Mega Gyarados is a Water- and Dark-type Atrocious Pokémon. It is available in Pokémon GO via Mega Raids. It is moderately weak (1.6x) to Pokémon with either Bug-, Electric-, Fairy-, Fighting- or Grass-type attacks. Mega Gyarados’ best moves are Bite as a Fast Attack, and Hydro Pump, as a Charged Attack.
FUN FACT: Mega Gyarados made its debut in Pokémon GO on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
It’s coming back to Mega Raids as part of May 2025’s Pokémon GO events.
Mega Gyarados Recommended Counters
The following are the recommended counters you should have in your battle party when participating in Mega Gyarados raids.
| Pokémon | Fast Attack | Charged Attack | Max CP Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Team | |||
| Mega Sceptile | Fury Cutter | Frenzy Plant | 4056 |
| Kartana | Razor Leaf | Leaf Blade | 3677 |
| Shadow Sceptile | Fury Cutter | Frenzy Plant | 2757 |
| Keldeo | Low Kick | Sacred Sword | 3698 |
| Gardevoir | Charm | Dazzling Gleam | 3093 |
| Shadow Conkeldurr | Counter | Dynamic Punch | 3337 |
| Second Team | |||
| Mega Lucario | Force Palm | Aura Sphere | 3826 |
| Shadow Raikou | Thunder Shock | Wild Charge | 3452 |
| Lucario | Force Palm | Aura Sphere | 2703 |
| Zacian (Crowned Sword) | Quick Attack | Play Rough | 4979 |
| Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword | 3698 |
| Xurkitree | Thunder Shock | Discharge | 3937 |
Using the above-recommended teams will make trainers 2 – 3 Trainers defeat Mega Gyarados faster. However, if you do not have these full teams, you can still win. You need to raid with at least 4 other trainers. Ensure the Pokemon you plan to use are those with either Bug-, Electric-, Fairy-, Fighting- or Grass-type attacks moves as a Fast Attack and as a Charged Attack.
Other important details about Gyarados
- Gyarados’ maximum Combat Power (CP) stat is 3834 CP (at level 50).
- Its best moves/attacks in Pokémon GO are Waterfall as a Fast Attack, and Hydro Pump as a Charged Attack.
- Its encounters are boosted during Rain or Windy weather in-game.
- Its encounters can be Shiny.
- It requires a maximum of 1 km walking distance to earn a Candy and 5 Mega Energy (if you already Mega-evolved the Gyarados).
- Gyarados is effective against Pokémon with Fire-, Steel-, Ground-, Fighting-, Bug-, and Water-type moves/attacks.
- Any Gyarados obtained from Mega Raids can be encountered as follows
- from 1855 CP to 1937 CP (if not weather-boosted i.e., level 20)
- from 2319 CP to 2422 CP (if weather-boosted i.e. level 25)
- Any Gyarados obtained from a Field or Special Research can be from 1391 CP to 1453 CP (i.e. level 15).
- 1937 CP, 2422 CP, and 1453 CP are the CP for a perfect (aka, hundo) one when encountered from their respective means.
- For PokéStop Showcases, the tallest possible one is 13 m high (i.e. XXL). The shortest possible one is 3.19 m high (i.e. XXS).
- Gyarados requires 300 Mega Energy for its first Mega Evolution into Mega Gyarados
In conclusion, defeating Mega Gyarados in Mega raids requires a well-prepared team of strong Bug-, Electric-, Fairy-, Fighting- or Grass-type attacks Pokémon. Avoid using Fire-, Steel-, Ground-, and Water-type Pokémon, as it resist their attacks. To maximize efficiency, coordinate with fellow Trainers, and use the recommended Mega Evolutions or Primal Reversions to boost Grass-, or Fighting-type attacks.
Good luck!
