Pokémon Go Mega Beedrill Mega Raid Guide

Pokemon Go Mega Beedrill
Pokemon Go Mega Beedrill (Image credit: Niantic)

Mega Evolution has finally arrived in Pokémon Go and with it, Mega Raids! A whole new class of Raids, Mega Raids let you and your friends challenge a Mega Evolved Pokémon. These are some of the most challenging Raids yet, but we here at iMore got your back. Here's everything you need to know about taking on Mega Beedrill in Pokémon Go and be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Mega Beedrill in Pokémon Go?

Pokemon 015 Beedrill Mega (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Mega Beedrill, the Mega Evolution of Gen I's Beedrill was one of the first Mega Evolved Pokémon introduced to Pokémon Go, but originally it was only obtainable through Special Research. Now Mega Beedrill is finally coming to Mega Raids, so you can have all the Mega Energy you might need.

In terms of performance, Mega Beedrill is the only Mega Evolved Bug type and the only Mega Evolved Poison type available so far. There will eventually be stronger Mega Evolved Bug types, but Mega Beedrill has the highest DPS of all Poison types. Either way, it is most definitely a glass cannon.

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

A Bug and Poison type, Mega Beedrill is capable of dealing Bug, Poison, and Flying type damage. Its weaknesses include Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Rock, leaving a number of winning strategies.

Mega Charizard Y

Pokemon 006 Mega Charizard Y (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Whether you're planning a Fire based offensive or just looking to do the most damage, Mega Charizard Y comes second only to Shadow Mewtwo in this Mega Raid. As a Fire and Flying type, it has no weaknesses Mega Beedrill can exploit and it takes reduced damage from Bug type attacks. You'll want to coordinate with the rest of your Raid party to make the most of the Mega boost. Fire Spin and Blast Burn are the ideal moveset for your Charizard to know in this Mega Raid.

Mewtwo

Pokemon 150 Mewtwo (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

A close second to Mega Charizard Y, Gen I's Legendary Mewtwo is another excellent choice for this Mega Raid. Mega Beedrill's Bug type moves will do increased damage, so be sure to stock up on Revives and Potions. Fortunately, Mewtwo has been available many, many times, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. Confusion and Psystrike are the ideal moves for Mewtwo in this Raid; however, if you don't have the Legacy move or an Elite TM to spare, Psychic is still a solid choice, just make sure you're not TMing away Shadow Ball, which is also a Legacy move, and one of the best Mewtwo can have.

Mega Pidgeot

Pokemon 018 Pidgeot Mega (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

For a Flying based offensive, Mega Pidgeot is an excellent counter for Mega Beedrill. As a Flying and Normal type, it resists Bug type damage and has no weaknesses Mega Beedrill can exploit. You will want to coordinate with your Raid party to get the most out of the Flying type Mega boost and you'll want your Mega Pidgeot to know Gust and Brave Bird.

Mega Charizard X

Pokemon 006 Mega Charizard X (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Although not as great as Mega Charizard Y, Mega Charizard X is also a solid choice for this Mega Raid. As a Fire and Dragon type, it has no relevant weaknesses and it resists Bug type damage. If it is safe to do so, you'll want to coordinate with the rest of your Raid party to get the most out of the Fire type Mega boost. Fire Spin and Blast Burn is also the ideal moveset for this Charizard.

Reshiram

Pokemon 643 Reshiram (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram is another excellent counter for Mega Beedrill. Unfortunately, it's had relatively limited availability, having been introduced at the height of a global pandemic. However, if you have one, this Dragon and Fire type resists Bug type moves and has no weaknesses relevant to this fight. Fire Fang and Overheat are the ideal moves for Reshiram here.

Rampardos

Pokemon 409 Rampardos (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

A fossil Pokémon originally discovered in the Sinnoh region of Gen IV, Rampardos is a great counter for Mega Beedrill. As a pure Rock type, it won't benefit from a Mega boost, so there may be better options for players who can coordinate the use of a Mega Evolved Pokémon, but apart from that, Rampardos performs really well and is very common. As a pure Rock type, it resists Flying and Poison type moves. You'll want your Rampardos to know Smack Down and Rock Slide for this Mega Raid.

Mega Gengar

Pokemon 094 Gengar Mega (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Another solid choice for a Mega Evolved Pokémon is Mega Gengar. As a Ghost and Poison type, it resists Poison and Bug type damage, while also providing a Mega boost to other Poison type counter. What holds Mega Gengar back, however, is its lack of good Poison type moves. Still Shadow Claw and Psychic give Mega Gengar the punch it needs to take out Mega Beedrill.

