How to beat Pokemon Go Shadow Raikou Raid: Weaknesses, counters & can it be shiny?

Shadow Raikou is finally debuting in Raid battles in Pokemon Go, and trainers want to know all about this Legendary Pokemon. So, here’s a full rundown of Shadow Raikou’s weaknesses, best counters, and shiny availability.

The World of Wonders season of Pokemon Go is bringing new species to Shadow Raids, and Raikou is the first in line. The Legendary Pokemon will headline Shadow Raids on the weekends during March 2024, and players are eager to catch the Thunder Pokemon to use in PvP and PvE battles.

So, here’s everything you need on how to beat the Shadow Raikou Raids in Pokemon Go, including the best counters and shiny availability.

• How to get Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go
• Shadow Raikou type & weaknesses
• Best counters for Shadow Raikou Raid
• Shadow Raikou Pokemon Go moveset
  • Fast Moves
  • Charged Moves
• Can Shadow Raikou be shiny in Pokemon Go?

How to get Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go

The only way to get Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go is by defeating it in its 5-Star Raid and catching it after its defeat. You’ll get an encounter with the Legendary Pokemon after beating its Raid, and you’ll get a limited amount of Premier Balls to try your luck.

It’s worth noting Shadow Raids are local-only, meaning you can’t use Remote Raid Passes to tackle it.

Shadow Raikou is headlining Shadow Raids on the weekends, from March 1, 2024, to March 24, 2024.

Shadow Raikou type & weaknesses in Pokemon Go

Shadow Raikou is an Electric-type Pokemon, meaning it’s only weak against Ground-type moves in Pokemon Go. On the other hand, it can resist Electric, Flying, and Steel-type attacks, so you should avoid choosing Pokemon with those moves.

Additionally, Electric-type attacks are super-effective against Water-type Pokemon, so you should also avoid picking that type.

Best counters for Pokemon Go Shadow Raikou Raid

The overall best counter for the Shadow Raikou Raid in Pokemon Go is Primal Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades.

Since Primal Groudon isn’t easy to get and you’ll need a full team of six Pokemon for this Raid, here are the best counters to take down Shadow Raikou:

• Mega Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power.
• Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Scorching Sands.
• Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and High Horsepower.
• Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake.
• Landorus (Therian) with Mud Shot and Sandsear Storm.
• Ursaluna with Tackle and High Horsepower.

Other good counters for this Raid include Rhydon, Swampert, Golurk, Donphan, and Flygon.

Shadow Raikou Pokemon Go moveset

Shadow Raikou can learn these moves in Pokemon Go:

Fast Moves

• Thunder Shock (Electric)
• Volt Switch (Electric)

Charged Moves

• Shadow Ball (Ghost)
• Thunder (Electric)
• Thunderbolt (Electric)
• Wild Charge (Electric)
• Frustration (Normal)

Can Shadow Raikou be shiny in Pokemon Go?

Yes, shiny Shadow Raikou is available in Pokemon Go. Keep in mind that shiny Raikou has a special chance to be shiny as the odds of getting shiny Raikou are around 5% or a 1 in 20 chance, so you might have to do many Raids before encountering one.

Keep in mind that shiny Legendary Pokemon have a 100% catch rate, so if you encounter one of these, consider your catch secured. This way, you can avoid using Razz and Golden Razz Berries, and instead use Pinap and Silver Pinap Berries to get more Raikou Candy.

And there you have it! That’s all you need to know to face Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go Raids. For more on the popular franchise, check out other guides:

How to get Poipole in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go World of Wonders Special Research | Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour schedule | Pokemon Go Charged-Up Research Day event | Pokemon Go Horizons event | Pokemon Go Friend Codes: How to add new friends | How to beat Giovanni in Pokemon Go