Hey, trainers! Are you ready to catch one of the most iconic Pokémon of all time? That's right, we're talking about Charizard! This Fire/Flying-type powerhouse is currently appearing in raids, and you definitely don't want to miss your chance to add it to your team. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to conquer the Charizard raid, including its weaknesses, the best counters, and how to secure your victory. So, let's dive in and get you prepped to take down this fiery beast!
Understanding Charizard and the Raid
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of counters and strategies, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what we're facing. Charizard, the evolved form of Charmeleon and the final evolution of Charmander, is a dual-type Fire/Flying Pokémon. This typing gives it a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that we can exploit in the raid. It's crucial to understand these dynamics to build an effective team and execute a winning strategy. Guys, remember, knowledge is power, especially in the world of Pokémon battles!
First off, Charizard's dual typing makes it particularly vulnerable to Rock-type moves. A crucial advantage! Fire-type moves are strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel Pokémon, while Flying-type moves excel against Grass, Fighting, and Bug Pokémon. However, this combination also leaves Charizard weak against Electric and Water-type attacks, although not as significantly as its weakness to Rock. So, your primary focus should be on Rock-type attackers, but don't completely ignore your Electric and Water-type Pokémon; they can still be valuable assets.
In a raid setting, Charizard is a formidable opponent, boasting high Attack and Special Attack stats. This means it can dish out a significant amount of damage with both its Fire and Flying-type moves. Common movesets for raid Charizard include Fire Spin, Overheat, Fire Blast, Air Slash, and Dragon Claw. Being aware of these potential moves is essential for predicting and mitigating damage during the battle. For instance, Overheat is a powerful Fire-type move but sharply lowers the user's Special Attack, giving you a window to strike back hard. Understanding these nuances can turn the tide of the battle in your favor.
The Charizard raid is typically a 3-star or Mega Raid, depending on the specific event or game. This means you'll need a team of strong Pokémon and potentially some fellow trainers to take it down. Attempting this raid solo can be challenging, especially for lower-level players, so teaming up is highly recommended. Coordination and communication with your raid group are key to success. Before the raid, discuss your strategies, coordinate your Pokémon choices, and decide on a plan of attack. This collaborative approach will significantly increase your chances of capturing Charizard.
Top Counter Pokémon for the Charizard Raid
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the best Pokémon to counter Charizard in a raid. As we mentioned earlier, Rock-type Pokémon are your MVPs in this battle, thanks to Charizard's double weakness to Rock-type moves. But not just any Rock-type will do; you'll want Pokémon with high Attack stats and access to powerful Rock-type moves. Additionally, Water and Electric-type Pokémon can also be effective, although they won't hit as hard as Rock-types. Let's break down the top contenders:
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Rhyperior: This Ground/Rock-type behemoth is a premier choice for the Charizard raid. Its high Attack and Defense stats, combined with access to moves like Smack Down and Rock Wrecker (a Community Day exclusive move), make it a formidable opponent. If you have a Rhyperior with these moves, it should be one of the first Pokémon you bring to the battle.
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Rampardos: Rampardos is a pure Rock-type Pokémon known for its astronomical Attack stat. While it lacks the bulk of Rhyperior, its raw damage output is unmatched. Equip it with Smack Down and Rock Slide, and watch it tear through Charizard's health bar. Just be mindful of its lower defenses and try to dodge some of Charizard's more powerful attacks.
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Tyranitar: This Dark/Rock-type is another excellent option, boasting a great balance of Attack, Defense, and HP. Tyranitar's access to Smack Down and Stone Edge makes it a reliable choice for dealing consistent damage. Plus, its Dark typing gives it some extra resistance against certain moves Charizard might use.
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Terrakion: As a Legendary Rock/Fighting-type Pokémon, Terrakion brings a lot to the table. Its high Attack stat and access to Smack Down and Rock Slide make it a top-tier counter. Terrakion's Fighting-type moves are not super effective against Charizard, but its Rock-type moves more than make up for it.
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Mega Aerodactyl: If you have access to Mega Evolution, Mega Aerodactyl is a fantastic choice. This Rock/Flying-type Mega Evolution has incredible Attack and Speed stats, allowing it to dish out massive damage quickly. Smack Down and Rock Slide are the moves you'll want on this powerhouse.
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Other Notable Mentions: Other Pokémon that can perform well in the Charizard raid include Gigalith, Golem (especially the Alolan form), and even some strong Water and Electric-types like Electivire and Feraligatr. While these Pokémon might not be the absolute top-tier counters, they can still contribute significantly to the battle, especially if you have a well-rounded team.
When selecting your team, consider the movesets of your Pokémon. A Pokémon with the right typing but the wrong moves might not be as effective as you'd hope. Use TMs (Technical Machines) to teach your Pokémon the optimal moves for this raid. Also, powering up your Pokémon to higher levels will make a noticeable difference in their performance. Investing in your top counters is a worthwhile endeavor, especially if you plan on participating in multiple Charizard raids.
Strategic Battle Tips for the Raid
Okay, guys, so you've got your team of rock-solid counters ready to go – awesome! But just having the right Pokémon is only half the battle. To really crush this Charizard raid, you need a solid strategy. Let's break down some key battle tips that will help you and your raid group secure that win. These tips cover everything from dodging attacks to leveraging weather boosts, so pay close attention!
