How to beat Shadow Raikou Raid in Pokemon Go

Lucas Simons
Raikou in Pokemon Go

Shadow Raikou is giving Pokemon Go trainers a hard time, and if you want to learn how to beat this Legendary Pokemon, here’s a full rundown of its weaknesses, best counters, and shiny availability.

The Shared Skies season of Pokemon Go is brimming with challenging Raids to conquer, and Shadow Raikou is one of the harshest. The Legendary Pokemon is considerably tough to beat, so you better prepare with the best strategy before you attempt to take down its Shadow Raids.

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

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.

Raikou in Pokemon Go
Raikou is ranked as one of the most challenging raids in Pokemon Go.

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

Shadow Raikou is headlining Shadow Raids on the weekends from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 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.

Primal Groudon in Pokemon Go
Groudon and Kyogre are the only Pokemon to have Primal versions.

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)
Raikou, Suicune, and Entei Pokemon Anime
Raikou is part of the Legendary trio known as Legendary Beasts, often called Dogs.

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. If you’re wondering what else is coming its way to Pokemon Go, stay in the loop with information on events, Raids, and current lineups for Giovanni, Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff.

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