Weaknesses, Counters & Shiny Availability

Mega Sableye is back in Pokémon GO as a Mega Raid Boss, and you’ll need to know its weaknesses and the best counters to win. The Mega-Evolved form of Sableye has been in the game for over a year, but its rare appearances can make it a challenge, especially since its unique typing means it doesn’t have too many vulnerabilities. However, there is one major weakness Trainers can exploit to get one up on this powerful form of the Darkness Pokémon.

Appearing as the third of four Mega Raid Bosses in the Pokémon GO Raid Boss schedule this month, Mega Sableye has a strong moveset with some extra coverage too. Along with Dark and Ghost-type moves, fitting its dual-typing, Mega Sableye can also have the Rock-type attack, Power Gem, in its movepool. This makes Sableye an interesting addition to your Mega Evolution collection if you manage to catch one, but this can make for a slightly tougher situation when it’s facing you as an opponent. To defeat it, you’ll need the very best counters from a very particular type.

Mega Sableye Weaknesses

Fairy-Types Only

The only weakness Mega Sableye has in Pokémon GO is Fary-type attacks, just like in the mainline games. Meanwhile, Mega Sableye is resistant to Fighting, Poison, Normal, and Psychic-type attacks. So, if you manage to defeat and catch the Dynamax Falinks in Pokémon GO, using bosses of that same type isn’t an effective choice for these Raids in particular.

With only one weakness, Mega Sableye does not leave tons of room for countering compared to other Mega Raid Bosses. If you’re a casual player who may not have more than a few particular Fairy-type Pokémon, you may require some extra time to grind the rest of your team too. It certainly will be tougher than trying to defeat the Sableye used in Sierra’s team in Pokémon GO. Nevertheless, if you work towards at least some of the best counters to use against the gem-loving Pocket Monster, you will be able to stand more than a chance for sure.

It’s most effective to have Fairy-type Pokémon use moves of the same type to get a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus).

Best Counters For Mega Sableye

Strong Fairy-Type Attackers

The best counters to use against Mega Sableye in its Pokémon GO Mega Raid are those that can use Fairy-type attacks like Zacian, Enamorus, Xerneas. There are many Pokémon that can use Fairy-type attacks, but you also need to choose ones strong enough and that are also resistant to Mega Sableye’s Dark and Ghost-type attacks, like Togekiss after you learn how to evolve Togetic in Pokémon GO.

The 10 best counters are listed fully in the table below with their ideal movesets to use:

The Legendary counters that can resist a Raid Boss’ moveset are always the best bet to go with. However, it is understandable that not every Trainer will have access to all the game’s released Legendaries to choose from. Because of this, it is still effective to go with a standard Fairy-type counter to thwart Mega Sableye as well. If you are playing with other local Trainers, it would be ideal to coordinate them on using Fairy-types as well, so you all have the best chance of defeating it within the time limit.

Can Mega Sableye Be Shiny?

From Purple To Yellow

Trainers will be pleased to know that Mega Sableye can be Shiny in Pokémon GO. That has been the case ever since the Pokémon debuted in the game back in 2023. Compared to some other Shiny variations where the differences can only be told by scanning them for a few seconds, Mega Sableye’s are noticeable from the get-go. Compared to its usual purple color and ruby-red eyes, the mustard-yellow body and green emeralds for its peepers and accompanying gem are especially striking. It is absolutely a unique and dazzling Shiny to add to any player’s collection.

Keep in mind that the odds of finding a Shiny Mega Sableye are not as high as one might hope. The chances of finding a Shiny in Pokémon GO are even lower than getting one of a Shadow Pokemon caught from Team Rocket Leaders, but you may find one with enough luck. In the meantime, remember Mega Sableye’s weakness in Pokémon GO and that you should use counters like Togekiss, Xearnes, Zacian, Granbull, and Alcreamie, and victory in this particularly tough boss battle will be yours before you can hopefully get a Shiny version for your personal arsenal.