Pokémon GO Mega Raid Schedule July 2026: Current Mega Pokémon And Best Counters

Mega Raids in Pokémon GO offer some of the best rewards in the game — Mega Energy, high-IV Pokémon, and rare Candy XL. July 2026 brings a fresh rotation of Mega Pokémon to raid battles. This guide covers the full schedule, optimal counters, and strategies to maximize your raid rewards.

July 2026 Mega Raid Lineup

Niantic rotates Mega Raid bosses every few days during events and on a weekly cycle otherwise. Here is the confirmed Mega Raid schedule for July 2026:

Dates	Mega Pokémon	Type	Weak To
July 1–7	Mega Charizard X	Fire / Dragon	Rock, Ground, Dragon
July 1–7	Mega Blastoise	Water	Electric, Grass
July 8–14	Mega Tyranitar	Rock / Dark	Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, Bug, Fairy
July 8–14	Mega Gardevoir	Psychic / Fairy	Ghost, Steel, Poison
July 15–21	Mega Salamence	Dragon / Flying	Ice, Rock, Dragon, Fairy
July 15–21	Mega Metagross	Steel / Psychic	Fire, Ground, Dark, Ghost
July 22–28	Mega Garchomp	Dragon / Ground	Ice, Dragon, Fairy
July 22–28	Mega Lopunny	Normal / Fighting	Flying, Psychic, Fairy
July 29–Aug 4	Mega Rayquaza	Dragon / Flying	Ice, Rock, Dragon, Fairy

Best Counters for Each Mega Raid

Below are the top counters for each Mega Pokémon in the July rotation. For a general overview of raid strategy, check out our complete Pokémon GO Raid Guide.

Mega Charizard X Counters

Rock Wrecker Rhyperior — best overall counter
Smack Down Tyranitar (Rock)
Mega Aerodactyl
Terrakion with Smack Down / Rock Slide

Mega Tyranitar Counters

Dynamic Punch Conkeldurr
Mega Lucario with Aura Sphere
Counter / Dynamic Punch Machamp
Terrakion with Double Kick / Sacred Sword

Mega Salamence and Mega Rayquaza Counters

Mega Gardevoir with Charm / Dazzling Gleam
Mamoswine with Powder Snow / Avalanche
Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang / Avalanche
Baxcalibur with Ice Fang / Avalanche

Mega Metagross Counters

Reshiram with Fire Fang / Fusion Flare
Mega Charizard Y with Fire Spin / Blast Burn
Shadow Chandelure with Fire Spin / Overheat
Primal Groudon with Mud Shot / Precipice Blades

Mega Raid Strategy Tips

Mega Raids are generally easier than Legendary Raids, but you still need a solid strategy, especially when raiding with fewer players.

Solo or Duo? Most Mega Raids can be duoed with level 35+ counters using super-effective moves. Mega Tyranitar and Mega Metagross are tougher — bring at least 3 high-level players.

Mega Boost: If you own the Mega Evolution of the same type you’re raiding against, your whole party gets a 10% damage boost. For example, bring Mega Aerodactyl to boost Rock-type attacks against Mega Charizard X.

Weather Boost: Sunny weather boosts Fire moves (bad vs Charizard X), while Cloudy boosts Fighting moves (great vs Tyranitar). Plan around weather.

Friendship Bonus: Raid with Best Friends for +10% damage — often the difference between winning and losing a duo attempt.

Mega Energy Farming

Defeating a Mega Raid awards 50–125 Mega Energy depending on how fast you win. After your first Mega Evolution, walking the Pokémon as your buddy generates additional Mega Energy. Focus on raiding Mega Pokémon you haven’t evolved yet — once you unlock a Mega Evolution, future energy comes faster through buddy walking.

For a complete breakdown of the best Mega Evolutions to prioritize this season, see our Best Mega Evolutions in Pokémon GO 2026 guide. You can also check the full July Legendary Raid Schedule to plan your entire month of raiding.