Latios and Latias: How to catch the Eon Duo in Pokémon Go

These delightful little dragons are no joke in a battle, so make sure you come prepared!

Pokémon Go is bringing back Latios and Latias for a special four day weekend. Beginning at 10 AM local time, Friday June 12, 2020, you'll have another chance to catch this Legendary pair.

What are Latios and Latias?

Latias and Latios, also known as the Eon Duo are Legendary Pokemon from the Gen III Hoenn region. These Dragon and Psychic types have shown up in several episodes of the show and movies, almost always together, and are rare among Legendary Pokémon in that they have a gender. Latios are always male and Latias are always female. They are often referred to as twins, but in Pokémon Go, you will be battling them separately, like any other Raid.

What are the best Counters?

As Dragon and Psychic types, Latios and Latias are weak against six different types: Dragon, Bug, Ice, Fairy, Ghost and Dark. Latios' potential moves include Dragon Breath or Zen Headbutt for the Fast move, and either Dragon Claw, Psychic, or Solar Beam for the Charged attack. Latias' potential moves include Dragon Breath, Zen Headbutt, or Charm for the Fast move, and either Outrage, Psychic, or Thunder for the Charged attack. Although this means Latios can do Grass type damage, while Latias can do Electric and Fairy type, the recommended counters are virtually identical. Unless you are attempting to complete this Raid with only two Trainers, your won't need to worry too much about which moveset you're going up against.

Rayquaza

The absolute best Dragon type Pokémon in Pokémon Go, Rayquaza will tear Latios and Latias to shreds. Although it is weak to Dragon type moves and Latias' Fairy type move, neither are enough to pose a serious threat and it takes quarter damage from Latios' Solar Beam. Unfortunately, as a Legendary Pokémon, Rayquaza hasn't seen widespread availability, so you might not have more than one and that one might not be fully powered up. Still, if you have it, you want to bring it to either of the Eon Duo's Raids. The moveset you're looking for is Dragon Tail and Outrage.

Salamence

The final evolution of Bagon, Salamence can potentially outperform Rayquaza. It's a Dragon and Flying type, so it brings the same weaknesses and resistances as Rayquaza, but is much easier to evolve and power up. Thanks to the Bagon Community Day, Salamence is probably already in your roster. You'll want Dragon Tail and Outrage for its moveset. Draco Meteor also works well for the Charged move.

Dragonite

The original Dragon, Dragonite set the standard for pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, and it'll serve you well against the Eon twins. Another Dragon and Flying type, Dragonite doesn't perform quite as well as Salamence or Rayquaza, but has the same weaknesses and strengths. Thanks to the Dratini Community Day and the Special Research that rewards you with a Dragonite, not to mention plenty of other opportunities, you probably have a few already powered up. For its moveset, Dragon Tail and Outrage are ideal, but Dragon Breath, Draco Meteor, and Dragon Claw can all work if you don't have the TMs to spare.

Haxorus

A pure Dragon type, Haxorus brings resistance to Grass and Electric type moves, while it is weak to Dragon and Fairy type moves. Axew isn't particularly easy to come by so many players don't have the candy to evolve and power up Haxorus, but if you have one, it works well in this Raid, especially when Latias has Thunder. Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw are the ideal moves if you're bringing Haxorus to this fight.

Garchomp

A Dragon and Ground type, Garchomp bring a strong resistance to Electric and weaknesses to Dragon and Fairy. Although Gible are relatviely rare spawns, many players have Garchomp thanks to the Gible Community Day. If you're bringing Garchomp to this Raid, the moveset you're looking for is Dragon Tail and Outrage.

Palkia

Another Legendary Pokémon, Palkia, has really high stats but not the best moves and it hasn't seen great availability, making it costly to power up. It is a Water and Dragon type, meaning it brings no useful resistances to this Raid and remains weak against Dragon and Fairy. Still, its niche is fighting other Dragon-types, so it will work well against Latias and Latios if you have it. You'll want your Palkia to know Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor, but in a pinch, Outrage can work as well.

Reshiram

The most recent Legendary Raid Pokémon, Reshiram has seen extremely limited availability. It is one of the most difficult Raids to date and was released during a time when many couldn't leave their homes due to the global pandemic. However, if you were fortunate enough as to get one and have the resources to power it up, it will serve you well against either Latios or Latias. As a Dragon and Fire type, it is weak against Dragon type moves, but bring a resistance to Electric and a super resistance to Grass. Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the ideal moves if you're bringing Reshiram to this Raid.

