Overview
Mega Malamar is a Dark/Psychic-type raid boss in Pokémon GO. Its combination of Confusion and Night Slash makes it dangerous for unprepared trainers. This guide will help you identify the best counters, understand its weaknesses, and execute efficient raid strategies.
Weaknesses
- Weak to: Bug, Ghost, Fairy types
- Resistant to: Psychic, Dark, Fighting
Best Counters
Meta Counters
| Pokémon | Moves | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Gengar | Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball | Ghost-type STAB moves exploit Malamar's weakness to Ghost for maximum damage. |
| Gardevoir | Confusion + Dazzling Gleam | Fairy moves hit Dark-type Malamar hard while also resisting its Psychic attacks. |
| Weavile | Snarl + Foul Play / Ice Punch | Fast-charging Dark moves combined with Ice coverage makes Weavile highly efficient against Malamar. |
Budget / Free Player Counters
| Pokémon | Moves | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Honchkrow | Snarl + Dark Pulse | Accessible Dark-type Pokémon that can deal consistent damage against Malamar. |
| Banette | Shadow Claw + Shadow Ball | Low-cost Ghost-type option; good against both Psychic and Dark moves. |
| Clefable | Charm + Dazzling Gleam | Fairy-type counter that’s easy to obtain and can resist Psychic moves effectively. |
Strategy Tips
- Bring multiple Ghost or Fairy-type counters to maximize DPS against Mega Malamar.
- Focus on dodging Night Slash to reduce incoming damage.
- Weather boosts help – Windy for Ghost, Partly Cloudy for Fairy.
- Coordinate with friends for group raids for faster completion.
Weather Effects
- Windy: Boosts Ghost-type moves
- Partly Cloudy: Boosts Fairy-type moves
- Rainy / Sunny: Minimal impact on Malamar counters
FAQ
Can Mega Malamar be shiny in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can encounter a shiny Malamar after the raid. The shiny rate is not guaranteed, so multiple raids may be required.
Is Mega Malamar difficult?
Not if you use strong Bug-type counters. Without Bug-types, it becomes much harder.
Can it be duoed?
Yes, experienced trainers with optimized Bug teams can defeat it with two players.
Best Mega boost?
A Mega Bug-type Pokémon boosts team-wide Bug damage significantly.
Does Mega Malamar keep its Mega form after the battle?
Mega Evolution lasts only during battles where Mega is enabled; it does not persist outside combat.
What is Mega Malamar’s exclusive move?
Superpower is a strong Fighting-type move that deals heavy damage but lowers the user's stats.
What makes Mega Malamar unique?
Its dark Mega form, powerful stats, and dual Dark/Psychic typing make Mega Malamar visually striking and strategically dangerous in raid battles.