Pokémon GO Rayquaza: How to Mega Evolve, Best Moves & Raid Counters

Rayquaza is a powerful Dragon- and Flying-type Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Its Mega Evolution makes it one of the strongest Raid attackers, but unlocking Mega Rayquaza requires a special item called a Meteorite.

Rayquaza is not featured in the current November 2026 Raid rotation. Here is what you need to know about catching it, preparing for Mega Evolution, and choosing the right counters for its next return.

Rayquaza Quick Facts

Rayquaza receives a Windy weather boost. Its base stats are 284 Attack, 170 Defense, and 213 HP.

How to Get Rayquaza in Pokémon GO

Rayquaza does not normally appear as a wild encounter. Its main acquisition methods are:

• 5-Star Raids: Defeat Rayquaza when it returns to the Legendary Raid rotation.
• Mega Rayquaza Raids: Defeat Mega Rayquaza to earn Mega Energy. The encounter afterward is with regular Rayquaza, not its Mega form.
• Special and Timed Research: Selected events may offer Rayquaza encounters, Meteorites, or Mega Energy.

For example, the July 25–26, 2026 Ozone Ascent event offered free Timed Research with a Meteorite, a Rayquaza encounter, and 400 Rayquaza Mega Energy. A separate paid research track offered additional rewards.

As of November 4, 2026, Rayquaza is not in the current Raid rotation. Altered Forme Giratina is featured in 5-Star Raids from November 4–8, while Mega Sableye is featured in Mega Raids.

How to Mega Evolve Rayquaza

Rayquaza has an additional Mega Evolution requirement: it must know Dragon Ascent.

You need two things:

1. Meteorite: Use this special item to teach Rayquaza Dragon Ascent. Charged TMs and Elite Charged TMs cannot teach this move.
2. Rayquaza Mega Energy: The first Mega Evolution costs 400 Mega Energy. Subsequent evolutions cost 80, or become free after the rest period ends.

After learning Dragon Ascent and collecting enough Mega Energy, select Rayquaza from your Pokémon storage and tap Mega Evolve.

Mega Rayquaza stays in its Mega form for 8 hours before reverting to its regular form.

You can also earn Mega Energy by walking Rayquaza as your Buddy after registering Mega Rayquaza in your Mega Pokédex. Its Buddy Candy distance is 20 km, and each Candy found can award 100 Mega Energy.

Important: Keep Dragon Ascent on Rayquaza if you want to Mega Evolve it again. If you replace the move, you will need another Meteorite to teach it again.

Best Rayquaza Moveset

Rayquaza can deal both Dragon- and Flying-type damage.

Dragon Tail + Dragon Ascent is its strongest overall Raid combination in current move comparisons. Dragon Ascent is also required for Mega Evolution.

Breaking Swipe is an event-exclusive move and may require an Elite Charged TM if your Rayquaza does not already know it.

Rayquaza Weaknesses & Best Raid Counters

Rayquaza is doubly weak to Ice-type attacks because both Dragon and Flying are vulnerable to Ice.

Prioritize strong Ice attackers when preparing for Rayquaza or Mega Rayquaza Raids.

Recommended counters include:

• White Kyurem — Ice Fang + Ice Burn
• Black Kyurem — Dragon Tail + Freeze Shock
• Shadow Mamoswine — Powder Snow + Avalanche

These are strong options, but your actual Raid performance depends on Pokémon levels, moves, and team bonuses. A well-powered Ice-focused team is generally the most practical approach.

Shiny Rayquaza

Shiny Rayquaza is available in Pokémon GO. You can encounter it through eligible Raids and events.

To obtain Shiny Mega Rayquaza, catch a Shiny Rayquaza, teach it Dragon Ascent with a Meteorite, and Mega Evolve it using Rayquaza Mega Energy.

Get Ready for Rayquaza's Return

Before Rayquaza returns, prioritize getting a Meteorite, preparing 400 Mega Energy, and building a strong Ice-type Raid team.

If you are looking to add Rayquaza to your Pokémon GO collection, check the PKMBuy Rayquaza listing for available options.