Who Can Defeat Latios? A Comprehensive Guide to Countering the Eon Pokémon
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of who can defeat the legendary Latios is a common one among Pokémon trainers. This Dragon and Psychic-type Pokémon boasts impressive stats and a formidable movepool, making it a challenging opponent. However, no Pokémon is invincible, and understanding Latios’s weaknesses is key to victory. Simply put, Latios is vulnerable to Ice, Dark, Ghost, Bug, Fairy, and other Dragon-type attacks. This means Pokémon with moves of these types can effectively counter Latios. This article will dive deeper into the best strategies and specific Pokémon you can use to overcome this powerful legendary, followed by detailed answers to frequently asked questions about battling Latios and its counterparts.
Understanding Latios’s Weaknesses
Latios, being a dual-type Dragon/Psychic Pokémon, inherits the weaknesses of both types. This combination makes it particularly vulnerable to a diverse range of offensive types. These vulnerabilities include:
- Ice-type attacks: Ice moves deal double damage to Dragon-types, making them incredibly effective against Latios.
- Dark-type attacks: Dark-type moves are super effective against Psychic-types, and provide a strong option for Latios battles.
- Ghost-type attacks: Ghost moves are also effective against Psychic-types.
- Bug-type attacks: While less commonly used, Bug moves offer another way to exploit Latios’s Psychic weakness.
- Fairy-type attacks: Fairy moves are super effective against Dragon types.
- Dragon-type attacks: This is an interesting one, as while Latios is a Dragon-type, it is weak against other Dragon-type moves.
Therefore, when selecting a team to battle Latios, prioritize Pokémon that can exploit these weaknesses with their attacks.
Top Pokémon and Strategies to Counter Latios
Here are some of the most effective Pokémon to use against Latios, along with recommended movesets and strategies:
Ice-Type Pokémon
- Mega Abomasnow: With Powder Snow and Weather Ball (Ice), Mega Abomasnow can deliver massive damage and capitalize on Latios’ Dragon typing.
- Mamoswine: Mamoswine’s Powder Snow and Avalanche combination makes it a powerful Ice-type attacker.
- Glaceon: This Eevee evolution boasts strong Ice-type attacks like Ice Shard and Avalanche.
Dark-Type Pokémon
- Mega Tyranitar: Bite and Crunch are powerful Dark moves that will do significant damage.
- Hydreigon: With its Dark and Dragon-type moves like Bite and Dark Pulse, Hydreigon is a solid choice, although note that it’s also weak to Dragon moves from Latios.
- Weavile: Snarl and Foul Play make Weavile a speedy and effective Dark-type attacker.
Ghost-Type Pokémon
- Mega Gengar: Gengar’s high attack with moves like Lick and Shadow Ball is excellent for battling Latios.
- Giratina (Origin Forme): Using Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball, Giratina deals considerable damage while also boasting great survivability.
- Chandelure: With Hex and Shadow Ball, Chandelure is a strong Ghost-type attacker.
Bug-Type Pokémon
- Genesect: Genesect’s Fury Cutter and X-Scissor combo can do a lot of damage to Latios while also resisting Psychic-type attacks
- Scizor: With Fury Cutter and X-Scissor, Scizor also works well as a Bug attacker that resists Psychic moves.
Fairy-Type Pokémon
- Mega Gardevoir: Using Charm and Dazzling Gleam, Mega Gardevoir can inflict substantial Fairy-type damage to Latios, but be aware that it is also weak to Psychic moves.
- Togekiss: With Charm and Dazzling Gleam Togekiss provides good Fairy offense and is generally a strong choice.
Dragon-Type Pokémon
- Rayquaza: Using moves like Dragon Tail and Outrage, Rayquaza offers strong Dragon damage, but is vulnerable to Latios’ Dragon moves.
- Dialga: Dialga is a powerful dragon attacker using moves like Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor but it also shares Latios’s Dragon weakness.
- Palkia: Similar to Dialga, Palkia provides strong Dragon offense with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor but is vulnerable to Latios as well.
- Mega Latios: Using moves like Dragon Breath and Psychic, Mega Latios can provide a powerful counter but is also vulnerable to itself.
