Pokémon Go: Mega Ampharos Mega Raid Guide

Mega Evolution has come to Pokémon Go and with it, Mega Raids. Mega Ampharos is coming back to Mega Raids soon, and we here at iMore know everything you need to know to beat this Mega Raid and get your own Mega Ampharos. Also be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Originally discovered in the Johto region of Gen II, Ampharos is an Electric type that doesn't much resemble the sheep-like Mareep and Flaaffy it evolves from. However, when it Mega Evolves, Mega Ampharos regains some of its fluff. In addition to a fluffy mane and tail, Mega Ampharos also gains a Dragon typing, making it one of only three Pokémon with Electric and Dragon typing.

In terms of Pokémon Go, Mega Ampharos is best used as an Electric Mega, not a Dragon. Mega Manectric outperforms it in many cases, but it tends to last longer on the field. There are also no other Electric Megas coming, so it's worth stocking up on Ampharos Mega Energy.

Mega Evolution strategies for Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go? 

There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Mega Ampharos, focusing on each of its weaknesses: Dragon, Fairy, Ice, and Ground. 

It should come as no surprise that Mega Latios is the top performer in this raid. This Dragon and Psychic type resists Electric and Fighting type damage, while having no weaknesses Mega Ampharos can exploit. As most of the recommended counters are Dragon type, you won't need to coordinate with your raid party to make the most of his same type Mega Boost either. If you're bringing Mega Latios to this fight, he should know Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw.

While her performance isn't quite as good as her twin, Mega Latias is also an excellent choice for this raid. She's a Dragon and Psychic type as well, giving resistances to Electric and Fighting. Mega Latias's best moveset for this raid is Dragon Breath and Outrage.

If you cannot afford either of the Mega Legendaries, Mega Charizard X also performs well in this raid. It's a Dragon and Fire type so it resists Electric type damage, but takes super effective damage from Rock type moves. If you're bringing Mega Charizard X to this fight, it should know Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw.

Honorable mentions

While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid: 

• Mega Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Mega Charizard Y with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
• Mega Altaria with Dragon Breath and Dazzling Gleam
• Mega Ampharos with Charge Beam and Dragon Pulse
• Mega Abomasnow with Powder Snow and Weather Ball
• Mega Kangaskhan with Mud-Slap and Outrage

What are the best counters for Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Mega Ampharos is a Dragon and Electric type with access to Electric, Fighting, and Rock type moves. Its weaknesses include Dragon, Fairy, Ice, and Ground types, however as it does not have access to its Legacy Dragon type move, Dragon types make up the bulk of the counter recommendations. 

The best non-Mega, non-Shadow counter for Mega Ampharos is Garchomp, a pseudo-Legendary from Gen IV. Garchomp and its line have been featured in events, including Community Day, so most active players have at least one or two already powered up. As a Dragon and Ground type, Garchomp resists Electric and Rock type damage, and brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the moveset you'll want your Garchomp to know, but if your Garchomp knows Earth Power don't TM this move away! This Legacy move also works well here and will require an Elite TM to get back.

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon White, Zekrom performs very well in this Raid. As the only other Dragon and Electric type in Pokémon Go, Zekrom takes quarter damage from Electric type attacks and brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Zekrom's only had two runs in raids, so you may not have the necessary candy to power it up. Still, if you have it, you'll want your Zekrom to know Dragon Breath and Outrage for this Mega Raid.

No list of Dragon type counters would be complete without the king of Dragons itself, Rayquaza. A Flying and Dragon type, Rayquaza resists Fighting type damage, but takes super effective damage from Rock type moves. Having been featured in a number of events and raids, most players have at least one or two already powered up for this fight. If you're bringing Rayquaza to this Mega Raid, you'll want Dragon Tail for its fast move and Outrage for its charged attack.

Originally discovered in the Unova Region of Gen V, Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew. Axew is quite uncommon in Pokémon Go and so many players still don't have a good Haxorus already powered up. As a pure Dragon type, Haxorus resists Electric type damage and it brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw is the moveset you'll want your Haxorus to know for this Mega Raid.

