How to get Xerneas in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Including Xerneas weaknesses and counters.
Xerneas is one of the most important Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Kalos region, making up one of the three legendary members of the 'aura trio' (the other two being Yveltal and flagship Pokémon, Zygarde). With that said, it should come as no surprise that Xerneas makes an appearance in Pokémon Legends: Z-A's postgame, where you finally have the opportunity to battle and catch them.
Below, we run through how to get Xerneas and all of Xerneas' weaknesses and counters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
On this page:
Need more Lumiose City? Then visit our Pokémon Legends: Z-A walkthrough.
How to get Xerneas in Pokémon Legends Z-A
To get Xerneas in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the game's main campaign.
- Complete Main Mission 38 - 'The Future of Lumiose City'.
- Win your first Reward Match in the Infinite Z-A Royale.
- Defeat or catch the three Alpha Pokémon as part of Main Mission 40 - 'The One That Gives'.
- Visit Wild Zone 11 as part of Main Mission 40 - 'The One That Gives'.
It's during Main Mission 40 where you'll find Xerneas waiting in the middle of Wild Zone 11 for you. If you want to catch them though, you need to defeat Xerneas in battle…
Pokémon Legends Z-A Xerneas weaknesses
Here are Xerneas' counters and weaknesses in Pokémon Legends: Z-A:
- Xerneas type – Fairy-type.
- Xerneas is weak against – Poison and Steel-types.
- Xerneas is resistant to – Fighting, Bug, and Dark-types.
- Xerneas is immune to – Dragon-types.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Xerneas counters
The best Xerneas counters are Poison and Steel-types. Here are the Pokémon we recommend for each type:
| Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|
| Roserade | Grass/Poison-type |
| Arbok | Poison-type |
| Gengar | Ghost/Poison-type |
| Victreebel | Grass/Poison-type |
| Garbodor | Poison-type |
| Venusaur | Grass/Poison-type |
| Aegislash | Steel/Ghost-type |
| Mawile | Steel/Fairy-type |
| Steelix | Steel/Ground-type |
| Aggron | Steel/Rock-type |
| Skarmory | Steel/Flying-type |
| Metagross | Steel/Psychic-type |
It's important to note that you do not want to use Pokémon (or moves) that are Fighting, Bug, Dragon and/or Dark-types. Xerneas is resistant to Fighting, Bug, and Dark-type attacks, completely immune to Dragon-types, and they're capable of dealing double damage to Fighting, Dark, and Dragon-types. Steer clear of using these!
Pokémon Legends Z-A Xerneas recommended level
Xerneas is Level 75 in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, therefore we recommend being Level 75, if not a few levels higher. This is a very tough Pokémon to take down, so a few extra levels won't go amiss.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Xerneas moveset
You'll also want to be prepared for Xerneas' moveset in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The attacks that they use are as follows:
- Megahorn (Bug-type) – Xerneas rams a horn into the target, dealing damage to them.
- Horn Leech (Grass-type) – Xerneas attacks the player with a small blast. Up to 50% of the damage dealt to the target is then restored to Xerneas' HP.
- Geomancy (Fairy-type) – Upon first use, Xerneas charges this move. Upon second use, Xerneas' summons rays of light around them that increase their Special Attack, Defense, and Speed.
- Moonblast (Fairy-type) – Xerneas sends a spectral blast towards the target, dealing damage on contact. There's also a small chance this might lower the target's Special Attack.
Towards the end of this battle, you want to use a Poké Ball to capture your very own legendary Pokémon, Xerneas.
Good luck beating and catching Xerneas in Pokémon Legends: Z-A!
Read this next
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC adds another Mega Evolution, confirming datamined leaks
- Japan's Pokémon theme park opens next February, and Pikachu's popping up in an Electric Pokémon show
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC arrives in December and, for the first time in series history, lets you grow your 'mon over Level 100