When Mega Tyranitar appears in Pokémon GO's 5-Star Mega Raids, this formidable raid boss demands careful counter selection to exploit its vulnerabilities despite its impressive bulk.
While standing tall as one of the game's most dominant Dark-type attackers with massive Attack, CP, and Defense stats, its comparatively lower HP means assembling a specialized team is crucial for success.
Let's analyze Mega Tyranitar's weaknesses and resistances before exploring the top counters for this raid encounter.
Understanding Mega Tyranitar's Weaknesses & Type Matchups
Retaining its base form's typing, Mega Tyranitar is a dual Rock/Dark-type in Pokémon GO, making it vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water-type attacks. Fighting-type moves prove most effective, dealing 256% super-effective damage, while other weaknesses inflict 160% damage.
Despite these seven weaknesses, this 5-Star raid boss resists most other types, including a 39% reduction against Psychic attacks and 63% resistance to Dark, Fire, Flying, Ghost, Normal, and Poison-type moves.
| Pokemon | Type | Weaknesses | Strong Against | Resistances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mega Tyranitar | Rock/Dark | Fighting Bug Fairy Water Grass Ground Steel | Fire Ice Flying Bug Psychic Ghost Rock Steel Fairy Grass | Normal Fire Poison Flying Ghost Dark |
While possessing seven weaknesses, Mega Tyranitar's diverse moveset enables it to counter many potential threats in Pokémon GO.
With access to Steel-type Iron Tail as a Fast Attack and Fire Blast alongside its Dark/Rock moves, Mega Tyranitar can effectively handle Bug, Fairy, Grass, and Steel-type counters attempting to exploit its vulnerabilities.
Related: How To Obtain Shiny Meloetta, Shiny Manaphy, and Shiny Enamorus in Pokémon Home
Top Counters Against Mega Tyranitar in Pokémon GO
Optimal counters include high-Attack Fighting-types like Keldeo, Conkeldurr, and Machamp, along with the following alternatives complete with recommended movesets:
| Pokemon | Fast Move | Charged Move |
|---|---|---|
 Keldeo (Resolute or base form) | Low Kick | Sacred Sword |
 Machamp | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
 Hariyama | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
 Mega Blaziken | Counter | Focus Blast |
 Conkeldurr | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
 Toxicroak | Counter | Dynamic Punch |
 Mega Gallade (or base form) | Low Kick | Close Combat |
 Mega Lopunny | Double Kick | Focus Blast |
 Galarian Zapdos | Counter | Close Combat |
 Meloetta (Pirouette form) | Low Kick | Close Combat |
When Fighting-types aren't available, Water and Ground Pokémon serve as viable alternatives against Mega Tyranitar, though they deal slightly less damage.
Regardless of your chosen Fighting, Water, or Ground-type attackers, always prioritize same-type moves to gain the critical 20% STAB bonus when challenging powerful 5-Star Mega Raid bosses like this.
Related: Pokémon Go Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Counters, Strategies & Tips
Shiny Mega Tyranitar Availability in Pokémon GO
Shiny Mega Tyranitar can appear in Pokémon GO after defeating it in 5-Star Mega Raids.
However, obtaining a Shiny isn't guaranteed, with current Shiny Mega Raid boss odds at approximately 1 in 128 encounters.
During Larvitar Community Days, players have significantly better odds of obtaining a Shiny Larvitar that can be evolved into Tyranitar and eventually mega-evolved.
Now that you're prepared to counter Mega Tyranitar's Fighting-type weakness, explore what's happening this month in our complete February event schedule for Pokémon GO.
Also check out the latest Pokémon GO promo codes for free items and exclusive bonuses.
Pokémon GO is currently available for play.
