Necrozma in Pokémon Go: Release date, weaknesses and counters
Necrozma goes global this weekend!
Necrozma is now in Pokémon Go, having crashed into Earth as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2024 - and here's how to catch the Legendary Pokémon this weekend!
That's right, the Go Fest 2024 Global Event is taking place this weekend, and you'll finally have your chance to add Necrozma (plus Dawn Mane and Dusk Wings variants) to your ever-expanding Pokédex.
What's more, we've got all the best counters and its weaknesses detailed, and what moveset to use when you bag one for yourself!
If you would rather watch than read, we have a video up top going over the best tactics to overcome Necrozma.
Here's how to catch Necrozma in Pokémon Go and its strengths, weaknesses and the best counters to use against the Legendary 'Mon.
When is Necrozma in Pokémon Go? Go Fest 2024 Global Event timings
Necrozma is coming to Pokémon Go during the Pokémon Go Fest 2024 Global Event on 13th to 14th July.
You should be able to catch one between 10am Saturday and 6pm Sunday this week.
Previously, you could only find and catch a a Necrozma either in Japan, in Madrid or in New York (or have an invite to play along with a friend over there).
Now, this weekend, everyone can join in the fun no matter where you live.
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Necrozma has other forms, too, namely Dusk Mane Necrozma and Dawn Wings Necrozma. Players will be able to battle against them, in 5-Star Raids, to gain Fusion Energy and Lunar Fusion during the Global Event.
One you've defeated them and got the Fusion Energy/Lunar Fusion, you'll be able to fuse those items with Necrozma — along with either Solgaleo or Lunala — to unlock either Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma for yourself.
Even if you don’t have a ticket, you can still catch one – though not a Shiny variant.
As a refresher, the Pokémon Go Fest 2024 event dates can be found below:
- Sendai, Japan – 30th May – 2nd June (ended)
- Madrid, Spain – 14th – 16th June (ended)
- New York – 5th – 7th July (ended)
- Global Event – 13th – 14th July (this weekend!)
What type is Necrozma in Pokémon Go?
Necrozma is Psychic-type in Pokémon Go.
This means Necrozma is resistant against Fighting and Psychic-type attacks. Psychic-type attacks from Necrozma will be strong against Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon.
Dusk Mane Necrozma, meanwhile, is Psychic and Steel-type.
This means Dusk Mane Necrozma resists Poison, Psychic, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Grass, Ice, Normal, Rock and Steel-type attacks.
Finally, Dawn Wings Necrozma is Psychic and Ghost-type.
This means that Dawn Wings Necrozma resists Fighting, Normal, Poison and Psychic-type attacks in Pokémon Go.
What are Necrozma's weaknesses in Pokémon Go?
Necrozma is weak against Bug, Ghost and Dark-type moves.
Dusk Mane Necrozma is weak against Dark, Fire, Ghost and Ground-type moves.
Dawn Wings Necrozma has a double weakness against Dark and Ghost moves.
They are going to be part of 5-star Raids, though, so don’t expect it to be an easy fight. Fortunately for you, we’ve got you covered with some preliminary counters to use ahead of Necrozma being released.
Be sure to get them in your Pokédex before Necrozma’s long shadow leaves you in the dark!
Best counters to use against Necrozma in Pokémon Go
Looking at Necrozma’s weaknesses, we can deduce that the following Pokémon will be good counters to use:
- Mega Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
- Shadow Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
- Mega Banette – Shadow Claw/Shadow Bell (Ghost)
- Mega Houndoom – Snarl/Foul Play (Dark/Fire)
- Mega Gengar – Lick/Shadow Ball (Ghost/Poison)
- Shadow Chandelure – Hex/Shadow Ball (Fire/Ghost)
- Mega Absol – Snarl/Dark Pulse (Dark)
Once Necrozma is added to the game, this list may be subject to change, as we don’t know exactly what to expect. Quite often, Pokémon’s weaknesses are slightly different in Pokémon Go as opposed to mainline entries.
But let’s see what we can expect with Dusk Mane!
Best Dusk Mane Necrozma counters
The best counters to use against Dusk Mane Necrozma are:
- Primal Groudon – Mud Shot/Precipice Blades (Fire/Ground)
- Mega Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
- Mega Blaziken – Fire Spin/Blast Burn (Fire/Fighting)
- Mega Charizard Y – Fire Spin/Blast Burn (Fire/Flying)
- Mega Gengar – Lick/Shadow Ball (Ghost/Poison)
- Shadow Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
- Mega Garchomp – Mud Shot/Earth Power (Dragon/Ground)
Best Dawn Wings Necrozma counters
The best counters to use against Dawn Mane Necrozma are:
- Mega Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
- Shadow Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
- Mega Houndoom – Snarl/Foul Play (Dark/Fire)
- Mega Gengar – Lick/Shadow Ball (Ghost/Poison)
- Mega Banette – Shadow Claw/Shadow Bell (Ghost)
- Hydreigon – Bite/Brutal Swing (Dark/Flying)
- Tyranitar – Bite/Brutal Swing (Rock/Dark)
Best moveset for Necrozoma
The best moveset for Necrozma is Psycho Cut and Future Sight.
This will net 15.38 DPS (damage per second) and 524.5 TDO (total damage output) and it can be even be boosted further when it's windy outside.
A good alternative to use would be Shadow Claw and Future Sight if you can't get Psycho Cut, as you only take a hit of a few per cent to DPS and TDO.
Necrozma has a maximum CP (Combat Power) rating of 4163 so try and catch one with a CP as close to that number as possible if you want the most powerful Necrozma in the land!
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- Pokémon natures guide - all you need to know
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- Legendary Pokémon - the full list
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- Pokémon Fire Red cheats - all codes
- Pokémon Go friend codes - and how to find them
- Pokémon games in order - where to start
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Authors
Cole Luke is a freelance journalist and video producer who contributes to RadioTimes.com's Gaming section. He also has bylines for Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, Network N and more.
Toby Saunders is a freelance writer specialising in Video Game journalism. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is published on many different websites including PCGamesN, Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics. He has a degree in Film Studies (he gets to write about Film and TV occasionally, too).