Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia: Best moveset, counters, and are they any good?

Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia's best moveset and counters will be of interest to players wishing to use it battle. The former was the first Legendary to be introduced to the game. Its Shadow Form was released later in 2021 as an encounter from Giovanni. As of August 2024, it can be found in 5-star raids during special events.

This article will elaborate on Lugia and Shadow Lugia's best moveset in Pokemon GO. It will also mention ways to counter the creature should you see it on the other side of the battlefield.

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

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Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia best moveset

Regular and Shadow Lugia (Image via TPC)

Lugia and Shadow Lugia's best moveset differs based on where you plan on using them. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia best PvP moveset

• Fast Attack: Dragon Tail
• Charged Attack: Aeroblast* and Sky Attack

Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia best PvE movesets

Mixed moveset

• Fast Attack: Extrasensory
• Charged Attack: Aeroblast*

Psychic-type attacker moveset

• Fast Attack: Extrasensory
• Charged Attack: Future Sight

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Are Lugia and Shadow Lugia good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

Lugia and Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO PvP

Lugia and Shadow Lugia are powerful picks in the Master League of GO Battle League. They are ranked #22 and #42, respectively. Both of them have strong matchups against the meta and perform best as closers.

In the Master League Lugia and Shadow Lugia win equal number of matchups in 1-1 shield situations. Lugia has an edge over Garchomp, Origin Palkia, Reshiram, and Ursaluna, while Shadow Lugia wins against Gyarados, Mewtwo, Togekiss, and Xerneas.

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Lugia and Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO PvE

Despite having one of the best Charged Attacks in Niantic's mobile game, Lugis is not a PvE attacker of choice. This is because of its relatively low Attack stat. Several other Flying-type and Psychic-type Pocket Monsters outclass it. That said, if you are raiding as a group or challenging Gyms, Lugia can hold its own.

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Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia: All moves and stats

Pokemon GO Shadow Lugia (Image via TPC)

Fast Attacks

• Dragon Tail
• Extrasensory

Charged Attacks

• Future Sigh
• Hydro Pump
• Sky Attack
• Aeroblast (Exclusive move; might require an Elite Charged TM)

Base Stats

• Attack: 193
• Defense: 310
• Stamina: 235
• Max CP: 4,186

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Pokemon GO Lugia and Shadow Lugia: Strengths and weaknesses

Lugia and Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO resists the following types:

• Fighting (39.1%)
• Ground (39.1%)
• Grass (62.5%)
• Psychic (62.5%)

Lugia and Shadow Lugia has the following weaknesses:

• Rock (160.0%)
• Electric (160.0%)
• Ice (160.0%).
• Dark (160.0%)
• Ghost (160.0%)

The types that Lugia and Shadow Lugia can hit with STAB super-effective damage are:

• Fighting
• Poison
• Grass
• Bug

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Best counters to Lugia and Shadow Lugia in Pokemon GO

Master Leage counters for Lugia: Mewtwo (with Shadow Ball), Giratina Origin, Ho-Oh, Excadrill, Dialga

PvE counters:

• Mega Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing
• Dawn Wings Necrozma with Shadow Claw and Moongeist Beam
• Shadow Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing
• Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing
• Dusk Mane Necrozma with Shadow Claw and Sunsteel Strike
• Mega Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball
• Mega Gyarados with Bite and Crunch
• Shadow Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters