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Pokémon Go Lugia counters, weaknesses and moveset explained

The guardian of the seas is waiting for you in Pokémon Go.

Lugia, the legendary psychic and flying-type Pokémon, has returned to Pokémon Go.

Known as both the diving Pokémon and the guardian of the seas, Lugia hails from the Johto region. Alongside Ho-oh, it's also a member of the Tower duo.

Like all legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Go, Lugia is available in five-star raids, so, if you want to add this Gen 2 legendary Pokémon to your Pokédex, you may want the help of your fellow trainers.

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Lugia counters and weaknesses in Pokémon Go

Here's a list of Lugia's counters and weaknesses to help you defeat it:

  • Lugia type: Psychic and flying-type
  • Lugia is weak against: Dark, electric, ghost, ice and rock-type
  • Lugia counters: Gengar, Zapdos, Tyranitar, Raikou, Mamoswine, Weavile, Electivire, Giratina (Origin Forme), Darkrai, Galarian Darmanitan, Rampardos, Chandelure, Zekrom and Thundurus
  • Other Lugia notes: It's a good idea to begin the battle with a strong Pokémon like Tyranitar, before moving to an electric type, such as Luxray, to finish the battle.

Lugia CP in Pokémon Go

Lugia should have the following CP ranges:

  • Raid Boss CP - 45,925 CP
  • Normal CP for catching Lugia - 2,115 CP
  • Weather Boost CP (Windy) for catching Lugia - 2,645 CP

Lugia Moveset in Pokémon Go

There's a variety of fast and charged moves that Lugia can use in Pokémon Go, which are:

Possible Fast Moves:

  • Dragon Tail (Dragon)
  • Extrasensory (Psychic)

Possible Charged Moves:

  • Future Sight (Psychic)
  • Hydro Pump (Water)
  • Sky Attack (Flying)

Aeroblast is available by catching Lugia during specific time periods, such as between Wednesday, 1st September to Tuesday, 14th September.


The World of Wonders season has come to Pokémon Go, which has brought the World of Wonders quest. Don't forget to try out Routes, Gift Exchange and Party Play while you're hunting down rare Pokémon, fighting in the Go Battle League or competing in PokéStop Showcases.


Everything we know about Lugia

Lugia made its first appearance in Pokémon Gold and Silver. Alongside Ho-oh, Lugia is one of the first legendary Pokémon to be used as a mascot for a mainline Pokémon game, featuring on the box art for Pokémon Silver.

Unlike other legendary mascot Pokémon, it's possible to catch both Lugia and Ho-oh in Pokémon Gold and Silver. Lugia can be found deep below the Whirl Islands, though you need a Silver Wing to find it.

As a member of the Tower duo, it's partner being Ho-oh, Lugia is represents the guardian of the seas. It's also known as being the trio master of the legendary birds.

Lugia appears to be inspired by Ryūjin - a dragon from the Shinto religion, which was god of the sea. Ryūjin was said to live in Ryūgū-jō, which was an underwater palace built out of coral. Here Ryūjin would control the tides and currents of the sea, which is similar to Lugia's ability to control the weather.

Its design also resembles a dragon, which, considering it's counterpart Ho-oh resembles a phoenix, draws connotations to duality of yin and yang duality in Eastern mythology. Lugia is the water dragon, connected to yang, while Ho-oh is the firebird, linked to yin.