TL;DR
- Mega Ampharos transforms from pure Electric to Electric/Dragon type, quadrupling weaknesses to Dragon, Fairy, Ground, and Ice
- Raid availability runs from February 16 at 10 AM to March 1 at 8 PM local time, identified by special red eggs
- Optimal counters include Excadrill, Rhyperior, Galarian Darmanitan, and Mamoswine for maximum damage output
- Avoid Electric-type attackers completely and beware of Dragon-type counters’ vulnerability to Ampharos’ Dragon moves
- Strategic Mega Energy management and raid timing can significantly boost your success rate and rewards
A powerful transformation of the Electric-type Pokemon originating from Johto has arrived as Pokemon Go’s newest mega raid encounter.
The long-maned Mega Ampharos is the next Pokemon Go Mega Raid target.
Pokemon Go’s current Mega Raid cycle features an electrifying opponent draped in cloud-like fur. Mega Ampharos—the enhanced final evolution of Johto’s woolly Mareep line—serves as the featured Mega Raid boss, available from now through March 1. This follows Mega Houndoom’s fiery reign earlier this month. Since future reappearance dates remain uncertain, seize this opportunity using our comprehensive battle strategies.
Before diving into battle preparations, let’s clarify what distinguishes Mega Pokemon from their standard counterparts. Originally introduced in Pokemon X and Y during 2013, Mega Evolution represents a temporary power-up accessible to specific Pokemon, granting them enhanced forms when trainers possess the corresponding Mega Stone item.
Within Pokemon Go, creatures with Mega forms activate this transformation by consuming Mega Energy unique to their species, obtained through research tasks and Pokemon captures. The initial Mega Evolution requires 200 Mega Energy, while subsequent transformations drop to just 40 Energy.
Mega Pokemon benefit from significantly boosted combat statistics while providing valuable damage amplification to all allied Pokemon during raid battles. However, this empowered state lasts merely eight hours, demanding strategic timing to maximize its benefits.
Mega Ampharos storms into five-star raids beginning February 16 at 10 AM local time, maintaining its presence until 8 PM on March 1. Unfortunately, Pokemon Go doesn’t maintain fixed raid schedules—Mega Raids constitute one of six possible raid tiers that appear after countdown completion—but the game provides constant notifications about available raid bosses, requiring regular monitoring. Mega Raids specifically display a distinctive red-colored egg icon for easy identification.
Advanced trainers should note that raid frequency typically peaks during community hours and special event windows. Planning your raids around these periods increases your chances of finding active Mega Ampharos encounters and assembling larger raiding parties through our Complete Guide to coordinated gameplay.
When Mega evolved, Ampharos gains Dragon-type attributes alongside its original Electric typing, creating an Electric/Dragon dual-type combination. Remarkably, this Dragon-type addition quadruples the Pokemon’s vulnerability count—expanding from one weakness to four distinct weaknesses—dramatically simplifying raid preparation and execution.
Dragon-, Fairy-, Ground-, and Ice-type attacks all deal super-effective damage against Mega Ampharos, making these move types essential for your battle party. Excadrill and Rhyperior stand as exceptional choices for this confrontation, though Garchomp requires caution since its Dragon typing makes it susceptible to Ampharos’ Dragon-type moves. Galarian Darmanitan and Mamoswine effectively target the Ice-type weakness with devastating movesets, providing versatile team options.
For optimal performance, prioritize Pokemon with maximum Attack IVs and appropriate move sets. Consider consulting our Weapons Unlock guide for additional combat optimization strategies that translate well to Pokemon Go battle mechanics.
While Mega Ampharos quadruples its weaknesses in this form, it simultaneously expands its resistances from three to six types. Electric-type moves prove completely ineffective against Mega Ampharos, making Raichu and Zapdos poor choices for this encounter. Fire-, Flying-, Grass-, Steel-, and Water-type attacks also represent suboptimal selections, though they don’t suffer the same level of ineffectiveness as Electric-type moves.
Many trainers mistakenly deploy their strongest Pokemon regardless of type matchups, significantly reducing their damage output. Understanding resistance mechanics proves equally important as exploiting weaknesses, much like strategic considerations in our Class Guide for optimal loadout selection.
Advanced strategy note: Consider bringing a Mega Evolved Pokemon that shares a type advantage against Ampharos to further boost your team’s damage through the Mega Evolution bonus.
Action Checklist
- Assemble optimal counter team with Dragon, Fairy, Ground, or Ice-type moves
- Coordinate raid timing with local community during peak hours
- Verify Mega Ampharos raid availability via red egg indicators
- Execute battle strategy focusing on type advantages while avoiding resisted moves
- Capture Mega Ampharos and plan Mega Energy usage strategically
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Go Mega Ampharos Raid Guide: Best Counters, Weaknesses, Raid Hours, And More Tips Master Mega Ampharos raids with expert strategies, optimal counters, and timing tactics for maximum rewards
