Pokemon Go Darkrai Raid guide: Weaknesses & best counters
NIANTIC/DEXERTOPokemon Go‘s Darkrai is an ultimate fan favorite and is returning to 5-Star Raid battles. So, if you want to catch one, we’ve got the counters you need to take advantage of the Mythical Dark-types’s weaknesses.
With a huge Attack stat, Darkrai is one of the strongest Dark types available. It first debuted in the Gen 4 games Diamond & Pearl and arrived in Pokemon Go during the 2019 Halloween event.
Now, the Sinnoh Mythical will appear once again in 5-Star Raid battles and Raid Hour, so to make sure you don’t miss on catching this magnificent Pokemon, here’s everything you need to know about defeating Darkrai in the game.
Darkrai weaknesses in Pokemon Go
As its name suggests, Darkrai is a pure Dark-type Pokemon, which means its three weaknesses are Fairy, Bug, and Fighting types, so the best strategy is to focus on your strongest Pokemon with matching types and movesets.
It’s also important to know it’s resistant to Dark, Ghost, and Psychic-type attacks, so it’s best to avoid using those types when heading into battle as you won’t deal much damage.
Darkrai best counters
Here are some of the best counters for defeating Darkrai in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Lucario |  | Force Palm & Aura Sphere |
| Mega Heracross |  | Counter & Megahorn |
| Shadow Conkeldurr |  | Counter & Dynamic Punch |
| Shadow Machamp |  | Counter & Dynamic Punch |
| Terrakion |  | Double Kick & Sacred Sword |
| Keldeo |  | Low Kick & Sacred Sword |
| Xerneas |  | Geomancy & Moonblast |
| Hariyama |  | Force Palm & Dynamic Punch |
| Togekiss |  | Charm & Aura Sphere |
| Volcarona |  | Bug Bite & Bug Buzz |
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.
If you don’t have any of our suggestions, go with your strongest Bug, Fairy, or Fighting-type Pokemon. Just try to match the movesets and remember to level them up.
How to get Darkrai in Pokemon Go
Like with most Legendary and Mythical Pokemon in the game, the only way to catch Darkrai in Pokemon Go is to first defeat it in a 5-Star Raid Battle.
You’ll then be given a limited amount of Premier Balls to attempt a catch, but it’s not guaranteed you’ll secure one. You can increase your chances by throwing Curve Balls and landing Excellent Throws, though.
Darkrai will be appearing as a 5-Star Raid boss from October 28, 2024, until November 4, 2024. Additionally, it will be featured during the Raid Hour on October 30, 2024, from 6 – 7 PM local time.
Darkrai CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Darkrai has during a 5-Star Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 53,623 |
| CP range once captured | 2048 – 2136 |
| Fog weather CP range | 2560 – 2671 |
| Field and Special Research CP range | 1536 – 1602 |
| Darkrai max CP (Level 50) | 4227 |
Can Darkrai be Shiny?
Yes, Darkrai can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as this variation was introduced in a Team GO Rocket takeover event back in 2020.
NIANTIC/DEXERTOShiny Darkrai has a cool purple color scheme, green eyes, and pink spikes around its neck. Even though the chances of finding a Shiny Mythical are very slim, those who take on many Darkrai Raids will have better odds.
That’s everything you need to know to counter and defeat Darkrai in Pokemon Go 5-Star Raid battles. Don’t forget to check some more guides including the Spotlight Hour schedule and event calendar.