Pokémon GO Yveltal: shiny, release date, counters, and more

Here’s how to catch Yveltal in Pokémon GO

Yveltal flies in front of dark grey storm clouds

We’ve had our fun with Xerneas, and now it’s time for its darker counterpart to join the fray. Yes, the next legendary Pokémon to join the ranks of Pokémon GO, Yveltal, is a big one. While we prefer Xerneas’ tree-inspired design, Yveltal is clearly the better option in Pokémon GO, based on its typing, the meta, and the sheer number of Psychic-type legendary Pokémon.

While Xerneas can handle the dragons without breaking a sweat, Yveltal matches up well with the likes of Mewtwo – which seems to always be rotating back into raids – and Giratina, which is a mainstay in the Master League. Is Yveltal one of the best Pokémon in Pokémon GO? It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s certainly a nice anti-meta pick.

More and more Generation 6 Pokémon are being released into the game – check out how to evolve Pancham or our guide on the final Eeveelution to enter Pokémon GO, Sylveon, if you’re keen on filling that Pokédex – and Yveltal is one of the most iconic additions from the Kalos region.

Here’s everything you need to know about Yveltal, including when it launches, how to counter it, and that stunning shiny version.

Yveltal Pokémon GO release date

Yveltal releases on May 18 in Pokémon GO. The destruction Pokémon will appear in five-star raids during the Luminous Legends Y event, and we believe it will leave raids on May 31 when the event ends.

Best Yveltal counters in Pokémon GO

The best Yveltal counters in Pokémon GO are Fairy, Electric, Ice, and Rock-type Pokémon. Rock-types are weak if Yveltal is carrying Focus Blast, however, so Electric-types are safest. As such, we’re building a party of Togekiss, Thundurus, Zekrom, and Mega Manectric to take on the Dark and Flying-type legendary.

You’ll want to try to get an Yveltal with 100% IVs for taking down raid bosses and tackling the Master League alike. In raids, keep an eye out for 2,160 CP Yveltal as it will have maxed out stats. If it’s windy or foggy weather in-game, however, Yveltal will benefit from weather boost, and you need to keep your eyes peeled for 2,701 CP.

You should only need three trainers to take down Yveltal.

Shiny Yveltal in front of a pale blue background

Yveltal shiny

Yveltal’s shiny form is not yet available in Pokémon GO.

Yveltal best moveset in Pokémon GO

Yveltal can reach an impressive 4,275 CP, making it a reasonable choice for GO Battle League and for taking on raid bosses. Its Dark typing will take on opposing Mewtwo and Giratina in Master League, so hunting for those perfect IVs might be worthwhile.

When it comes to moves, Snarl will charge up energy quickly, and Dark Pulse would be our go-to charge move. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that Hurricane could be a nice tech option, but only if you can afford a second move slot.

That’s everything we know about Yveltal ahead of its release next week. Check back nearer the time for more information on getting perfect IVs and news on when shiny Yveltal will be available in Pokémon GO.