The legendary Pokémon Giratina returns to Pokémon GO. We show you the best counters and what else you need to know.
From May 5th, you can encounter the Altered Form of Giratina in raids until May 12th. This time also again in its shiny form.
Interesting types: As the first Pokémon in the game with the Ghost/Dragon type combination, Giratina brings many weaknesses. It is weak against Dragon, Fairy, Ice, Ghost, and Dark types.
Can be defeated with few players: Three players are enough to defeat Giratina, but you should bring correspondingly strong Pokémon.
If you and your teammates are around level 30, there’s no need to worry. With the right counters, it can also be defeated in a trio.
These Pokémon should be in your battle teams
Because of Giratina’s many weaknesses, there are also many Pokémon that are effective against it. We will now show you the best counters and then a selection of good counters against Giratina.
Rayquaza
Rayquaza is the best counter against Giratina. Its high attack value and strong Dragon-type moves make Rayquaza the top counter. The only drawback is that it can be defeated relatively quickly. Rayquaza reacts, just like Giratina itself, very effectively to Dragon moves. So if Giratina has Dragon moves, your Rayquaza will be defeated fairly quickly.
- Fast Move: Dragon Tail
- Charge Move: Outrage
Palkia
Palkia can withstand a bit more than Rayquaza as a Dragon-type, but also deals a bit less damage. Nevertheless, it is also a Dragon, so it can be defeated quite quickly. However, its high attack value compensates for its fragility.
- Fast Move: Dragon Tail
- Charge Move: Draco Meteor
Salamence
Salamence follows with the exclusive move Outrage from Community Day. It deals substantial damage and is worthwhile for your team. Like Rayquaza, this Dragon Pokémon also reacts very efficiently to the Dragon moves of Giratina.
- Fast Move: Dragon Tail
- Charge Move: Outrage
Darkrai
Darkrai is one of the few Dark attackers that is really useful here. You can also teach Darkrai the Ghost move Shadow Ball, which is also effective against Giratina. Darkrai can stand firm in battle against some of Giratina’s moves and can last a long time.
- Fast Move: Bite
- Charge Move: Shadow Ball
Dialga
Dialga is a Dragon Pokémon but is not very vulnerable to Dragon moves due to its secondary Steel type. So you can save some potions with Dialga and still deal effective damage.
- Fast Move: Fire Spin
- Charge Move: Draco Meteor
Other good attackers
- Garchomp with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Rayquaza with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball
- Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Sneezler with Bite and Avalanche
- Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball
- Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Machamp with Counter and Shadow Ball
- Latios with Fire Spin and Dragon Claw
- Tyranitar with Bite and Crunch
- Hydreigon with Fire Spin and Dark Pulse
Also effective: If you don’t have any of the counters mentioned above, don’t despair. Before you battle with Lugia or Stolloss, it’s better to use Houndoom, Gyarados, Sharpedo, or Ludicolo. Watch out for the moves that need to be effective against Giratina. Also, generally good attackers like Metagross with its special Community Day move are good alternatives.
General information about Giratina
Giratina’s moves:
- Fast Moves: Shadow Claw (Ghost), Fire Spin (Dragon)
- Charge Moves: Dragon Claw (Dragon), Ancient Power (Rock), Shadow Force (Ghost)
100% Giratina: To catch a 100% IV Giratina, you need 1931 CP. With weather boost, it is 2414 CP. Giratina is boosted in foggy and windy weather.
Stats of Giratina:
- Max CP: 3379
- Attack value: 187
- Defense value: 225
- HP value: 284
How good is Giratina? The Pokémon in its Altered Form has a relatively low attack value. When comparing the Altered Form with the Origin Form, the Altered Form performs worse. Its attack is significantly lower and it lacks strong Ghost moves.
However, it is a good choice for the PvP league. It dominates the tier lists of the Ultra and Master League. So if you like to battle in PvP, you should rely on the Altered Form.
