What sparks in your mind when you hear the word ‘legendary’? A tale of power, rarity, and awe—exactly what Yveltal brings to the world of Pokémon GO. For many Pokémon GO trainers, it’s the thrill of spotting, battling, and catching a rare, powerful creature. Among the shadows of the Pokémon world rises Yveltal—majestic, mysterious, and a true legend from the Kalos region. Whether you’re a weekend explorer or a seasoned trainer, this guide has everything you need to master Yveltal in Pokémon GO.
Let’s dive into what makes this Pokémon so special and how you can make the most of its power.
1. Introduction to Yveltal
Yveltal isn’t just another legendary—it’s the embodiment of destruction. It’s powerful, elegant, and a must-have for any serious trainer. But how do you make the most of this Dark/Flying-type powerhouse?
Think of Yveltal like a mythical bird that soars through the skies, draining energy from its surroundings—yes, quite literally! This article will help you understand its importance in your collection and battle strategy.
2. Yveltal’s Origins: From Kalos to Pokémon GO
Yveltal made its debut as the iconic face of Pokémon Y in the sixth-generation games, joining forces with Xerneas and Zygarde to form the legendary trio of the Kalos region. Its design is based on a Y-shaped bird, complementing Xerneas’s X form.
In Pokémon lore, Yveltal has the chilling ability to absorb life energy, turning into a cocoon after doing so. In Pokémon GO, that darkness is more symbolic—but its impact on battles is anything but.
3. How to Find and Catch Yveltal

You won’t find Yveltal in the wild—this is strictly a Raid Boss encounter. It usually appears in 5-star raids during special events, such as:
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Legendary Raid Hours
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Special Research Tasks
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GO Fest events
To catch Yveltal:
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Enter a 5-star raid by using a standard Raid Pass or challenge it from anywhere with a Remote Raid Pass
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Team up with friends (at least 5 trainers recommended).
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Use Golden Razz Berries and curveballs when catching.
Pro tip: Wait until Yveltal attacks, then throw your ball—this increases the odds of a successful catch.
4. Yveltal’s Typing and Strengths
Yveltal is a Dark/Flying type. That unique combo gives it a few strategic advantages:
Strengths (Resistant to):
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Grass
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Ground
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Dark
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Ghost
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Psychic (double resistance!)
Weaknesses (Vulnerable to):
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Electric
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Ice
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Rock
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Fairy
Understanding these is key to building both your offensive and defensive strategies.
5. Best Movesets for Yveltal
Moves can make or break a Pokémon’s usefulness. Luckily, Yveltal has a great movepool in Pokémon GO. Here are its best options:
Fast Moves:
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Snarl (Dark) – Best for energy gain
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Gust (Flying) – Strong for Flying coverage
Charged Moves:
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Dark Pulse (Dark)
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Hurricane (Flying)
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Focus Blast (Fighting)
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Oblivion Wing (Flying) – Signature move!
Top PvE Moveset: Snarl + Oblivion Wing
Top PvP Moveset: Snarl + Dark Pulse & Focus Blast (for coverage)
6. Top Counters to Defeat Yveltal

If you’re planning to challenge Yveltal in raids, bring the right team! Here are some top counters:
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Zekrom with Charge Beam + Wild Charge
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Rhyperior with Smack Down + Rock Wrecker
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Togekiss with Charm + Dazzling Gleam
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Magnezone with Spark + Wild Charge
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Mamoswine with Powder Snow + Avalanche
Always aim for high-level Pokémon with double moves if possible.
7. Yveltal in Raids: Strategy Tips
Battling Yveltal in raids isn’t just about typing—it’s about coordination.
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Use Mega Pokémon to boost team damage (e.g., Mega Manectric for Electric).
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Avoid soloing—even high-level trainers should battle with a team.
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Weather boosts can work for or against you. Try raiding during Rainy (for Electric boosts) or Partly Cloudy (for Rock boosts) weather.
8. Using Yveltal in PvP Battles
Yveltal stands out as a powerhouse in both the Ultra and Master Leagues, dominating with its versatile moves and formidable presence Its typing and stats make it a solid tank with high damage output.
In Ultra League:
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Great against Cresselia, Giratina (Altered), and Psychic types.
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Snarl lets it gain energy fast for powerful charged moves.
In Master League:
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Can counter Psychic and Ghost types like Mewtwo and Lugia.
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Be wary of strong Fairy and Rock types.
Pair it with steel-type partners like Metagross or Dialga for balanced coverage.
9. Powering Up Yveltal: Candy, XL Candy & Stardust
To level up your Yveltal, you’ll need:
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Yveltal Candy (earned from walking or catching)
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XL Candy (for levels 40–50)
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Stardust (a lot!)
Tip: Set Yveltal as your buddy and walk 20 km to earn one candy. Use Rare Candies from raids to speed things up.
10. Yveltal in GO Battle League

In the GO Battle League, Yveltal can play offense or defense depending on your moveset.
Pros:
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Fast energy gain
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Versatile charged moves
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Can surprise with Focus Blast
Cons:
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Weak to common types like Fairy and Electric
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Requires investment (XL candy, second charged move)
If you’re serious about climbing the ranks, Yveltal is a worthy investment.
11. Shiny Yveltal: Is It Available?
Yes! As of select events, Shiny Yveltal is available in Pokémon GO. Its shiny form has red and white coloring, making it visually stunning and a collector’s dream.
Shiny rates in raids are usually around 1 in 20, so don’t give up after one attempt!
12. Yveltal in Pokémon Lore
Beyond the game, Yveltal is rooted in one of the most emotional storylines in the main series. It symbolizes death and destruction, balancing Xerneas’s life-giving energy.
In Pokémon GO, that power is distilled into stats and moves, but knowing its story adds depth to your appreciation.
13. Event Appearances and Community Days
While Yveltal hasn’t had a Community Day, it has featured in:
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GO Fest events
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Halloween-themed raids
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Special Raid Hours
These limited-time appearances are the best chances to get a high–IV or shiny Yveltal.
14. Is Yveltal Worth the Hype?
In one word: Absolutely.
It’s strong, flexible, and beautiful in design. Whether you’re battling, collecting, or trading, Yveltal holds value. It’s not just hype—it’s a practical powerhouse.
Like the Ferrari of Flying-types, it combines style and strength effortlessly.
15. Conclusion: Mastering the Dark Legend
Yveltal isn’t just a cool-looking bird. It’s a top-tier battler, a lore-rich legend, and a great addition to your team. Whether you’re tackling raids or climbing the PvP ranks, unlocking Yveltal’s full potential can take your gameplay to the next level.
Next time it swoops into Pokémon GO, will you be ready?
❓ FAQs About Yveltal in Pokémon GO
1. Can Yveltal be shiny in Pokémon GO?
Yes! Shiny Yveltal has a red and white appearance and is available during certain raid events.
2. What is Yveltal’s best moveset?
Snarl + Oblivion Wing is ideal for PvE, while Snarl + Dark Pulse and Focus Blast are great for PvP.
3. How many players are needed to beat Yveltal in a raid?
At least 4-5 high-level trainers are recommended. With strong counters and weather boosts, fewer may suffice.
4. Is Yveltal good for PvP?
Yes, especially in Ultra and Master League where it counters many top-tier Pokémon.
5. How do I get more Yveltal candy?
Walk with it as your buddy, use Rare Candies, and participate in multiple raids.
