Hello students! My name is Professor Noctowl, and today, I wish to draw attention to Mega Aerodactyl. This is one of the best Rock Type mega Pokémon students, only beaten by ones like Mega Diancie, so this is a very important raid if you’re missing a Rock Type in your arsenal. Grab your notebooks, class is in session. For those who wish to do their research independently, our raw data can be found here. And for those who wish for a simple visual guide, go ahead and take a look at the below visual guide by CaptGoldfish.

Course Schedule

This raid will be taking place between April 8th and April 14th. This raid will be preceded by Mega Manectric and Regidrago, coincides with Kyogre and will be followed by Mega Alakazam and Groudon.

Mega Aerodactyl’s type effectiveness is a bit complex. Due to its Rock Flying dual type, it is not weak to flying like it usually is, making pure flying counters not as strong as they usually are.

Mega Aerodactyl’s moveset is simple, including plenty of Rock Type Moves, with splashes of Steel, Ground, and Normal Type moves.

• Hyper Beam
• Ancient Power
• Rock Slide
• Iron Head
• Earth Power
• Return

The Dean’s List consists of the top 5 counters to Mega Aerodactyl. As always, the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and the Third Ranked will have their best moveset alternatives in a table with their rankings and a table detailing their defensive prowess against the charge moves listed above.

Defensive Grades for Top 3

We here at Pokebattler Pokémon Research Institute can’t expect you to have the best counters every time. So, here are some of our other best options, most of which will be easier to find than the members of the Dean’s List.

Of course, besides our 10 best counters, there are plenty of Pokémon that also work against Mega Aerodactyl. Here are a few star choices, worthy of praise.

S	Shadow DialgaShadow RaikouShadow RhyperiorShadow EmpoleonMega BlastoiseMetagross
A+	Shadow SwampertZekromThundurus TherianShadow ZapdosShadow SamurottMega ManectricMega GyaradosShadow ExcadrillMega TyranitarMega DiancieShadow GreninjaXurkitreeNecrozma - Dawn Wings

Sometimes, the weather can be your most powerful ally. In certain weather conditions, certain Pokémon on our list excel. The most transformative cases are noted below.

Overall, Mega Aerodactyl is a bit of a tougher raid to counter. A lot of the strongest counters are only the strongest with their specific moveset, losing a ton of efficacy if not, the most glaring example of this being Zamazenta and Zacian. However, don’t fear. If you picked up a Kyogre this week, it will serve as a serviceable counter, and if you have a decent Metagross, it is also a good option. Of course, if you wish to do more research on your box’s best Pokémon for the job, Pokebattler.com itself can be a great help! Remember, the best counter is the one you have powered up and ready to go. I grant extra credit to those who use their best friend bonus and the weather to their advantage. Class dismissed!