Virizion has returned as a Tier 5 Raid Boss in Pokémon GO during the current event rotation. This Grass and Fighting-type Legendary Pokémon is double weak to Flying attacks, making it one of the more manageable Legendary raids. This guide provides its key weaknesses, best counters, CP ranges, and tips to catch both standard and Shiny Virizion.
Fun Lore Tip: Virizion is inspired by the musketeer Aramis, known for speed and grace among the Swords of Justice.
Virizion Raid Overview
Before jumping into the battle, here are the essential details you should know:
- Type: Grass / Fighting
- Raid Boss CP: 39,601
- Perfect CP:
- 1,727 CP (Level 20, no weather boost)
- 2,159 CP (Level 25, Sunny weather boost)
- Shiny Availability: Yes
- Recommended Group Size: 2–3 trainers with top counters, or 4–6 for casual teams
Trainer Tip: While duos are possible for high-level players with maxed Flying-types, most trainers should form groups of 4–6 for a consistent clear.
Virizion is double weak to Flying-type moves, making this raid one of the more approachable Legendary battles if you bring the right Pokémon.
Virizion Weaknesses and Resistances
It’s good to know Virizion’s type weaknesses and resistances, as this helps you select the most effective counters for the raid.
Weaknesses (Best Types to Use):
- Double Weakness: Flying
- Single Weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Fairy, Poison, Psychic
Resistances (Avoid Using These):
- Dark
- Electric
- Grass
- Ground
- Rock
- Water
Weather Tip:
- Windy weather boosts your Flying-type moves—ideal for faster raids.
- Avoid Sunny (boosts Leaf Blade) and Cloudy (boosts Fighting moves like Sacred Sword) weather conditions.
If Virizion is weather-boosted, it will hit much harder, so dodging becomes more important.
See also: Pokemon Sleep Expert Mode: How to Unlock, Play, and Get Rewards
Best Virizion Counters in Pokémon GO
To take advantage of Virizion’s double weakness, prioritize Flying-type Pokémon with Flying-type moves. These options deliver the best damage output (DPS) and total damage output (TDO):
Top Tier Counters
- Mega Rayquaza – Air Slash / Dragon Ascent (Unmatched DPS)
- Rayquaza – Air Slash / Dragon Ascent (Nearly as strong as Mega)
- Shadow Salamence – Fire Fang / Fly
- Shadow Staraptor – Gust / Fly (Fragile but hits hard)
- Mega Salamence – Fire Fang / Fly
- Incarnate Forme Enamorus – Fairy Wind / Fly
- Yveltal – Gust / Oblivion Wing
- Mega Pidgeot – Gust / Brave Bird (Accessible and reliable)
- Galarian Articuno – Psycho Cut / Fly
- Shadow Moltres – Wing Attack / Sky Attack (Legacy move recommended)
Budget Alternatives:
- Braviary / Hisuian Braviary – Air Slash / Fly
- Honchkrow – Peck / Sky Attack
- Staraptor – Gust / Fly
Why these work: Flying moves get double damage; Fire Pokémon like Reshiram burn through Grass; Psychic attackers hit Virizion’s Fighting weakness safely.
Virizion Moveset
Virizion can use a variety of moves in raids. Knowing its moves helps you plan around potential threats:
Fast Moves:
- Quick Attack (Normal)
- Zen Headbutt (Psychic)
Charged Moves:
- Leaf Blade (Grass)
- Sacred Sword (Fighting)
- Close Combat (Fighting)
- Stone Edge (Rock) (Dangerous to Flying-types)
Watch for Stone Edge—it’s the only move that can seriously threaten Flying-types. Dodging can prevent unexpected KOs and keep your DPS up.
See also: Mega Aerodactyl Raid Guide Pokémon GO (Best Counters, Weaknesses & How to Beat It)
Strategy & Raid Tips
- Ideal Team Size: 2 trainers with top-tier counters, 3–5 for standard groups.
- Duo Challenge: Possible with maxed Flying-types and excellent dodging.
- Weather Advantage: Windy boosts your damage; Sunny/Cloudy makes Virizion tougher.
- Throw Technique: Use the Circle Lock Technique with Golden Razz Berries to maximize catch chances.
Curveball Excellent Throws further increase your catch rate—perfect for shiny hunting or 100% IVs.
How to Get Shiny Virizion in Pokémon GO
Shiny Virizion is available during its raid rotation. Here’s what you need to know:
- Shiny Odds: ~1 in 20 (Legendary standard rate)
- Guaranteed Catch: If it’s shiny, any successful hit will catch it—consider using a Pinap Berry for extra candy.
- 100% IV CP Check:
- 1,727 CP (no weather boost)
- 2,159 CP (Sunny weather boost)
Quick Tip: If you see these CPs, it’s a 100% IV Virizion. Don’t miss the Excellent Curveball for a sure catch!
To increase your shiny chances, participate in multiple raids while Virizion is active.
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Virizion is one of the more approachable Legendary raids thanks to its double weakness to Flying-types. Bring your strongest Flying Pokémon, avoid its boosted weather conditions, and aim for multiple raids if you’re hunting for that elusive Shiny Virizion.
Rally your top fliers, dodge Stone Edge if needed, and coordinate with friends for a smooth and rewarding raid experience. Play Now!
