Pokemon GO Deoxys: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good?

Deoxys has been an intriguing addition to Pokemon GO's roster. This mythical Psychic-type creature continues to captivate trainers with its unique forms: Normal, Attack, Defense, and Speed. Each form brings its own stats and strengths to the table. However, how useful is Deoxys in PvP battles and raids?

All four forms of Deoxys will be featured in five-star raids, with each form rotating on specific days. While this provides an excellent opportunity to catch this mythical Pokemon, its effectiveness in raids is quite limited.

This guide will explore Deoxys' best moveset, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your time and resources to power up.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Pokemon GO Deoxys best moveset

Deoxys as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

PvP Moveset:

Fast Attack: Counter
Charged Attack: Psycho Boost, Thunderbolt

PvE Moveset:

Fast Attack: Zen Headbutt
Charged Attack: Psycho Boost, Thunderbolt

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Is Deoxys good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

PvP performance

Deoxys’ Defense Form is the standout performer in PvP, ranking 16th in the Great League and making appearances in the Ultra League. Its high Defense stat (330) and decent bulk make it a reliable tank for these formats. However, the other forms, i.e., Normal, Attack, and Speed, are far less viable, often not even appearing on PvP ranking charts.

Defense Form Deoxys is most effective in Great League due to its optimal IV spread of 10/15/13. In Ultra League, it’s usable but requires significant XL Candy investment to reach its best IV spread of 12/13/15. Trainers seeking a PvP powerhouse should focus exclusively on this form.

PvE performance

Deoxys’ low damage per second (DPS) across its forms, coupled with a lack of Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) for its charge moves, holds it back. Even the Attack Form, which has the highest DPS at 21.856, struggles to compete with top-tier raid attackers like Mewtwo or Gengar. Its lack of synergy between typing and moves and relatively low stamina (137) further diminish its raid viability.

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Pokemon GO Deoxys: All stats and moves

Stats by Form:

Normal Form: Max CP 3573 | Attack 345 | Defense 115 | Stamina 137
Attack Form: Max CP 2916 | Attack 414 | Defense 46 | Stamina 137
Speed Form: Max CP 3255 | Attack 230 | Defense 218 | Stamina 137
Defense Form: Max CP 2570 | Attack 144 | Defense 330 | Stamina 137

Movepool:

Fast Moves: Zen Headbutt, Counter, Charge Beam
Charged Moves: Thunderbolt, Hyper Beam, Psycho Boost

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Pokemon GO Deoxys' strengths and weaknesses

Deoxys' type matchup (Image via Sportskeeda)

Weaknesses:

Takes 160% increased damage from Bug-, Dark-, and Ghost-type attacks.

Resistances:

Takes 63% reduced damage from Fighting and Psychic-type attacks.

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Best counters to Deoxys in Pokemon GO

If you’re challenging Deoxys in raids, the following Pokemon are your best counters:

Necrozma - Dawn Wings with Shadow Claw and Moongeist Beam
Mega and Shadow Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing
Mega and Shadow Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball
Shadow Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball
Mega Banette with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
Mega Houndoom with Snarl and Foul Play
Hydreigon with Bite and Brutal Swing
Mega Pinsir with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor
Mega Heracross with Struggle Bug and Megahorn
Blacephalon with Astonish and Shadow Ball
Mega and Shadow Scizor with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor
Shadow Weavile with Snarl and Foul Play
Dragapult with Astonish and Shadow Ball
Gholdengo with Hex and Shadow Ball
Darkrai with Snarl and Shadow Ball
Giratina Origin with Shadow Claw and Shadow Force
Necrozma - Dusk Mane with Shadow Claw and Sunsteel Strike
Hoopa with Astonish and Shadow Ball
Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
Mega Gyarados with Bite and Crunch
Incineroar with Snarl and Darkest Lariat

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Deoxys and all its forms as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While Deoxys is a fascinating Pokemon with its multiple forms and unique stats, it’s not a top contender in either raids or PvP, except for its Defense Form in Great League and Ultra League.

Trainers looking to expand their PvP roster should prioritize Defense Form Deoxys, but those seeking powerful raid attackers may want to invest their resources elsewhere.

All in all, Deoxys’ value lies more in its collectible nature than its competitive utility.

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Edited by Angad Sharma