Mega Beedrill and Mega Houndoom remain potent forces in Pokémon Go raids, offering significant challenges to trainers. Understanding their weaknesses and the most effective counters is crucial for victory.
Mega Beedrill, a Bug/Poison type, was released in September 2020 and continues to be a top-tier Bug-type attacker and a strong Poison-type option. However, its 'glass cannon' nature makes it vulnerable. Its primary weaknesses lie in Flying, Psychic, Fire, and Ice-type attacks. Top Mega counters include Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Mewtwo X, with Mega Delphox, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Skarmory as strong alternatives. For non-Mega counters, Shadow Salamence and Shadow Moltres with Fly are recommended, followed by Shadow Reshiram, Rayquaza, and Blacephalon. Trainers are advised to exploit Mega Beedrill's vulnerabilities with their strongest attackers of the appropriate types. While soloing is possible with optimal counters, bringing two to three friends is suggested for an easier raid experience. Mega Beedrill has a Raid CP of 38,216. Caught Beedrill will range from 1,846 to 1,933 CP, or 2,308 to 2,416 CP with weather boosts (Rainy/Cloudy). The recommended moveset for Mega Beedrill to maximize its Bug-type effectiveness is Bug Bite as a Fast Move and Fell Stinger+ as a Charged Move. Shiny Beedrill, a lime green variant, has been available since June 2020.
Mega Houndoom, a Dark/Fire type, also debuted in September 2020. It excels as a Dark-type attacker, though its Fire-typing has seen stronger alternatives emerge. Mega Houndoom is weak against Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks. The premier Mega counter is Mega Mewtwo X, followed by Mega Blaziken and Mega Greninja X. Primal Pokémon and Mega Lucario are also effective choices. For non-Mega attackers, Resolute Keldeo with Secret Sword leads the pack, ahead of Shadow Blaziken (Aura Sphere) and Terrakion (Sacred Sword). Utilizing strong Shadow Pokémon of the types Houndoom is weak against is key. Due to its respectable defense, Mega Houndoom is generally not soloable. A team of three to four trainers is recommended. Mega Houndoom's Raid CP is 41,693. Caught Houndoom will be between 1,432 and 1,505 CP, or 1,790 to 1,882 CP with weather boosts (Foggy/Sunny). For Mega Houndoom, the optimal moveset to leverage its Dark-typing is Snarl as a Fast Move and Dark Pulse+ as a Charged Move. If focusing on its Fire-typing, Fire Fang and Flamethrower are the recommended moves. Shiny Houndoom, an inky blue variation, was released in August 2018.