DEXERTOMoltres, from the Kanto region, is returning to Pokemon Go Raid battles, so if you want to defeat and catch this Legendary bird, you must learn its weaknesses and the best counters to use against it.
The original Legendary trio – Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres – are some of the most beloved Pokemon of all time, especially as they invoke so much nostalgia among longtime fans of the franchise.
Any chance to catch them in Pokemon Go is welcome, and you’ll be able to do just that when Moltres returns to the game as a Raid Boss during the Might and Mastery season.
Moltres weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Moltres is a dual Fire/Flying-type Pokemon, which means it’s weak against Electric, Rock, and Water-type attacks. Rock-type attacks are double effective against Moltres, so focus on those if possible when building your team.
The Legendary bird also has quite a few type resistances, so you should avoid using Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Grass, Ground, and Steel-type Pokemon or attacks when facing off against it, as they won’t be able to deal significant damage.
Moltres best counters
These are some of the best counters and movesets to use against Moltres in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Tyranitar |  | Smack Down & Stone Edge |
| Mega Diancie |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Mega Aerodactyl |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Rhyperior |  | Smack Down & Rock Wrecker |
| Shadow Rampardos |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Gigalith |  | Smack Down & Meteor Beam |
| Terrakion |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Tyrantrum |  | Rock Throw & Meteor Beam |
| Omastar |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Alolan Golem |  | Rock Throw & Stone Edge |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for every trainer to use.
If you don’t have any of those counters or their alternate forms, use your strongest Rock, Water, and Electric-type Pokemon to target Moltres’ weaknesses. Just make sure that your team is properly leveled up and has matching movesets.
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How to get Moltres in Pokemon Go
As with all Legendary Pokemon in the game, the only way players can get Moltres in Pokemon Go is to challenge and defeat it in 5-Star Raid battles. Then, attempt a catch using the Premier Balls given based on performance.
Luckily for trainers, this stunning creature will return to the game during the beginning of the Might and Mastery season, so they’ll have the chance to capture it from March 4, 2025, until March 13, 2025.
Moltres will be accompanied by fellow Legendary Birds Articuno and Zapdos, and all of them will be featured in two Raid Hours: one on March 5 and the other on March 12.
When challenging Moltres, keep in mind that using Golden Razz Berries and landing Excellent Curveball Throws can increase your chances of catching it.
Moltres CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Moltres has during a Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it after defeating it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 45,609 |
| CP range once captured | 1896 – 1980 |
| Sunny/Windy weather CP range | 2370 – 2475 |
| Moltres max CP (Level 50) | 3917 |
Moltres stats & moves
As a dual Fire/Flying-type Pokemon, Moltres has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 251 | 181 | 207 | 3917 |
Fast Moves
- Wing Attack (Flying/STAB)
- Fire Spin (Fire/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Heat Wave (Fire/STAB)
- Ancient Power (Rock)
- Fire Blast (Fire/STAB)
- Sky Attack (Flying/STAB/Legacy Move)
- Overheat (Fire/STAB)
Can Moltres be Shiny?
Yes, Moltres can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, and players who take on this mighty beast during its time as a Raid boss will have the chance to encounter Shiny Moltres.
DEXERTOThis variation was added to the game back in 2018 when Moltres Day was celebrated, and players can recognize it by the difference in its plumage, which changes from golden to pink.
Remember that Shiny odds in Pokemon Go are very low, mostly when Legendaries are involved, so no encounter is guaranteed.
That’s everything you need to know about Moltres in Pokemon Go. Don’t forget to check out the latest Pokemon Go events, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.