- Mega Salamence: A heavy hitter with Dragon Tail and Outrage, but also carries a weakness to Latios’s Dragon moves.
General Strategies
- Prioritize Super Effective Moves: Always choose moves that will hit Latios for double damage.
- Consider Weather Boosts: Weather conditions can boost the effectiveness of certain move types. For example, Snow boosts Ice moves, making them even more powerful.
- Balance Offense and Defense: While focusing on type advantages, ensure your team has some survivability to withstand Latios’ attacks.
- Utilize Charged Moves Effectively: Time your charged moves to maximize their damage output.
- Avoid Pokémon Weak to Psychic or Dragon: Steer clear of Pokémon that will be vulnerable to Latios’s attacks, as it will make battles significantly harder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Latios weak to Latias?
While both are Dragon/Psychic types, Latios isn’t inherently weak to Latias in the sense of type matchups. They share the same weaknesses to Ice, Dark, Ghost, Bug, Fairy, and other Dragon types. The outcome of a battle between them would depend more on individual stats, movesets, and player strategy.
2. What are the best mega counters for Latios?
The best mega counters for Latios include Mega Abomasnow (Ice), Mega Tyranitar (Dark), Mega Gengar (Ghost), Mega Gardevoir (Fairy) , Mega Latios (Dragon), and Mega Salamence (Dragon). These Pokémon can inflict significant damage using their respective super-effective move types.
3. Can Latios defeat Lugia?
No, Latios is unlikely to defeat Lugia. Lugia is often considered stronger due to its higher defensive stats and its Flying/Psychic typing that allows it to take less damage from Dragon-type attacks.
4. Who is stronger, Latios or Latias?
Latios is generally considered better for offense, while Latias is better for defense and support. Latios has a higher attack stat, making it a more potent attacker. Latias, on the other hand, is more bulky and can be a more effective defender.
5. Is Latios a male only species?
Yes, Latios is a male-only species. Its counterpart, Latias, is a female-only species. They are often referred to as the Eon Duo.
6. Can Ash beat Latios?
In the anime, Ash’s Pikachu fought Latios to a draw, but due to Ash having no remaining Pokémon, Tobias won the match.
7. How strong is Mega Latios?
Mega Latios is extremely powerful, boasting a massive base 160 Special Attack and a respectable 130 Attack. Its high speed and powerful movesets make it a formidable opponent and an excellent counter to many Pokémon.
8. What is Rayquaza weak against?
Rayquaza is weak against Ice, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. Understanding these weaknesses is critical when battling Rayquaza.
9. Can Rayquaza defeat Arceus?
In the games, Rayquaza is generally considered stronger than Arceus, due to it having an easier time acquiring and using items, as well as having better base stats and access to mega evolutions.
10. Can Rayquaza defeat Dialga?
In lore, Dialga has the advantage over Rayquaza. However in gameplay, Mega Rayquaza’s significantly higher stats mean it can take out Dialga.
11. Who can defeat Shadow Latios?
Effective counters for Shadow Latios are Genesect and Scizor with Bug-type moves like Fury Cutter and X-Scissor, because they resist both Dragon and Psychic-type moves. Fairy-type Pokémon like Togekiss and Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam can also be strong if facing Shadow Latios with Dragon-type moves.
12. What is Zapdos weak to?
Zapdos, being an Electric/Flying-type, is weak to Rock and Ice-type attacks.
13. What is Kyogre weak against?
Kyogre is weak against Grass and Electric-type moves. These should be your primary focus when battling Kyogre.
14. Who can defeat Shadow Victini?
Effective counters for Shadow Victini are Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Gengar, Mega Swampert, and Mega Diancie.
15. What defeats Shadow Bayleef?
The best counters against Shadow Bayleef are Mega Rayquaza, Mega Blaziken, Mega Charizard Y, Shadow Moltres, Shadow Ho-Oh, and Shadow Entei. These Pokémon can exploit Bayleef’s weaknesses.
By understanding Latios’s weaknesses, utilizing the recommended Pokémon and strategies, and considering the information in these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to successfully battle this powerful legendary Pokémon. Remember to adjust your teams based on move sets and conditions for maximum effectiveness. Happy battling!