If you’re a Pokémon GO player, you know how exciting & rewarding it can be to take on a Mega Raid. These challenging battles not only give you the chance to capture powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon, but they also offer a whole new level of strategy & fun. One of the latest additions to the Mega Raid roster is Mega Pinsir, a fierce Bug/Flying-type Pokémon that can be a tough opponent, but with the right preparation, you’ll have no trouble defeating it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to take down Mega Pinsir in Pokémon GO, from the best counters to the best tips & tricks for a successful raid.
Table of Contents
What is Mega Pinsir Raid?

Mega Pinsir is a Mega-Evolved version of the classic Bug-type Pokémon Pinsir. While regular Pinsir is already a solid choice for a Bug-type attacker in Pokémon GO, its Mega Evolution turns it into a real powerhouse. When Mega Pinsir takes the field, its Attack stat increases dramatically, making it an imposing force in battle. This makes it one of the most challenging Mega Raids you’ll face, but also one of the most rewarding.
Mega Pinsir’s Stats & Moves
Before we dive into the battle strategies, it’s important to understand what you’re up against. Mega Pinsir boasts a high Attack stat, which makes it a deadly threat in raids. Here’s a look at its stats:
- CP: Mega Pinsir can reach a CP of 4,227 when fully powered up, which is quite strong for a Bug/Flying-type Pokémon.
- Type: Bug/Flying.
- Weaknesses: Mega Pinsir is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock, & Electric-type moves. This is where your raid preparation comes into play — knowing the right counters can make a big difference.
- Moves: Mega Pinsir can use a variety of moves, including:
- Fast Moves: Fury Cutter (Bug-type) & Air Slash (Flying-type).
- Charge Moves: X-Scissor (Bug-type), Aerial Ace (Flying-type), & Close Combat (Fighting-type).

Best Pokémon to Use Against Mega Pinsir
To defeat Mega Pinsir, you’ll need to have a team of Pokémon that can exploit its weaknesses. Here are some of the best counters to use during your Mega Pinsir raid:
1. Mega Charizard Y

- Type: Fire/Flying
- Reason: Mega Charizard Y is one of the top choices to counter Mega Pinsir thanks to its powerful Fire-type moves. With moves like Fire Spin (Fast Move) & Blast Burn (Charge Move), Mega Charizard Y will deal significant damage to Mega Pinsir. Plus, as a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon, it can resist Mega Pinsir’s Flying-type moves while taking advantage of its Bug-type weakness.
2. Raikou
- Type: Electric
- Reason: Raikou, a Legendary Electric-type Pokémon, is a great option to counter Mega Pinsir’s Flying-type moves. With powerful Electric-type moves like Thunder Shock & Wild Charge, Raikou can quickly bring down Mega Pinsir while avoiding much of its damage. Its high Speed & strong Electric-type attacks make it a valuable asset in the raid.
3. Rock-type Pokémon (Tyranitar, Rampardos, & Golem)
- Type: Rock
- Reason: Rock-type Pokémon are strong counters because of Mega Pinsir’s vulnerability to Rock-type moves. Pokémon like Tyranitar (with Bite & Stone Edge), Rampardos (with Smack Down & Rock Slide), & Golem (with Rock Throw & Stone Edge) can hit hard & fast with their Rock-type moves, dealing massive damage to Mega Pinsir. Be sure to watch out for Pinsir’s Close Combat, as it can deal significant damage to Rock-types.
4. Honchkrow
- Type: Dark/Flying
- Reason: Honchkrow can deal substantial damage to Mega Pinsir with its Dark-type moves, such as Snarl & Foul Play. As a Flying-type, Honchkrow can also resist some of Mega Pinsir’s Flying-type attacks, making it a solid choice for your team.
5. Staraptor
- Type: Normal/Flying
- Reason: With its high Attack stat & access to powerful Flying-type moves like Wing Attack & Brave Bird, Staraptor is another strong option. While it’s vulnerable to Mega Pinsir’s Bug-type moves, Staraptor’s offensive power makes it worth the risk.

6. Mega Pidgeot
- Type: Flying/Normal
- Reason: If you have a Mega Pidgeot, it can be a great counter due to its access to strong Flying-type moves like Air Slash & Hurricane. As a Flying-type Pokémon, it has the advantage over Mega Pinsir’s Bug-type moves, though you’ll want to watch out for Close Combat.
Raid Preparation & Strategy
To maximize your chances of success in taking down Mega Pinsir, it’s important to prepare your raid team & have a strategy in place. Here are some key tips to help you out:
1. Build a Diverse Team
- Although you’ll want to prioritize counters like Mega Charizard Y, Raikou, & Rock-types, it’s important to have a balanced team. Having a mix of Electric, Fire, Rock, & Flying-type Pokémon will help ensure that you’re able to deal with Mega Pinsir’s varied move pool.
- Aim for at least 6-8 strong Pokémon in your team. Remember, you want to be able to deal with Mega Pinsir’s attacks & keep up the pressure.
2. Team Up with Friends
- Mega Pinsir is a tough opponent, so it’s recommended to team up with a group of friends or fellow trainers. A group of 3-5 trainers should be able to take it down with ease. The more trainers you have, the quicker you can defeat Mega Pinsir, & the better the odds of capturing it after the raid.
3. Power Up Your Pokémon
- If you have high-level Pokémon, you’ll have a better chance of defeating Mega Pinsir. Prioritize powering up your top counters, especially Mega Evolutions. The higher your Pokémon’s CP, the more damage they’ll deal & the longer they’ll last in the battle.
4. Pay Attention to Weather
- The weather in Pokémon GO plays an important role in battles. During Sunny weather, Fire-type moves will get a boost, while Windy weather will boost Flying-type moves. This can be helpful for enhancing your counters & dealing even more damage. Keep an eye on the weather before your raid, & if possible, plan your raid to take advantage of it.
How to Catch Mega Pinsir After the Raid

Once you’ve successfully defeated Mega Pinsir, it’s time to catch it! Here are some tips to improve your chances of capturing this mighty Pokémon:
- Use the Best Balls: If you have them, use Ultra Balls or Mega Balls for a higher catch rate.
- Aim for Excellent Throws: Try to land your throws in the circle when it’s small to maximize your chances of a successful catch.
- Use Razz Berries: To increase your odds of catching Mega Pinsir, use Razz Berries before throwing a ball.
- Patience is Key: Mega Pinsir can be tricky to catch, so don’t get discouraged. Keep trying, & eventually, you’ll add it to your collection.
Final Thoughts

Mega Pinsir may seem intimidating, but with the right preparation, counters, & strategy, you’ll be able to take it down & add a powerful Pokémon to your roster. Be sure to team up with friends, power up your Pokémon, & choose your counters wisely. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to defeating Mega Pinsir in Pokémon GO.
Good luck, trainers, & happy raiding!
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