Legendaries and Ultra Beasts are the most powerful species inPokemon Go, but Mega Evolutions are temporary forms with boosted stats that can often surpass those creatures of legend. Powerful species can become unstoppable thanks to the Mega Evolution mechanic that’s making a comeback inPokemon Legends Z-Aand you can take advantage of those boosted stats to challenge tough Raids in Pokemon Go.

While it might take some effort to capture and Mega Evolve your most powerful Pokemon, it’s surely worth the grind, as you’ll be able to face evenfive-star Raidson your own if you play your cards right.

Mega Charizard Y from Pokemon with the Pokemon Go battlefield as the background

10Mega Charizard Y

While Charizard hastwo different Mega Evolutions, Mega Charizard Y is the one you want to take down Raid bosses. Some might argue that Mega Charizard X boasts the Dragon type the iconic Pokemon always deserved or that it just looks better, but Mega Charizard Y is the overall better choice thanks to its Attack stat and Max CP.

Additionally, Mega Charizard Y is one of the most powerful Fire-type species in the mobile game, while its counterpart lacks power, compared to otherDragon-type Pokemon.

Mega Alakazam sitting in the desert at dusk

9Mega Alakazam

The Abra evolutionary line is a force to be reckoned with, so it’s no wonder Mega Alakazam is one of the most powerful evolutions out there. It’s the best Psychic-type attacker in Pokemon Go both for Trainer Battles as well as Raids and Gyms, leavingMega Gardevoirbehind in terms of damage output.

You’ll need to be careful when facing Bug, Dark, or Ghost-type Pokemon that can exploit its weaknesses, but Mega Alakazam is a great asset, especially for dealing with Poison and Fighting types.

Mega Sceptile from Pokemon with the Pokemon Go battlefield as the background.

8Mega Sceptile

Sceptile gains the Dragon type when Mega Evolving, so it receives neutral damage from Fire-type attacks. While adding this type also adds weaknesses to Fairy and Dragon-type moves, Mega Evolving also boosts Sceptile’s ATK and DEF, making it the bestGrass-type attackerto pick.

Charged Moves like Dragon Claw and Breaking Swipe gain STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) in battles, making Mega Sceptile an unpredictable foe. However, it’s worth noting that you won’t stand a chance against Ice-type species, so keep that in mind.

Mega Diancie about to use a Diamond Storm in the Pokemon anime.

7Mega Diancie

While Mega Aerocatyl is a more accessible choice, Mega Diancie is the best Rock-type attacker for Pokemon Go Raids. Its Max CP isn’t the best for a Mega Evolution but the Mythical creature compensates with a whooping ATK stat of 342, which is ideal for PvE activities.

Mega Diancie isn’t easy to get, as mostMythicalsare blocked behind Special Research stories and other limited-time events in Pokemon Go, but it’s a great pick to deal with powerful Dragon-type Pokemon defending Gyms or headlining Raids.

Pokemon Go Mega Gengar swipes with a Shadow Claw.

6Mega Gengar

Gengar is another iconic species that every trainer wants in their team, no matter the Pokemon title they’re playing. Mega Evolving the powerful Ghost and Poison-type Pokemon will give you a great asset to destroy Fairy-type Pokemon in Raids. Not only you’ll deal super-effective damage but you’ll also resist incoming attacks.

On the other hand, you may also pick Mega Gengar to deal with Ghost and Psychic-type species, although it can be a risky bet since Mega Gengar is weak to both types.

Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp looks fierce and ready to battle in the Pokemon Journeys Anime.

5Mega Garchomp

As a Dragon-type Pokemon, you shouldn’t put Garchomp anywhere near an Ice-type opponent. That said, Mega Garchomp is a great Dragon-type pick for Raids as it only has three weaknesses. The Dragon/Ground type combination is unique, being only reserved for the Gible line as well as Vibrava, Flygon, and the Zygarde line.

That typing makes Mega Garchomp a tough opponent to beat, even for experienced trainers who know all the type match-ups. You’ll get the best of both worlds as Mega Garchomp is a top-tier Dragon and Ground-type attacker.

Mega Tyranitar from Pokemon with the Pokemon Go battlefield as the background.

4Mega Tyranitar

Mega Tyranitar boasts one of the highest DEF stats among all Mega Evolutions available in Pokemon Go. Along with a balanced set of weaknesses and resistances, the Armor Pokemon can stand its ground for a long time as long as it doesn’t face any Fighting-type species.

Mega Tyranitar has become the go-to pick for many trainers facing all kinds of Raids, as the powerful Pokemon can withstand many super-effective attacks before fainting. Tyranitar is particularly good for challenging Ice, Dragon, and Psychic-type Raid bosses but can also excel in PvP.

Ash’s Lucario Mega Evolves in the Pokemon Journeys anime

3Mega Lucario

It’s not super obvious, but Lucario is a Steel-type Pokemon, which means it has many resistances you’re able to take advantage of. Mega Lucario was one of the most anticipated additions to Pokemon Go and is considered one of the heaviest hitters in the game. Its damage output is outstanding and its moveset has a wide variety of attacks to choose from to build different strategies.

However, the popular Aura Pokemon is a glass cannon, so you should try to dodge as many incoming attacks as you can during Raids.

Primal Groudon standing on a rock ready to fight the Pokemon anime.

2Primal Groudon

While not strictly a Mega Evolution by name, Groudon’s Primal Reversion is treated similarly in different Pokemon games including Go. With a Max CP of 6672 and only two weaknesses - Ground and Water - Primal Groudon, the Continent Pokemon itself, is a force to be reckoned with.

This is another popular pick for many different Raids, as Primal Groudon can deal super-effective damage to Steel, Poison, Rock, Fire, and Electric-type species with its signature move, Precipice Blades. Additionally, you can also face Bug, Grass, and Ice opponents with ease.

Mega Rayquaza prepares to strike at night in the Pokemon anime.

1Mega Rayquaza

With one of the highest ATK stats in the whole franchise, Mega Rayquaza should be in pretty much any team facing any Pokemon Go Raid. Its type combination makes it resistant to six different types but none of that matters since all you want is to take down the Raid boss as soon as possible.

Mega Rayquaza can help you do that with a combination of powerful Flying and Dragon-type attacks that can nuke opponents fast. The Sky High Pokemon reigns supreme since ancient times so you should rely on it.