Origin Forme Giratina is coming back to Legendary raids in Pokémon Go. A lot has changed since this forme of Giratina was available. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to tackle this raid and add Giratina to your roster.
Who is Giratina (Origin) in Pokémon Go
A Legendary Ghost and Dragon type first encountered in Gen IV, Giratina is an unusual Pokémon capable of traveling between dimensions. It has two different formes that, in the core games, are determined by its location and items: Altered Forme and Origin Forme. Both versions of Giratina pack a serious punch, but this time, we'll be facing its flying Origin Forme.
In Pokémon Go, Giratina (Origin) is the superior forme. Its incredible stats are backed up with the best Ghost type moves in the game, making this a raid you won't want to skip out on. So be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped when battling Xerneas raids!
Mega counters
There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Giratina (Origin), focusing on each of its weaknesses: Dragon, Ghost, Dark, Ice, and Fairy.
Mega Gengar
Best of the best, Mega Gengar outperforms every other counter in this raid. As a Ghost and Poison type, it takes super effective damage from Ghost type moves, so it won't last as long on the field as some of the other options, but is a necessity for a Ghost based offensive. Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball are the ideal moves for Mega Gengar.
Mega Houndoom
For a Dark based offensive, Mega Houndoom is the ideal Mega Pokémon. As a Dark and Fire type, it resists Ghost type damage and has no weaknesses Giratina can exploit. Snarl and Foul Play is the moveset you'll want your Mega Houndoom to know for this Raid.
Mega Latios
If you want to build a Dragon type raid party, Mega Latios is the best Mega to lead the charge. As a Psychic and Dragon type, it does take super effective damage from both Dragon and Ghost type moves, but its Legendary stats will still keep it in play longer than other Dragon type Megas. If you add Mega Latios to your team, Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the moves you want.
Honorable mentions
While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid:
- Mega Absol with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Mega Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Mega Gyarados with Bite and Crunch
- Mega Alakazam with Confusion and Shadow Ball
- Mega Charizard X with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Mega Banette with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
- Mega Charizard Y with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Mega Abomasnow with Powder Snow and Weather Ball
- Mega Altaria with Dragon Breath and Dazzling Gleam
Top counters
Giratina (Origin) is a Ghost and Dragon type with access to Ghost and Dragon type moves. Its weaknesses include Dragon, Ghost, Dark, Ice, and Fairy types leaving room for many winning strategies.
Rayquaza
A Legendary from Gen III's Hoenn region, Rayquaza is the top standard counter for Giratina. It's a Dragon and Flying type, so Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. Fortunately, Rayquaza has been made available a number of times in a number of ways, so most active players have at least one already powered up. Dragon Tail and Outrage are its ideal moves for this fight.
Salamence
A pseudo-Legendary Pokémon from the Gen III Hoenn region, Salamence is another great counter for Giratina. Like Rayquaza, it's a Flying and Dragon type, so it takes increased damage from Dragon type moves. Salamence has been featured in events, including Community Day, so most players have at least one powered up for this fight. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves you'll what your Salamence to know.
Hydreigon
Another great choice for this raid is a pseudo-Legendary from the Unova region, Hydreigon. As a Dark and Dragon type, it resists Ghost type damage, but Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. The Hydreigon line has been featured in events, including Community Day, so most active players have had the opportunity to catch and evolve it. If you include it on your team, Dragon Breath and Brutal Swing are the moves you need. If you don't have the event exclusive move or an Elite TM to spare, Dark Pulse puts its performance down with the back ups.
Palkia
The Legendary mascot for Pokémon Pearl, Palkia is another option for this fight. It's a Water and Dragon type, so weak against Dragon types. Palkia has had a few runs in raids, so most active players have had the chance to catch it. Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor is the moveset your Palkia should have against Giratina.
Darkrai
A Mythical from the Sinnoh Region, Darkrai is the next top counter. As a pure Dark type, it resists Ghost type damage and has no relevant weaknesses. Even better, Darkrai has been featured in raids several times, so most active players have had the chance to catch it. Snarl and Shadow Ball are its ideal moveset for this raid, however Dark Pulse is an extremely close second and will perform better with a Dark type Mega on the field.
Haxorus
Gen V's Haxorus is another great counter for Giratina. It's a pure Dragon type, so Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. Although the Haxorus line isn't super common, it has been featured in many events, eggs, and raids, so many players already have a couple. Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw are the moves your Haxorus should know in this raid.
Dialga
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, our next top counter is Dialga. This Steel and Dragon type doesn't resist any of Giratina's attacks, but as one of the only Dragon types not weak to Dragon type, it can't be hit for super effective damage here either. Plus, Dialga has had a few runs in raids now, so most active players already have it powered up. If you're bringing Dialga to this raid, Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the moves you want.
Garchomp
A pseudo-Legendary originally encountered in the Sinnoh region, Garchomp performs well in this raid. It's a Ground and Dragon type so it's weak against Dragon type damage. Plus the Garchomp line has been feature in multiple events, including Community Day, so most players have at least one powered up already. If you're bringing Garchomp to this raid, you'll want it to know Dragon Tail and Outrage.
Zekrom
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon White, Zekrom performs well against Giratina. Like most of the best counters, this Dragon and Electric type takes super effective damage from Dragon type moves. Zekrom is also one of the rarer top counters, having only had two full runs in raids. Still, if you're bringing Zekrom to this raid, you'll want Dragon Breath for the fast attack and Outrage for the charged attack.
Dragonite
The original pseudo-Legendary, Dragonite is another great choice for your team. It has been available since day one, has been featured in many events and Community Days, has been featured as a Shadow Pokémon and in raids, and has even been available in its very own Special Research line. There's just no good excuse not to have a team of Dragonite at this point. It's another Dragon and Flying type, so Dragon type moves hit for super effective damage. If you're bringing Dragonite to this fight, you'll want it to know Dragon Tail and Outrage.
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:
- Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) with Snarl and Play Rough
- Reshiram with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
- Weavile with Snarl and Avalanche
- Yveltal with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Giratina (Origin) with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
- Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Hoopa (Unbound) with Astonish and Dark Pulse
- Galarian Darmanitan Ice Fang and Avalanche
- Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
- Zarude with Bite and Dark Pulse
- Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche
- Tyranitar with Bite and Crunch
- Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball
- Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Tyrantrum with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Honchkrow with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Xurkitree with Thunder Shock and Dazzling Gleam
- Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
Shadow counters
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 Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Weavile with Snarl and Avalanche
- Shadow Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Tyranitar with Bite and Crunch
- Shadow Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Shadow Honchkrow with Snarl and Dark Pulse
- Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
- Shadow Houndoom with Snarl and Foul Play
- Shadow Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
- Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
- Shadow Absol with Snarl and Dark Pulse
Note: This is an excellent raid for Shadow Pokémon. Nearly all of these perform on par with top counters. Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Salamence, Shadow Weavile, and Shadow Latios outperform everything except the top Mega counters.
More details
Under the best conditions, two top level players can beat Giratina (Origin); however, moveset is very important in this raid. If you're lower level or facing more difficult movesets, you may want four or five players in your party.
Weather Conditions that can impact this raid include:
- Windy weather boosts Giratina's Dragon type moves, as well as your Dragon type counters.
- Fog boosts Giratina's Ghost type moves, as well as both Ghost and Dark type counters.
- Snow will boost your Ice type counters.
- Cloudy/Overcast weather will boost Fairy type counters.
Don’t miss your chance to catch Giratina (Origin) in Pokémon Go!
Giratina (Origin) 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!
