How to beat Cresselia in Pokémon GO.
Image via Niantic

How to Beat Cresselia in Pokémon GO

Cresselia, the Generation IV Lunar Legendary Pokémon, is in 5-Star Raid Battles until August 16, 2023 at 8PM local time. If you want to beat and catch Cresselia in Pokémon GO, you’ll need to study up on her movese and weaknesses, as well as the best counters to use.

Recommended Videos

How do I beat Cresselia in Pokémon GO?

Cresselia is a Psychic-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, which means right off the bat, you need to remove Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon from your lineup. They’re weak to Psychic. Instead, opt for Bug, Ghost, and Dark types, as Cresselia is weak to those attacks.

These are the best Pokémon and moves to counter Cresselia:

  • Pinsir:
    • Fast Attack: Fury Cutter, Bug Bite, Rock Smash.
    • Charged Attack: Submission, Close Combat, X-Scissor, Superpower.
  • Scizor:
    • Fast Attack: Fury Cutter.
    • Charged Attack: X-Scissor.
  • Weavile:
    • Fast Attack: Snarl, Feint Attack.
    • Charged Attack: Foul Play.
  • Tyranitar:
    • Fast Attack: Bite.
    • Charged Attack: Crunch.
  • Giratina:
    • Fast Attack: Shadow Claw.
    • Charged Attack: Ominous Wind, Shadow Ball.
  • Mega Gengar:
    • Fast Attack: Shadow Claw.
    • Charged Attack: Shadow Ball.
  • Mega Rayquaza:
    • Fast Attack: Dragon Tail.
    • Charged Attack: Dragon Ascent.
  • Gholdengo:
    • Fast Attack: Hex.
    • Charged Attack: Shadow Ball.

Cresselia’s moveset is as follows:

  • Fast Attacks: Confusion, Psycho Cut.
  • Charged Attacks: Aurora Beam, Future Sight, Grass Knot, Moonblast.

Is Cresselia worth getting in Pokémon GO?

Cresselia is only really worth adding to your team if you’re a PvP player in Pokémon GO. She dominates in the Ultra League because of her high Defense stat, though make sure you bulk up her CP first.

It’s a different story against Team Rocket bosses or similar tough PvE fights, because she has a low Attack stat. This is especially true when compared to other Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO. I personally don’t use her. I just caught her because not only is she one of the prettiest Pokémon, but she’s also incredibly nostalgic for me.

Can I catch a Shiny Cresselia in Pokémon GO?

Yes, you can, though the Shiny rate is very low at a 5% chance. This means you’ll probably need to grind out many 5-Star Raids before getting the chance to catch Cresselia in her Shiny form in Pokémon GO unless you’re incredibly lucky. It’s definitely worth it if you’re a Shiny collector though, as her regular yellow and pink color palette is swapped for a cool purple and teal.

Pokémon GO is free-to-play now on Android and iOS devices.


Siliconera is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Brent Koepp
Brent Koepp
Based in California, Brent is an Editor at Siliconera and has been a journalist since 2010. When he's not playing JRPGs or catching 'em all in Pokémon, you can find him spending time with his wife and two dogs.