How to beat Aerodactyl in Pokemon GO, and Sword and Shield

Throughout the series’ entire existence, Aerodactyl has been one of the scariest opponents a trainer can come across.

In the first generation, his high speed and attack made Aerodactyl a deadly sweeper. As time went on, Aerodactyl’s ability to establish entry hazards gave it utility options to go alongside its potent offense. With Pokemon GO, the game’s core mechanics allowed Aerodactyl to shine as a serious offensive threat especially in some of the game’s limited-time battle cups.

Here is how to get the most out of Aerodactyl in all current Pokemon titles and how to best deal with the Pokemon.

Catch up on our Pokemon coverage:

• Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends Arceus release dates confirmed
• Sylveon has finally arrived in Pokemon GO
• Every mythical event in Pokemon Sword and Shield (so far)

Is Aerodactyl a good Pokemon?

Aerodactyl is historically a very strong Pokemon, but it isn’t at its best in Pokemon Sword and Shield. This isn’t because Aerodactyl has gotten worse necessarily, as its solid stats and strong typing are the same as ever. 

The biggest issue is that many of the Pokemon Aerodactyl once countered, including Charizard and Talonflame, have fallen out of favor in the game’s meta. On top of that, the removal of mega evolution removed any opportunity to have a bulky Aerodactyl that hangs around and uses various support and utility moves such as Wide Guard and Tailwind.  Last but not least, Aerodactyl’s 130 base speed isn’t all that great anymore with Galarian Darmanitan, Pheromosa, Regieleki, and Dragapult able to better it.

Aerodactyl still has some use with a Focus Sash utility build. By maxing out the Pokemon’s speed and attack EVs, players can send out Aerodactyl as a suicide lead, put down Stealth Rock, and then follow up with either a Tailwind or go out swinging with a Stone Edge. 

Is Aerodactyl good in Pokemon GO?

While Aerodactyl is strictly a situational option in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Aerodactyl is much better in Pokemon GO. The Pokemon was top tier in the 2020 Flying Cup and Kanto Cup events and is a decent option in raids, PVP battling, and for fighting against GO Rocket NPCs.

It doesn’t have the high CP ceiling of legendaries like Mewtwo and Xerneas, pseudo legendaries like Dragonite and Metagross, or even mythical Pokemon like Victini or Celebi, but it matches or exceeds most fully evolved starter Pokemon. It has strong quick move options in Bite, Rock Throw, and Steel Wing, along with a variety of charge moves. It doesn’t currently have any flying moves available to it, but it has enough variety there to make use of regardless.

What is Aerodactyl’s weakness?

Aerodactyl is weak to a number of types including electric, ice, water, steel, and rock. It also has low defenses, meaning players don’t have to worry too much about finding the perfect solution to kill it. They just need to survive its attacks.

In Pokemon GO, the best options are bulky water or steel types that aren’t weak to rock or steel moves. Aerodactyl has no super effective moves against straight water types, making Vaporeon, Blastoise, and Feraligatr practical options that many players can work with. The ideal option is Swampert with double-barreled water moves, as the Pokemon is also resistant against rock attacks.

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Aerodactyl only really works as a utility lead, making Taunt and Wide Guard users difficult to deal with. Pokemon that can match or exceed Aerodactyl’s 130 base speed and have electric, rock, or ice attacks, such as Tapu Koko, Regieleki, Dragapult, and Pheromosa, also have the ability to burst Aerodactyl down.

Pheromosa is by far the best counter to Aerodactyl as she can better its speed, then score a one-turn kill through a Focus Sash using a super-effective Triple Axel.