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Pokemon Go Nihilego Raid Guide: Best Counters, Weaknesses and More Tips

Pokemon Go's first Ultra Beast has arrived.

Kevin Knezevic Former staff writer
Kevin has been covering video games and tech since 2010, with a particular focus on Nintendo and Pokemon. Squirtle is the best starter and nothing will convince him otherwise.
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Kevin Knezevic
2 min read
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Nihilego is appearing in raids for the first time in Pokemon Go.

 Niantic

Day 2 of Pokemon Go Fest 2022 is underway, and it's introduced another new legendary Pokemon to the game. Nihilego, one of the Ultra Beasts from Pokemon Sun and Moon , is making a surprise appearance in raids throughout the event, making this your first opportunity to get one in Pokemon Go. 

Here are some tips to help you beat and capture Nihilego before it leaves raids.

Nihilego raid schedule

Nihilego is only appearing during day 2 of Pokemon Go Fest 2022. You'll have a chance to encounter the Ultra Beast in five-star raids from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.

Nihilego weaknesses

Nihilego is a rock/poison type -- a combination that's especially susceptible to ground Pokemon. Ground-type attacks will deal quadruple damage to the Ultra Beast, making those your best choices to bring into Nihilego raids.

Nihilego is also weak to water, psychic and steel Pokemon. Although these won't dish out as much damage as ground types, they're good alternatives to use against the Ultra Beast.

Best Nihilego counters

Here are some recommended Pokemon and moves to use when battling Nihilego:

Ground

  • Groudon: Mud Shot, Earthquake
  • Rhyperior: Mud-Slap, Earthquake
  • Garchomp: Mud Shot, Earth Power
  • Excadrill: Mud-Slap, Earthquake
  • Golurk: Mud-Slap, Earth Power
  • Landorus: Mud Shot, Earth Power

Water

  • Mega Blastoise: Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
  • Mega Gyarados: Waterfall, Hydro Pump
  • Swampert: Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
  • Kyogre: Waterfall, Surf
  • Samurott: Waterfall, Hydro Cannon

Psychic

  • Alakazam: Psycho Cut, Psychic
  • Mewtwo: Confusion, Psystrike
  • Metagross: Zen Headbutt, Psychic
  • Latios: Zen Headbutt, Psychic
  • Gallade: Confusion, Psychic

Steel

  • Metagross: Bullet Punch, Meteor Mash
  • Dialga: Metal Claw, Iron Head
  • Cobalion: Metal Claw, Iron Head
  • Zacian: Metal Claw, Iron Head
  • Zamazenta: Metal Claw, Iron Head

Day 2 of Pokemon Go Fest ends at 6 p.m. local time, but there are still more events happening in the game this month, including Community Day and a Pokemon TCG crossover. You can catch up on everything going on in Pokemon Go over the next few weeks in our June events roundup.