Pokemon Go: Legendary Rayquaza Guide - Counters, Weaknesses, Shiny Rayquaza, And How To Catch Tips

Pokemon Go players now have another chance to catch a fan-favorite Legendary Pokemon. Rayquaza, the cover monster from Pokemon Emerald, is making an encore appearance in the hit Pokemon mobile game for a limited time. Not only does this mark the first time the Legendary has appeared in Raid Battles since earlier this year, you'll also have your first chance to capture a Shiny Rayquaza. If you're hoping to add one to your collection before it leaves the game again, here are some tips on how to battle and catch Rayquaza.

How To Catch Rayquaza

For the next several weeks, Rayquaza will appear as a boss in five-star Raid Battles. If you find a nearby Rayquaza Raid, you'll need to head to the Gym where the Raid is taking place and challenge it. You'll need to have a Raid Pass in order to participate in the Raid, but you can receive one for free when you spin the Photo Disc at a Gym.

To earn an opportunity to capture Rayquaza, you'll first need to battle it. Rayquaza and other Legendary Pokemon are quite powerful, so you'll need to team up with other players in-person if you hope to defeat it. Rayquaza is a dual Dragon/Flying Pokemon, which means it has a 4x weakness to Ice-type Pokemon such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Glaceon--they'll be your best bet. Fairy, Rock, and other Dragon Pokemon will also be effective against it.

If you manage to defeat Rayquaza, you'll receive a handful of Premier Balls among other rewards; you'll need to use these Premier Balls to capture it. Study Rayquaza's movement pattern before your throws to ensure you have the best chance of snagging it. Feeding it a Golden Razz Berry will also make it a little easier to capture.

How To Find Shiny Rayquaza

Shiny Pokemon are fairly rare in Pokemon Go, so there's no sure-fire way to ensure you find a Shiny Rayquaza. That means you'll need to participate in as many Rayquaza Raids as possible if you're hoping to add a Shiny one to your collection. Fortunately, you'll know for sure if you've encountered one; if the Pokemon has black scales instead of green ones, then you've found yourself a Shiny. Follow the steps outlined above to add it to your collection and make other trainers envious.

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How Long Will Rayquaza Be Available?

Each Legendary in Pokemon Go typically hangs around for about a month, and that holds true for Rayquaza. The Sky High Pokemon will appear in Raids from July 31 to 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST on September 2, when it will be replaced by a different Legendary, so you have until then to capture as many as you can.