Speed Forme Deoxys is the most useful, being the most balanced of the four stat-wise.

Is shiny Deoxys available?

Deoxys, its four Formes and their respective Formes may be shiny. All can adopt a yellow-green appearance.

Graphic by Julia Lee/Polygon. Source photos: Niantic| Source images: Niantic

Shiny Deoxys first appeared in the game on February 20, 2022. They released one Forme every week throughout the month.

Remember, if it is shiny, you are guaranteed to catch it on your first successful throw — so use a Pinap Berry to earn some easy extra Candy.

Our website has more information about raids. Pokémon GoRaid guide.