Moltres

Pokemon 146 Moltres (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Another Legendary from Kanto, Moltres is a great option in this Mega Raid. A Flying and Fire type, it resists Bug type moves and has no weaknesses Mega Beedrill can exploit. Moltres has also been available many, many times, in Raids, Research Breakthrough rewards, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, so most players have at least one or two already. Fire Spin and Sky Attack are its best moves for this fight; however Wing Attack or Overheat also perform well and with the Mega Evolved Pokémon boosting Fire or Flying, it may be better to focus on one type.

Mega Houndoom

Pokemon 229 Houndoom Mega (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Yet another Mega option, Mega Houndoom performs very well against Mega Beedrill. It brings no relevant resistances or weaknesses to this fight, but will provide a Mega Boost to other Fire types on the field, so make sure to coordinate with your Raid party if it is safe to do so. If you're bringing Mega Houndoom to this Mega Raid, Fire Fang and Flamethrower are the moves you're looking for.

Chandelure

Pokemon 609 Chandelure (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Originally encountered in the Unova region of gen V, Chandelure is another excellent counter for Mega Beedrill. As a Ghost and Fire type, it resists Poison and Bug type attacks and has no weaknesses for Mega Beedrill to exploit. It has also been featured in multiple events, including Halloween, so most active players have at least one or two. Fire Spin and Overheat are the moves you'll want for your Chandelure in this Mega Raid.

Rhyperior

Pokemon 464 Rhyperior (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

The Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen I's Rhyhorn, Rhyperior performs well against Mega Beedrill. A Ground and Rock type, it resists Mega Beedrill's Flying type move and it has no relevant weaknesses. Thanks to its Community Day, as well as other events, most players have at least one ready for this fight. You'll want your Rhyperior to know Smack Down and Rock Wrecker; however, if you don't have the Community Day exclusive move, Stone Edge also works well.

Victini

Pokemon 494 Victini (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

A Mythical Pokémon from the Unova region, Victini is the last of our top counters. This Psychic and Fire type has no weaknesses Mega Beedrill can exploit, but no resistances either. As a Mythical Pokémon, Victini has been limited to one per account throuhg Special Research, but it is relatively easy to capture. Confusion and V-Create are the ideal moves for your Victini to know in 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:

  • Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
  • Darmanitan with Fire Fang and Overheat
  • Ho-Oh with Incinerate and Brave Bird
  • Heatran with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
  • Latios with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
  • Terrakion with Smack Down and Rock Slide
  • Entei with Fire Fang and Overheat
  • Rayquaza with Air Slash and Hurricane
  • Blaziken with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Yveltal with Gust and Psychic
  • Honchkrow with Peck and Sky Attack
  • Alakazam with Confusion and Psychic
  • Mega Slowbro with Confusion and Psychic
  • Charizard with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Braviary with Air Slash and Brave Bird
  • Espeon with Confusion and Psychic
  • Staraptor with Wing Attack and Brave Bird
  • Jirachi with Confusion and Psychic

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 Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike
  • Shadow Moltres with Fire Spin and Sky Attack
  • Shadow Ho-Oh with Incinerate and Brave Bird
  • Shadow Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
  • Shadow Entei with Fire Fang and Overheat
  • Shadow Staraptor with Wing Attack and Brave Bird
  • Shadow Charizard with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Shadow Alakazam with Psycho Cut and Psychic
  • Shadow Honchkrow with Peck and Sky Attack
  • Shadow Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
  • Shadow Gallade with Confusion and Psychic
  • Shadow Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Drill Peck
  • Shadow Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
  • Shadow Arcanine with Fire Fang and Flame Thrower
  • Shadow Magmortar with Fire Spin and Psychic
  • Shadow Gardevoir with Confusion and Psychic

Note: Shadow Mewtwo outperform every other Pokémon in the best counters list. Shadow Moltres, Shadow Ho-Oh, Shadow Metagross, and Shadow Entei also perform on par with Mega Charizard Y and Mewtwo. If possible to coordinate the use of one of the Mega Evolved Pokémon, the Mega boost to same type Pokémon will make many of these Shadow Pokémon perform even better.

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

Under the best conditions, two top level players can take out Mega Beedrill alone. However, the faster you complete a Mega Raid, the more Mega Energy you earn, so it's best to bring along as many other players as is safely possible.

Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:

  • Cloudy Weather will boost Mega Beedrill's Poison type attacks
  • Rain will boost its Bug type attacks
  • Wind will boost its Flying type attacks, as well as your Flying and Psychic type counters
  • Partly Cloudy Weather will boost your Rock type counters
  • Sunny/Clear Weather will boost your Fire type counters

Questions about taking on Mega Beedrill in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about taking on Mega Beedrill in Pokémon Go? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, so you can be the very best like no one ever was!

Casian Holly

Casian Holly has been writing about gaming at iMore since 2019, but their real passion is Pokémon. From the games to the anime, cards and toys, they eat, sleep, and breathe all things Pokémon. You can check out their many Pokémon Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield guides and coverage here on iMore.