iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Mega Staraptor is a Fighting/Flying raid boss in Pokémon GO. The attack types that deal increased damage to it are Electric, Fairy, Flying, Ice, and Psychic. In the Pokémon GO Hub counter guide’s displayed simulation, the top counter is Mega Mewtwo Y using Psycho Cut and Future Sight+. For a Flying attacker, the same site recommends Gust with Brave Bird+. Niantic’s debut event for Mega Staraptor was Staraptor Super Mega Raid Day on September 19, 2026, so it is already over.
Mega Staraptor’s weaknesses and resistances
Mega Staraptor’s typing is Fighting/Flying, which gives it a mixed defensive profile. Pokémon GO Hub’s type chart lists the following:
- Increased damage (weaknesses): Electric, Fairy, Flying, Ice, and Psychic.
- Reduced damage (resistances): Dark, Fighting, and Grass.
- Particularly resisted: Bug and Ground, which the chart highlights separately from the standard resistances.
These values come from a third-party type chart. They follow standard Pokémon GO type effectiveness, but Niantic’s own announcement does not restate them, so treat the chart as the source for this article.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best counters for Mega Staraptor raids
Pokémon GO Hub’s counter page ranks Pokémon by a raid simulation. Its top three results, under the guide’s displayed settings, are shown below.
#1 Best Overall
- BATTLE READY: Get ready for battle with the Pokémon Pikachu Clip ‘N’ Go Belt Set
- POKÉ BALLS: Set features a Poké and Level Ball in addition to a wearable Belt
- ICONIC POKÉMON: Includes a 2-inch Pikachu Battle Figure to fit inside of each
- MIX & MATCH: Set works with any 2-inch Battle Figure or Clip ‘N’ Go Poké Ball (sold separately)
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
| Rank | Counter | Moves shown | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mega Mewtwo Y | Psycho Cut / Future Sight+ | Ranked first in the guide’s simulation. |
| 2 | Mega Rayquaza | Air Slash / Dragon Ascent | Ranked second in the same simulation. |
| 3 | Mega Mewtwo X | Confusion / Psystrike* | The asterisk marks a legacy move, so check that your Pokémon can use it. |
Shadow Mewtwo and Mega Raichu Y also appear near the top of the guide’s list. The guide does not state their exact positions in the text reviewed for this article.
These rankings are calculations from one third-party site, not official Niantic recommendations. They depend on the simulator’s raid tier, Mega Level, weather, Party Power, and move availability settings. A Pokémon that ranks lower may still be the better choice for your team, your raid group, or the moves you own.
Rank #2
- ICONIC POKÉMON: Build your Pokémon team with this Battle Figure 6 Pack.
- DIFFERENT TYPES: Diverse set of Pokémon types will help you battle any trainer.
- CROSS PLAY: 2-inch figures fit in Clip 'N' Go Poké Ball, Carry Case Playset & Surprise Attack Game.
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Figures look like they jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series.
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares.
Recommended moveset for Mega Staraptor
Pokémon GO Hub gives two different answers depending on the question, and the difference matters.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Flying attacker role: Gust with Brave Bird+. The site reports 21.47 DPS and 547.5 TDO for this pairing, as calculated in its 2026 guide. These are the site’s own calculated figures, not official published statistics.
- Best overall combination in the site’s all-moves table: Sand Attack with Brave Bird+ ranks highest on that table.
If you are choosing a moveset for a Flying-damage build, use Gust with Brave Bird+. If you are reviewing every possible move combination, the Sand Attack pairing is the one that ranks highest in that table. There is no single universal moveset that is best in every situation.
Rank #3
- Made from non-toxic, child-friendly materials
- Withstands intense play
- Captures children's attention and imagination
- Lightweight and easy to take anywhere
- Stimulates active play and creativity
What Brave Bird+ does in Mega Staraptor raids
Brave Bird+ is an extra Charged Attack that Staraptor gains only while it is Mega-Evolved. Niantic’s official announcement for Staraptor Super Mega Raid Day states: “Staraptor will now be able to use an additional Charged Attack, Brave Bird+, when it’s Mega Evolved.” The same announcement lists Brave Bird+ at 70 power in Trainer Battles and 150 power in Raid Battles. Its power increases with Mega Level.
Because the power scales with Mega Level, a Staraptor at a higher Mega Level will hit harder with Brave Bird+ than one at a lower level. Niantic also said that eligible Staraptor can raise its Mega Level to Super Max, which is the highest level available for this Pokémon.
Rank #4
- CLIP ‘N’ GO: Train for battle with the Pokémon Clip ‘N’ Go Multipack
- POKE BALL: Set features three Poké Balls that open from the back latch
- BATTLE FIGURES: Includes 2-inch Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander Battle Figures to place inside
- CROSS PLAY: Works with any 2-inch Pokémon or Clip ‘N’ Go Poké Ball Belt (sold separately)
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
How to compare counters for your own raid
- Check which metric you need. The counter guide reports damage per second (DPS), total damage output (TDO), number of faints, and time to win. Compare the same metrics across Pokémon rather than relying on rank alone.
- Confirm ownership. Check that you own each counter and that it knows the listed moves.
- Check legacy moves. Moves marked with an asterisk, such as Psystrike* on Mega Mewtwo X, are legacy moves. Confirm that your Pokémon can still use them.
- Match the simulator settings to your raid. Compare the guide’s tier, Mega Level, weather, and Party Power assumptions with the raid you are actually playing.
Limits of the available evidence
The official material for Mega Staraptor’s Super Mega Raid debut and Brave Bird+ comes from Niantic’s Pokémon GO announcement, dated September 2026. The counter rankings, type chart, and DPS and TDO figures come from Pokémon GO Hub’s guides, which were updated in September 2026. No independent trainer ranking or independent test of these counters was available for this article. Counter ranks and damage figures can change when game data or simulator assumptions change, so check the current guide before a raid.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLAY ‘N’ DISPLAY: Show off your favorite teams with the Pokémon Play ‘N’ Display Case
- STORAGE CASE: Stores 35+ 2-inch Battle Figures and four Clip ‘N’ Go Poké Balls
- ROOFTOP ARENA: Features rooftop arena with spinning battlefield and spectator stands
- BATTLE FIGURES: Includes 2-inch Pikachu and Sprigatito Battle Figures
- TRAVEL HANDLE: Also includes carry handle so you can train on-the-go
Sources
- Pokémon GO / Niantic, announcement titled “Ready yourself to courageously challenge Staraptor Super Mega Raid Day!” (September 2026). Source for the debut date of September 19, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time, Mega Level Super Max eligibility, and Brave Bird+ power values.
- Pokémon GO Hub, “Best Mega Staraptor Raid Counters in Pokémon GO (updated September 2026).” Source for the type chart, ranked counters, and simulation settings.
- Pokémon GO Hub, “Mega Staraptor: Best Moveset, Counters & Max CP | Pokémon GO.” Source for the Gust / Brave Bird+ recommendation and the 21.47 DPS and 547.5 TDO calculated figures (2026).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
