Trainers, get ready for an exciting week of high-stakes battles! The parasitic Rock/Poison-type Ultra Beast, Nihilego, is officially returning to 5-Star Raids in Pokémon GO. This limited-time raid event offers a prime opportunity for players to secure one of the most unique and powerful attackers in the game.
The event will run from Wednesday, May 6, 2026, through Tuesday, May 12, 2026. If you missed catching this extraterrestrial powerhouse during previous Ultra Beast events, now is your perfect chance to add it to your collection or farm enough candy to power yours up for the competitive meta.
Understanding Nihilego’s Weaknesses Nihilego features a very specific defensive profile that smart Trainers can easily exploit. Because it is a Rock and Poison-type Pokémon, it possesses a massive double weakness (4x) to Ground-type attacks. It also carries standard weaknesses to Water, Psychic, and Steel-type moves.
To take it down as quickly and efficiently as possible—especially if you are attempting to win with a smaller group—you should prioritize Ground-type attackers above all else.
Best Counters and Optimal Movesets Here at TrainerLoot, we have analyzed the data to bring you the most efficient counters to ensure a swift victory. Here are the top Pokémon to use against Nihilego:
- Primal Groudon / Groudon: The undisputed king of this raid. Use Mud Shot (Fast) paired with its signature move Precipice Blades (Charged). If you don’t have the signature move, Earthquake is a solid backup.
- Landorus (Therian Forme): A top-tier choice for consistent damage. Optimal moveset: Mud Shot (Fast) + Sandsear Storm (Charged).
- Garchomp: A fan-favorite that deals massive damage. Use Mud Shot (Fast) + Earth Power (Charged).
- Excadrill: Fast, effective, and easy to obtain. Optimal moveset: Mud-Slap (Fast) + Scorching Sands or Earthquake (Charged).
- Rhyperior: A bulky powerhouse that can stay in the fight longer. Use Mud-Slap (Fast) + Earthquake (Charged).
- Mamoswine: While primarily known as an Ice-type, its Ground moveset is devastating here. Use Mud-Slap (Fast) + High Horsepower (Charged).
TrainerLoot Pro-Tip: If you have invested in Shadow versions of Garchomp, Excadrill, Rhyperior, or Mamoswine, they will provide a significant 20% damage boost, allowing you to finish the raid even faster!
Final Preparation Make sure to gather your local community or use remote raid apps to find a full party. Stock up on Premium Raid Passes, power up your best Ground-types to at least level 30-35, and prepare to take down Nihilego before it disappears back into the Ultra Wormhole on May 12th.
Good luck, and may your catches have perfect IVs!