First and foremost, dodging is crucial. Charizard can hit hard, and its charged moves can quickly wipe out your team if you're not careful. Pay attention to the visual cues and animations that indicate an incoming charged attack, and swipe to dodge. A well-timed dodge can save your Pokémon from a knockout and keep them in the battle longer, dealing more damage. Don't underestimate the power of a good dodge – it can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Next up, weather boosts can significantly impact the raid. In Pokémon GO, certain weather conditions boost the power of specific types of moves. For the Charizard raid, Rock-type moves are boosted in Partly Cloudy weather, while Water and Electric-type moves are boosted in Rainy and Rainy weather, respectively. If possible, try to raid during weather conditions that favor your counters. A weather-boosted Rock Wrecker from Rhyperior can deal massive damage, making the battle much easier.
Teamwork makes the dream work, especially in raids. Coordinate with your raid group to maximize your effectiveness. Before the raid starts, discuss who will use which Pokémon and strategize on when to use charged attacks. If you're raiding with friends, consider using voice chat to communicate in real-time during the battle. Calling out when Charizard is about to use a charged move or coordinating your attacks can give you a significant edge.
Another important tactic is to understand Charizard's moveset. As mentioned earlier, Charizard can have various moves, including Fire Spin, Overheat, Fire Blast, Air Slash, and Dragon Claw. Knowing which moves Charizard is using can help you predict its attacks and choose the right Pokémon to counter them. For example, if Charizard is using mostly Fire-type moves, bringing in a Water-type might not be the best strategy, as they are vulnerable to Fire. Adapt your approach based on Charizard's moveset to stay one step ahead.
Don't forget about Mega Evolutions. If you have a Mega-evolved Pokémon that is a strong counter to Charizard, consider using it in the raid. Mega Evolutions provide a significant boost to your team's damage output and can help you take down Charizard more quickly. Mega Aerodactyl, as we discussed earlier, is an excellent choice for this raid. Coordinate with your team to determine the best time to use your Mega Evolution to maximize its impact.
Lastly, revive and heal your Pokémon between attempts. If your team gets wiped out, don't give up! Use Revives and Potions to get your Pokémon back in fighting shape and try again. Learning from each attempt and adjusting your strategy can eventually lead to victory. Persistence and adaptability are key traits of a successful Pokémon trainer.
Securing Your Charizard Capture
Alright, trainers, you've battled hard, and you've finally taken down Charizard – congratulations! But the journey isn't over yet. Now comes the crucial part: catching Charizard. This part of the raid requires patience, skill, and a bit of luck. Let's go over some tips to maximize your chances of adding Charizard to your collection. These tips will help you nail those Excellent throws and make the most of your Premier Balls.
First things first, Premier Balls are your only option for catching Charizard after a raid. The number of Premier Balls you receive depends on several factors, including your damage contribution, team contribution, and friendship level with your raid group. To maximize your Premier Balls, deal as much damage as possible, raid with friends, and choose a team that is effective against Charizard. Every Premier Ball counts, so you want to start with as many as you can get.
Golden Razz Berries are your best friend during the catch encounter. These berries significantly increase your chances of catching the Pokémon. Use a Golden Razz Berry before each throw to improve your odds. If you're running low on Golden Razz Berries, try participating in more raids or completing research tasks that reward them. They are invaluable for catching tough raid bosses like Charizard.
Aim for Excellent Throws. Excellent Throws provide the highest catch bonus, greatly increasing your chances of success. To consistently land Excellent Throws, practice your throwing technique. Wait for the target circle to shrink to its smallest size, and then flick the ball with the right amount of speed and spin. It takes practice, but mastering Excellent Throws will make a huge difference in your catch rate. Focus on timing and accuracy, and you'll be catching Charizards in no time!
Use the circle lock technique. This technique involves setting the size of the target circle and locking it in place, making it easier to consistently throw into the desired area. To use this technique, hold down on your Poké Ball until the target circle shrinks to the size you want (ideally the Excellent Throw range). Then, release the ball and wait for Charizard to attack. As it attacks, throw the ball into the locked circle. This method can help you maintain consistency and accuracy, even when Charizard is moving around.
Be patient and persistent. Charizard is a tough catch, and it may take several throws before you're successful. Don't get discouraged if it breaks out of the ball a few times. Keep using Golden Razz Berries, aiming for Excellent Throws, and utilizing the circle lock technique. Eventually, with enough persistence, you'll catch Charizard. Remember, every throw is a chance, so stay focused and keep trying!
Pay attention to Charizard's attack patterns. Charizard will often move around and attack, making it challenging to land your throws. Observe its movements and attack patterns to anticipate when it will be still for a moment. Throw your ball during these pauses to increase your chances of hitting the target. Patience and timing are key to making successful throws.
Finally, consider using a Charged Throw. A Charged Throw involves spinning the Poké Ball before releasing it, which can add a curve to your throw and make it easier to hit the target. To perform a Charged Throw, spin the ball in a circular motion until it sparkles, and then throw it at Charizard. Experiment with different spinning speeds and angles to find what works best for you. Charged Throws can be particularly effective when Charizard is moving unpredictably.
Conclusion: Claim Your Charizard!
Alright, trainers, you're now armed with all the knowledge you need to conquer the Charizard raid and add this amazing Pokémon to your team. From understanding Charizard's weaknesses to building the perfect counter team, mastering strategic battle tips, and securing your capture, you're well-prepared for this challenge. Remember, the key to success is preparation, strategy, and persistence. So, gather your friends, power up your Pokémon, and get ready to battle!
Charizard is not only a powerful Pokémon in battle but also a fantastic addition to your collection. Its iconic design and impressive stats make it a valuable asset for raids, Gym battles, and PvP. Don't miss out on this opportunity to catch one of the most sought-after Pokémon in the game. So, go out there, trainers, and claim your Charizard! Good luck, and happy raiding! WB 391246220934