Another pseudo-Legendary Dragon, Salamence is the final evolution of Gen III's Bagon. As Bagon has been featured in eggs, raids, several events, including a Community Day, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, most active players have had plenty of chances to add it to their roster. As a Dragon and Flying type, Salamence takes reduced damage from Fighting type moves, but super effective damage from Rock type. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves you'll want your Salamence to know for this Mega Raid.

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Pearl and Pokémon Shining Pearl, Palkia performs quite well against Mega Ampharos. As a Water and Dragon type, it has no relevant weaknesses or resistances for this Mega Raid. It's had a few runs in raids and was featured in two Pokémon GO Fest events, so most active players have had the chance to catch it. Palkia's best moves for this fight are Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor. 

The Gen I pseudo-Legendary, Dragonite is a great choice for this Mega Raid. Having been around since the beginning of Pokémon Go, featured in a number of events, including a Community Day, in Special Research, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, there is just no good reason not to have an entire team of Dragonite already powered up. As a Dragon and Flying type, it resists Fighting type damage, while taking super effective damage from Rock type moves. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the ideal moveset for this Raid, but Dragon Claw, Dragon Breath, Dragon Tail, or Draco Meteor can all work well if you don't have the TMs to spare.

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Dialga performs well against Mega Ampharos. Dialga is a Steel and Dragon type, so it resists Electric and Rock type damage, but Fighting type moves hit extra hard. It's had a few runs in raids and was featured in two Pokémon Go Fest events, so most active players will already have at least one powered up. If Dialga is on your team for this fight, it should know Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor.

Another Legendary on the list, Latios was originally discovered in the Hoenn region of Gen III. This Legendary Pokémon has been available several times over, so most active players have plenty of candy to power it up. As a Dragon and Psychic type, Latios resists both Fighting and Electric type damage and has no weaknesses Mega Ampharos can exploit. Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the ideal moveset for this fight.

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram is our last top counter to Mega Ampharos. Reshiram has only had a couple runs in raids, so some players don't even have one, much less the candy to power it up. Still, if you have Reshiram, this Dragon and Fire type resists Electric type damage, but takes super effective damage from Rock type moves. Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the moves you'll want your Reshiram to know for this fight.

Back ups?

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:

• Groudon with Mud Shot and Earthquake
• Landorus (Therian) with Mud Shot and Earthquake
• Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
• Mamosine with Mud-Slap and Avalanche
• Landorus (Incarnate) with Mud Shot and Earth Power
• Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
• Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Drago Meteor
• Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) with Snarl and Play Rough
• Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
• Giratina (Origin forme) with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
• Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
• Hydreigon with Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse
• Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
• Golurk with Mud-Slap and Earth Power
• Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
• Goodra with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
• Xurkitree with Spark and Dazzling Gleam
• Tyrantrum with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche

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 Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Shadow Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
• Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Avalanche
• Shadow Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
• Shadow Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
• Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
• Shadow Flygon with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
• Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Shadow Weavile with Ice Shard and Avalanche
• Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough

Note: This is an especially good raid for Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Salamence, Shadow Latios, and Shadow Mamoswine all keep pace with Mega Latios and Mega Latias, and Shadow Alolan Exeggutor is not far behind.

How many players does it take to beat Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

While two top level players with the best counters can technically beat Mega Ampharos, it is a difficult Raid to duo. Additionally, the faster you can complete the battle, the more Mega Energy you will be rewarded with, so I recommend tackling any Mega Raid with as many players as you can safely gather. However, if you cannot safely coordinate with other players, you should be able to win with four Trainers.

Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:

• Rain will boost Mega Ampharos's Electric type attacks.
• Cloudy Weather will boost its Fighting type attacks and your Fairy type counters.
• Partly Cloudy Weather will boost its Rock type attacks.
• Wind will boost your Dragon type counters.
• Snow will boost your Ice type counters.
• Sunny/Clear Weather will boost your Ground type counters.

Questions about taking on Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about taking on this Mega Raid? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our other Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!