Pokemon Go Shadow Raikou Raid Guide: Weaknesses & best counters
THE POKEMON COMPANYThe Legendary Shadow Raikou is back in Pokemon Go‘s Shadow Raids. So, if you want to catch this outstanding beast, here are the counters you should take to battle to exploit its weaknesses.
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 has returned to the Shadow Raids, which take place every weekend in September. So, if you’re planning on going up against it, here are all its weaknesses and the best counters available in the game.
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
Here are some of the best counters you can use during the battle:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Groudon |  | Mud Shot & Precipice Blades |
| Mega Garchomp |  | Mud Shot & Earth Power |
| Mega Swampert |  | Mud Shot & Earthquake |
| Landorus (Therian Forme) |  | Mud Shot & Sandsear Storm |
| Ursaluna |  | Tackle & High Horsepower |
| Shadow Excadrill |  | Mud-Slap & Scorching Sands |
| Shadow Mamoswine |  | Mud-Slap & High Horsepower |
| Shadow Rhyperior |  | Mud-Slap & Earthquake |
| Flygon |  | Mud Shot & Scorching Sands |
| Hippowdon |  | Sand Attack & Scorching Sands |
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. In case you don’t have any of them, focus on your best Ground-type creatures with similar movesets.
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, Shadow Raikou is the center of this particular type of battle, which will take place every weekend in September, so you’ll have 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.
Can Shadow Raikou be Shiny?
Yes, Shadow Raikou can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as Raikou’s Shiny form was released during the Special Raid Challenge on June 29, 2019.
NIANTICPlayers challenging this mighty creature will have the chance to find Shiny Shadow Raikou, and they can recognize it by its orange body, yellow mane, and gray muzzle and tail.
Just keep in mind that the odds of finding a Shiny Pokemon in general 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 Max Out season hub.