Altered forme Giratina is returning to raids in Pokémon Go. Over a year has passed since players had a chance at this Legendary Pokémon and a lot has changed in that time. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to win this fight and add Giratina (Altered) to your roster.
Who is Giratina (Altered) in Pokémon Go?
Originally from the Pokémon world, Giratina is a Legendary Pokémon who was banished to another dimension known as the Distortion World because of its violent nature. Giratina can still cross dimensions at will, but the gravity of the real world forces it to take on its Altered Forme. Sometimes seen in cemeteries, Giratina is fiercely defensive of the Distortion World and will battle any Pokémon or person across dimensions should they bring harm to its home.
In Pokémon Go. the Altered Forme Giratina isn't quite the powerhouse its Origin Forme is. It has a lower attack stat and the less impressive movepool. However, both formes of Giratina use the same candy, so you'll still want to spend a little extra time catching the Altered forme for the candy. So be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped for all the Giratina raids.
Mega Counters
There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Giratina (Altered), focusing on most of its weaknesses: Ghost, Dragon, Dark, and Ice.
Mega Gengar
Best of the best, Mega Gengar should be your first choice for countering Giratina. This Poison and Ghost type will take increased damage from Giratina's Ghost type moves, but the Mega Boost it provides to other Ghost types on the field make it well worth the investment. You'll want your Mega Gengar to know Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball.
Mega Latios
If you're planning on building a Dragon based offensive, Mega Latios is the best Mega for the job. This Psychic and Dragon type takes super effective damage from both Dragon and Ghost type moves, but as a Mega Legendary, it deals incredible amounts of damage. Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the moves your Mega Latios should know for this fight.
Mega Houndoom
For a Dark based offensive, Mega Houndoom is the best Mega to lead the charge. A Dark and Fire type, it takes increased damage from Rock type moves, but resists Ghost type damage. Snarl and Foul Play are the moves you'll want your Mega Houndoom to know.
Honorable mentions
While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid:
- Mega Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Mega Absol with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Mega Alakazam with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Mega Gyarados with Bite and Crunch
- Mega Charizard X with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Mega Abomasnow with Powder Snow and Weather Ball
Top counters
Giratina (Altered) is a Dragon and Ghost type with access to Dragon, Ghost, and Rock type moves. Its weaknesses include Dark, Ghost, Fairy, Ice, and Dragon type leaving room for many winning strategies.
Rayquaza
The mascot of Pokémon Emerald, Rayquaza performs very well against Giratina. As a Dragon and Flying type, both Dragon and Rock type moves deal super effective damage, but Rayquaza's total damage output more than makes up for it. Rayquaza has also been available many times now, so most active players have at least one or two already powered up. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the moveset you're looking for.
Hydreigon
A pseudo-Legendary from the Unova region, Hydreigon is another top counter for Giratina. This Dark and Dragon type resist Ghost type damage, but takes super effective damage from Dragon type moves. The Hydreigon line has been featured in events, including Community Day, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. Dragon Breath and Brutal Swing are the moves your Hydreigon needs to perform best in this raid. If you don't have the Community Day exclusive move or an Elite TM to spare, Dark Pulse is its next best move, but puts it well into back up territory.
Salamence
A pseudo-Legendary from the Hoenn region, Salamence is another great counter. As a Flying and Dragon type, it takes increased damage from both Dragon and Rock type moves. Salamence's line has been featured in a number of events, including Community Day, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the ideal moves for Salamence in this fight.
Palkia
The mascot of Pokémon Pearl and Pokémon Shining Pearl, Palkia is another great choice. As a Water and Dragon type, it takes super effective damage from Dragon type moves. Palkia has had numerous runs in raids, so there is a good chance you already have at least one powered up. If you are bringing it along, the ideal moveset for Palkia in this fight is Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor.
Darkrai
A Mythical Pokémon from the Sinnoh region, Darkrai is next on our list. It's a pure Dark type, so it resists Ghost type damage and has no weaknesses Giratina can exploit. Darkrai has also been available in raids multiple times, so most active players have had the chance to catch it. If you're bringing Darkrai to this Raid, Snarl paired with Shadow Ball are the best moves in a vacuum. However Dark Pulse can also work well especially when paired with a Dark type Mega Boost.
Garchomp
A gen IV pseudo-Legendary, Garchomp is another solid counter for Giratina. As a Ground and Dragon type, Garchomp takes reduced damage from Rock type moves, but Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. Since being featured in a number of events, including a Community Day, most active players have had the chance to add Garchomp to their roster. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves you want your Garchomp to know in this raid.
Haxorus
Originally encountered in the Unova region of Gen V, Haxorus performs well against Giratina. As a pure Dragon type, Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. The Haxorus line isn't particularly common, but has been featured in a few events, so you might already have one powered up. The ideal moveset for this raid is Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw.
Dragonite
Gen I's pseudo-Legendary, Dragonite is another option for this raid. Despite its status as a pseudo-Legendary, it has been made available in so many ways since the start of Pokémon Go, that most players can build whole teams of Dragonite. As a Dragon and Flying type, both Rock and Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves your Dragonite should know.
Zekrom
One of the Legendary Tao Trio from the Unova region, Zekrom does great in this raid. It's an Electric and Dragon type, so it's weak against Dragon type damage. Unfortunately, Zekrom has had fairly limited time in raids, so you might not have enough candy to power it up. However, if you have one, Dragon Breath and Outrage are the moves you want it to know.
Dialga
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Dialga is our final top counter. Its Steel and Dragon typing make it one of the only Dragon types that isn't weak against Dragon type damage, and it resists Rock type moves as well. Dialga has had a few runs in raids now, so chances are good you have at least one. If you include it in your team, Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the moves your Dialga should know.
Back up counters
Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:
- Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
- Weavile with Snarl and Avalanche
- Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) with Snarl and Play Rough
- Giratina (Origin forme) with Dragon Tail and Shadow Ball
- Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball
- Gengar with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
- Reshiram with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
- Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Hoopa (Unbound) with Astonish and Shadow Ball
- Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Yveltal with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
- Xurkitree with Spark and Dazzling Gleam
- Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche
- Zarude with Bite and Dark Pulse
- Hoopa (Confined) with Astonish and Shadow Ball
- Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Tyranitar with Bite and Crunch
Shadow Pokémon
The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this raid:
- Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Shadow Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Weavile with Snarl and Avalanche
- Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Tyranitar with Bite and Crunch
- Shadow Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Shadow Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
- Shadow Absol with Snarl and Payback
- Shadow Honchkrow with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
- Shadow Ursaring with Shadow Claw and Play Rough
Note: This is an excellent raid for Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Salamence, Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Mamoswine, Shadow Weavile, and Shadow Mewtwo all outperform every non-Mega Pokémon in the best counters list.
More details
Under ideal circumstances, it is possible for two top level players to take on an Altered forme Giratina. However, if you're lower level or lacking in the best counters, you may need as many as four.
Weather conditions that can impact this raid include:
- Wind will boost Giratina's Dragon type moves, as well as your Dragon type counters
- Fog will boost its Ghost type moves, as well as both your Ghost and Dark type counters
- Partly Cloudy Weather will boost Giratina's Rock type move
- Cloudy Weather will boost your Fairy type counters
- Snow will boost your Ice type counters
Don't miss your chance to catch Giratina (Altered) in Pokémon Go!
Altered forme Giratina will only be available in raids for a limited time so you don't want to miss this chance to battle and catch one. Also, be sure to check out our other Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
