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Pokémon Go Raikou counters, weaknesses and moveset explained

Tips on catching Raikou in Pokémon Go.

Matthew Reynolds avatar
Guide by Matthew Reynolds Contributor
Additional contributions by Lottie Lynn
Updated on

Raikou, one of the legendary beasts, can be battled in raids in Pokémon Go.

Before battling Raikou, you should ensure you have a good understanding of both its weaknesses and counters. This will help you add it to your Pokémon collection alongside Entei and Suicune.

Raikou, like all legendary Pokémon, appears in five-star raids, so you will need to team up with other trainers to ensure you defeat it. Don't forget to use a Remote Raid Pass, however, if you feel like staying at home.

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Raikou counters and weaknesses in Pokémon Go

Here are Raikou's counters and weaknesses in Pokémon Go:

  • Raikou type - Electric-type
  • Raikou is weak against - Ground-types
  • Raikou counters - Flygon, Groudon, Rhyperior, Torterra, Mamoswine, Excadrill and Garchomp
  • Other Raikou notes - When battling Raikou, you simply need to use your strongest ground-type Pokémon.

Raikou CP in Pokémon Go

Below you can find the Raikou's CP for when you're both battling it and attempting to catch it in Pokémon Go:

  • Raid Boss CP - 45,435 CP
  • Maximum CP for catching Raikou - 1972 CP
  • Maximum weather (Rain) boosted CP - 2466 CP

Raikou moveset in Pokémon Go

Like every Pokémon in Pokémon Go, Raikou can learn a variety of Fast and Charged moves, including:

Fast Moves:

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

Charged Moves:

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

The World of Wonders season has come to Pokémon Go, which has brought Rediscover Kanto and Sustainability Week, along with the World of Wonders quest. Don't forget to try out Routes, Gift Exchange and Party Play while you're hunting down rare Pokémon, fighting in the Go Battle League or competing in PokéStop Showcases.

Everything else we know about Raikou

Raikou, alongside Entei and Suicune, is a member of the legendary beasts.

This legendary trio can be found in the Johto region and their trio master is Ho-Oh. They are also meant to be the counterparts to the legendary birds, representing the same types - fire, electric and water - while being inspired by animals, rather than birds.

Entei and Suicune are the other members of the legendary beasts.

Raikou appears to have taken inspiration from the saber-tooth tiger and the very concept of thunderstorms themselves.

Interestingly, Raikou is the only member of the legendary beasts who doesn't have its own dedicated Pokémon film. Instead, it has appeared in three episodes of Pokémon Chronicles and, alongside its trio members, in the Pokémon movie, Zoroak: Master of Illusions.

Good luck catching Raikou in Pokémon Go!

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