Pokemon Go Shadow Raikou Raid Guide: Weaknesses & best counters

The Legendary Shadow Raikou is coming back to Pokemon Go‘s Shadow Raids. So, if you want to catch this outstanding beast, here’s how you can exploit its weaknesses, as well as which counters you should take to battle.

This sabertooth tiger lookalike is part of the Legendary Beasts trio – along with Suicune and Entei – which debuted in Pokemon Go back in 2017, with its Shiny form arriving in 2019 and its Shadow version doing the same a year later.

Now, this Pokemon variation is coming back to the Shadow Raids, which take place every weekend in June. So, if you’re planning on going up against it, here are all its weaknesses and the best counters available in the game.

Contents

• Shadow Raikou weaknesses in Pokemon Go
• Shadow Raikou counters in Pokemon Go
• How to get Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go
• Can Shadow Raiku be Shiny in Pokemon Go?

Shadow Raikou weaknesses in Pokemon Go

Raikou is a pure Electric-type Pokemon, which means it’s only weak against Ground-type attacks, so you’ll have a very specific pool of Pokemon you can take to battle.

On the other hand, it is resistant to Flying, Steel, and Electric-moves, so avoid using them as they won’t deal much damage.

Shadow Raikou counters in Pokemon Go

Here are some of the best counters you can use during the battle:

POKEMON		BEST MOVESET
Primal Groudon		Mud Shot & Precipice Blades
Mega Garchomp		Mud Shot & Earth Power
Mega Swampert		Mud Shot & Earthquake
Shadow Excadrill		Mud-Slap & Scorching Sands
Shadow Mamoswine		Mud-Slap & High Horsepower
Shadow Rhyperior		Mud-Slap & Earthquake
Landorus (Therian Forme)		Mud Shot & Sandsear Storm
Ursaluna		Tackle & High Horsepower
Krookodile		Mud-Slap & Earthquake
Rhydon		Mud-Slap & Earthquake

Even though the Pokemon listed are very effective against Shadow Raikou, they still need to be leveled up and know the proper moves if you want to win the battle.

We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above so there should be something for trainers of all levels.

How to get Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go

The only way players can get a Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go is through Shadow Raids. This mighty beast must be challenged and defeated in 5-Star Shadow Raids in order to be captured with the Premier Balls given after the encounter.

Luckily, with the recent Raid rotations due to the new Shared Skies season, Shadow Raikou will be the center of this particular type of battle, which will take place every weekend in June, so there will be plenty of chances to catch one.

Previously, Shadow Raikou appeared as Giovanni‘s final Pokemon during the Team GO Rocket Leader encounter, and players were able to rescue it after defeating the Boss.

Niantic

Can Shadow Raikou be Shiny in Pokemon Go?

Yes, Shadow Raikou can be Shiny in Pokemon Go.

Raikou’s Shiny form was released during the Special Raid Challenge on June 29, 2019, so you’ll be able to find it during the raids happening this month.

Just keep in mind that the odds are very low and there’s no technique to ensure you’ll find one, just pure luck.

That’s all you need to know to take down Shadow Raikou in Pokemon Go. Check out our guides on All the Ultra Beasts available in the game, as well as the Best Mega Evolutions, and keep up with this season’s events with our Shared Skies hub.