Darkrai

The Mythical Dark type Darkrai has seen a much greater availability in Pokémon Go than other Mythicals, having been featured in Raids and as a Pokémon Go Battle League reward encounter. As a pure Dark type, it is resistant to Psychic and weak to Fairy. Snarl and Shadow Ball is the moveset you'll want your Darkrai to know.

Giratina Origin Forme

Giratina is a Legendary Pokémon with multiple formes that has seen significant availability. The Origin Forme is the ideal for this match thanks to its access to the Charged move, Shadow Ball. It is resistant to Grass and Electric, and weak to Dragon and Fairy. Either Dragon Breath or Shadow Claw work well for the Fast attack.

Chandelure

The final evolution of Litwick, Chandelure is a powerful Ghost and Fire type. While it is expensive to evolve and power up, if you have it, it's definitely worth investing in for many Raids, including the Eon Duo. It is resistant to Grass and Fairy type moves, and takes normal damage from the rest. You'll want your Chandelure to know Hex and Shadow Ball for this Raid.

Dialga

A Legendary Steel and Dragon type, Dialga is a tank with massive defense and HP. It is resistant to Electric and Psychic, and super resistant to Grass. Thanks to its Steel typing, it's a rare Dragon type that takes normal damage from Dragon and Fairy. Although it hasn't seen wide availability, if you have it, it is definitely worth the investment. Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the moves you'll want your Dialga to know.

Tyranitar

The Rock and Dark type pseudo-Legendary Tyranitar has seen widespread availability, being featured in Raids and Events, and even having its own Community Day. Its availability and many uses mean most Trainers have at least a couple powered up. It is weak against Grass and Fairy, but super resistant to Psychic type moves. If you're bringing Tyranitar to this fight, you'll want it to know the Dark type moves, Bite and Crunch.

Gengar

Last, but not least, the Gen I Gengar is a Ghost and Poison type that does very well against the Eon Duo. It is weak against Psychic type moves, but resistant to Fairy and Grass. Having been around since the start of the game, having been heavily featured each Halloween, and benefiting from Trade Evolution, there is no good reason not to have at least a couple fully powered up Gengar in your roster. Either Lick or Shadow Claw work well for the Fast move, and Shadow Ball is the ideal Charged attack for this Raid.

Back ups?

Seeing as the best counters include multiple Legendary and pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, you might not have a full team of the best already powered up. Fortunately, there are plenty of other Pokémon that make good back ups:

• Weavile with Ice Shard and Avalanche
• Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
• Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball
• Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
• Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
• Honchkrow with Snarl and Dark Pulse
• Scizor with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor
• Pinsir with Bug Bite and X-Scissor
• Yanmega with Bug Bite and Bug Buzz
• Jynx with Frost Breath and Avalanche
• Houndoom with Snarl and Crunch or Foul Play
• Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
• Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Hydreigon with Dragon Breath and Dark Pulse
• Genesect with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor
• Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche

Shadow Pokémon

The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events, it's possible to change their moves with TMs. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:

• Shadow Salmence
• Shadow Dragonite
• Shadow Weavile
• Shadow Tyranitar
• Shadow Scizor
• Shadow Pinsir
• Shadow Houndoom
• Shadow Gardevoir
• Shadow Shiftry
• Shadow Absol
• Shadow Gyarados

Although they are very expensive to power up, Shadow Salamence and Shadow Dragonite outperform the normal Dragon counters in virtually any Raid, and in this fight, Shadow Weavile also outperforms any normal Pokémon. If you can afford the Stardust and Candies and are lucky enough to have one of these three, they are well worth the investment.

How many players?

While it's possible for top players with the best counters, friend bonuses, and ideal weather to take out Latios or Latias with only two players, most players will want to have at least four, especially if the Weather conditions are working against you. Windy weather is especially difficult, boosting both Psychic and Dragon type moves. While this will boost your Dragon types as well, dodging becomes far more important under these conditions.

Questions about taking on Latios and Latias?

Do you have any questions about how to beat Latios and Latias? Any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop us a comment below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many other Pokémon Go guides so you can be the very best like no one ever was!