Zapdos has left Pokemon Go’s raid rotation, but another legendary bird has taken its place. Moltres is appearing in five-star raids again until July 22, and there’s a chance it could be shiny. Here are some tips to help you beat and catch Moltres before it leaves the game later this week.
Moltres Raid Hours
Moltres is appearing in five-star raids from July 14 to July 22. These raids will occur periodically throughout that time, but you’ll have more chances to participate in one on July 20, during Pokemon Go’s Raid Hour event. Nearly every gym will be hosting a Moltres raid from 6 to 7 p.m. local time that evening, giving you more opportunities to catch the legendary fire bird.
Moltres weaknesses
Moltres is a fire/flying type, which means that like Articuno, it’s especially vulnerable to rock Pokemon. Rock types will deal quadruple damage to the legendary Pokemon, so you’ll want to stack your team with them before battling it. Moltres is also weak to water and electric Pokemon, making those good alternatives to use.
Best Moltres counters
Here are some recommended Pokemon to use when battling against Moltres:
Rock
- Golem: Rock Throw, Stone Edge
- Tyranitar: Smack Down, Stone Edge
- Regirock: Rock Throw, Stone Edge
- Rhyperior: Smack Down, Rock Wrecker
- Rampardos: Smack Down, Rock Slide
- Terrakion: Smack Down, Rock Slide
Water
- Mega Blastoise: Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
- Mega Gyarados: Waterfall, Hydro Pump
- Feraligatr: Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
- Swampert: Water Gun, Hydro Cannon
- Kyogre: Waterfall, Surf
- Samurott: Waterfall, Hydro Cannon
Electric
- Zapdos: Thunder Shock, Thunderbolt
- Raikou: Thunder Shock, Wild Charge
- Mega Manectric: Thunder Fang, Wild Charge
- Electivire: Thunder Shock, Wild Charge
- Therian Forme Thundurus: Volt Switch, Thunderbolt
- Zekrom: Charge Beam, Wild Charge
Best moveset for Moltres
Moltres will excel if you teach it the Fast Attack Fire Spin, but you have a couple of options when it comes to the legendary Pokemon’s Charged Attack. If you plan to take advantage of its fire typing, you’ll want to teach it Overheat. Alternatively, you can teach it the flying move Sky Attack to hit fighting Pokemon super-effectively.
Pokemon Go still has a handful of events lined up for this month, including a mystery event on July 27 that promises to introduce new Pokemon. You can catch up on everything happening in the game in our July events roundup.
