Rayquaza is double weak to Ice and weak to Fairy, Dragon and Rock type moves. Consequently, the list of counters follows this to the letter, with Ice types leading the charge. Back in the day, aka in February 2018 when Rayquaza was first introduced to Pokemon GO, we recommended a mixture of Ice and Dragon typed counters, as Ice selection was extremely limited.

Today, with Mamoswine, Weavile and Ice Beam Mewtwo being readily available, we can only recommend teams filled with Ice Pokemon. Our ideal setup for Rayquaza duo raids is the same one we would use regularly: a team of six strong Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche (L30+).

Mamoswine is incredible versus Rayquaza, especially when you consider that our previous best options was Articuno and Cloyster. Not only is it the fastest, it’s also the bulkiest and the most reliable Rayquaza counter. There is really no reason to overthink it: Mamoswine is your go-to option. Even if you have Stone Edge / Ancient Power as your charge move and Powder Snow as fast move, you’ll still be able to be a useful member of your raiding group. Although we don’t advise this for duos.

Rayquaza’s stats and moveset difficulty

Rayquaza Dragon Flying Max CP 3835 ATK 284 DEF 170 HP 213 Weak to Strong Against Dragon Fairy Ice Rock Bug Dragon Fighting Grass Fast Moves Charge Moves Dragon Tail Dragon

Air Slash Flying Outrage Dragon

Aerial Ace Flying

Ancient Power Rock

Rayquaza fights generally fall into two categories: versus Outrage and versus anything else. Outrage is a move that can potentially have massive damage output, especially if it’s frequently activated, and it’s the real reason why Dragon types are not preferred Rayquaza counters. Ice types resist Outrage and Dragon Tail easily, especially Mamoswine, and they make the whole fight much easier.

In terms of difficulty, here’s how Ray’s charged moves stack up:

Outrage is the most difficult, even for Ice types, roughly 20-30% more difficult in terms of KOs

Ancient Power is the easiest one, especially for teams using Mamoswine and Ice Beam Mewtwo

Aerial Ace is “middle of the road” difficulty and nothing to worry about

Given a good setup, however, you will tear through Rayquaza like a Snorlax in an all-you-can-eat restaurant.