Pokemon Go Deoxys EX Raid Guide; Moveset, Best Counters

After weeks of waiting, Trainers finally have the opportunity to catch Deoxys in Pokemon Go! The DNA Pokemon was originally accidentally leaked some time ago thanks to an iOS push notification, but that's in the past! Now it's finally time to get our hands dirty and battle Deoxys. As of right now, Deoxys is only available in its Normal Forme.

Deoxys (Normal) Raid Basics

Deoxys (Normal) clocks in at 45891 CP as a raid boss, with 12,500 HP. It is a Psychic type, meaning it will be Weather Boosted in Windy weather. Its catchable CP is 1485 - 1570 (100%) and 1857-1963 (100%) in Windy weather. Here are Deoxys' possible moves in its Normal Forme:

Fast Moves	Charge Moves
Charge Beam	Psycho Boost
Zen Headbutt	Thunderbolt
	Hyper Beam

Deoxys not only looks like a wet noodle - it hits like one too. Don't be afraid of too much unless you're bringing Poison, Fighting, or Flying-type Pokemon for this encounter. Rather than put yourself in a bad situation, here are some Pokemon you should be bringing to battle Deoxys (Normal): 

Deoxys Raid Counters 

Tyranitar

The best Raid Pokemon continues its run at the top. Bite/Crunch your way to success.

Mewtwo

Using Mewtwo against Deoxys feels like you're helping our feline friend get a measure of revege, doesn't it? Shadow Ball is the preferred Charge move, of course, if you still have one. 

Gengar

Hex/Shadow Claw Gengars deal a ton of damage to Deoxys, but unlike its peers above, it can be hit with super effective damage from Deoxys. Be careful when battling a Deoxys with two Psychic-type moves - your smiling little spirit will get hit very hard by them. 

Houndoom

Snarl & Foul Play Houndooms offer a nice alternative to some of the more powerful Dark-type attackers if your box is a bit lacking. Crunch also works as a Charge move, but try to avoid the Fire-type moves if possible. 

Any Dark, Bug, or Ghost-type Pokemon/Attackers

When in doubt, just play to Deoxys' weaknesses - Dark, Bug, and Ghost. Bug Pokemon work especially well in Rainy weather, where their moves will be boosted. Pinsir, Scizor, Absol, Sharpedo, Banette, even Bite/Crunch Gyarados offer strong Pokemon to bring into battle with you if you don't have 6 Tyranitars in your box. 

Weather Boost

Speaking of weather, like we said above, Windy conditions benefit Deoxys, while Rainy conditions benefit your Bug types. Foggy conditions will benefit your Dark and Ghost types as well. Really, though, don't be too concerned. As powerful as Mewtwo was, Deoxys isn't all that powerful in comparison. 

Solo

While soloing Deoxys (Normal) isn't quite possible yet, a duo (two players) is, keeping in mind that to do so, you'll need a full time of Level 40, near perfect IV Pokemon to do so. Bringing a team of about 4-5 players to raid should get the job done, especially in optimal weather conditions. 

Best of luck, Trainers! May your Deoxys have high IVs and not be too much of a pain to bring down. In case you missed it, Niantic is extending the Alolan Egg event! Learn more about potentially hatching yourself a Mr. Mime or Farfetch'd by clicking here!