Hey guys! Ready to take on the Australian Shadow Kyogre? This legendary Pokémon is a tough one, but with the right strategy and a little party power, you can definitely conquer this raid. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from Shadow Kyogre's weaknesses to the best counters and how to join a raid remotely. So, let's dive in and get ready to rumble!
What Makes Shadow Kyogre a formidable opponent?
Shadow Kyogre, as the name suggests, is the shadow version of the legendary Kyogre, a Water-type Pokémon of immense power. This shadow variant hits harder than its regular counterpart, making raid battles significantly more challenging. What makes Shadow Kyogre a truly formidable opponent is the Shadow Bonus, which amplifies its attack stat considerably. This means its Water-type attacks like Hydro Pump, Surf, and Waterfalls can deal massive damage, potentially wiping out unprepared teams in seconds. Understanding its move set and recognizing the cues for charged attacks are critical for survival.
In addition to its sheer power, Shadow Kyogre also has a high stamina stat, making it incredibly durable. This means battles can drag on, and you'll need a team of Pokémon that can consistently deal damage while withstanding Kyogre's onslaught. Relying solely on super effective matchups isn't enough; you need Pokémon with high attack stats and sufficient bulk to last the entire raid. For example, while Electric and Grass-type Pokémon are super effective against Water types like Kyogre, some may not have the stamina to endure multiple charged attacks. Diversifying your team with Pokémon that can both deal damage and absorb hits is essential for success.
Moreover, the unpredictable nature of Shadow Raids adds another layer of complexity. Unlike regular raids where you have unlimited attempts, Shadow Raids often come with limited attempts due to the use of Purified Gems or other raid-specific mechanics. This increases the stakes, requiring careful planning and coordination with your raid group. Knowing when to use your resources, when to dodge, and how to maximize your damage output are all crucial skills for taking down Shadow Kyogre. You guys really need to keep these points in mind to triumph in the raid!
Key Weaknesses and How to Exploit Them
Okay, so how do we beat this beast? First off, let's talk weaknesses. Shadow Kyogre is a Water-type Pokémon, which means it's vulnerable to Electric and Grass-type attacks. This is crucial information! You'll want to load up your team with Pokémon that can dish out serious damage with these types of moves. Think along the lines of powerhouse Pokémon with high attack stats and access to moves like Thunderbolt, Wild Charge, Leaf Blade, and Solar Beam.
To exploit these weaknesses effectively, it's not just about having Electric and Grass-type Pokémon; it's about having the right ones. Pokémon like Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Zekrom are excellent choices for Electric-type attackers, boasting high attack stats and access to powerful Electric-type moves. For Grass types, consider using Mega Sceptile, Kartana, or even strong Grass-type Shadow Pokémon if you have them. Remember, the Shadow bonus that makes Shadow Kyogre so dangerous also works in your favor when you use Shadow Pokémon in your team!
Beyond just type matchups, consider the specific moves your Pokémon know. A Pokémon with a high attack stat but a weak move set won't be as effective as one with a slightly lower attack stat but a strong, super-effective move. This means you might need to use TMs (Technical Machines) to change your Pokémon's moves to better suit the raid. It might sound tedious, but trust me, guys, it makes a huge difference! Pay attention to the Damage Per Second (DPS) and Total Damage Output (TDO) of your potential attackers. DPS tells you how much damage a Pokémon can deal in a short amount of time, while TDO gives you an idea of how long a Pokémon can last in the battle while still dealing significant damage. Balancing DPS and TDO is key to assembling a raid team that can both dish out damage and withstand Kyogre’s attacks.
Top Pokémon Counters for Shadow Kyogre
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Which Pokémon are the absolute best for taking down Shadow Kyogre? We've already talked about Electric and Grass types, but let's look at some specific stars you should have in your lineup. Having a well-prepared team can make all the difference, and this section is designed to help you guys assemble a squad that’s up to the challenge.
Electric-Type Powerhouses:
- Mega Manectric: This is a top-tier choice. Mega Manectric's high attack stat and Electric-type moves like Wild Charge make it a formidable opponent against Shadow Kyogre. Plus, its Mega Evolution boosts the attack power of other Electric-type Pokémon in the raid, making it an excellent choice if you're raiding with friends.
- Raikou: Raikou is a legendary Electric-type Pokémon that consistently ranks high in raid battles. Its Thunder Shock and Wild Charge combination provides excellent damage output and is a reliable counter against Kyogre. It's a solid, dependable choice for any raid team.
- Zekrom: Another legendary powerhouse, Zekrom, is a Dragon/Electric-type Pokémon with a high attack stat. Its Charge Beam and Wild Charge moves are devastating against Shadow Kyogre. Zekrom's dual typing gives it added versatility, but be mindful of its weaknesses against Dragon-type moves.
- Xurkitree: This Ultra Beast is a glass cannon, meaning it has a massive attack stat but lower defense. If you can keep it alive, Xurkitree's Thunder Shock and Discharge moves can deal incredible damage to Shadow Kyogre. Positioning and dodging will be essential if you choose to bring this heavy hitter.
Grass-Type Champions:
- Mega Sceptile: Similar to Mega Manectric, Mega Sceptile offers incredible offensive power and can boost other Grass-type attackers. Its Leaf Blade move is particularly effective. Mega Sceptile’s speed and agility make it a dynamic choice for this raid.
- Kartana: This Ultra Beast is a pure Grass-type Pokémon with an astounding attack stat. Kartana's Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade moves can shred through Shadow Kyogre's health bar. Just be cautious of its relatively low defense; keep it dodging when possible.
- Zarude: As a Dark/Grass-type Mythical Pokémon, Zarude brings both power and resilience to the battle. Vine Whip and Power Whip make it a strong contender against Shadow Kyogre, and its Dark-type attacks can be useful in other raid scenarios.
Honorable Mentions:
- Shadow Raikou/Electivire/Magmortar: Shadow Pokémon, in general, deal more damage, so if you have a Shadow version of Raikou, Electivire, or Magmortar with Electric-type moves, they can be excellent choices. These Shadow Pokémon can significantly boost your raid team's damage output.
Don't forget, guys, that your specific team composition will depend on the Pokémon you have available and their individual stats and movesets. Always prioritize Pokémon with high attack stats and the right moves to maximize your effectiveness in the raid.
How to Join a Remote Raid and Party Power
Okay, so you've got your team ready to go. Now, how do you actually join the raid, especially if you can't get to an Australian raid in person? That's where remote raiding comes in! Remote Raiding has become an indispensable feature in Pokémon GO, allowing players from all corners of the globe to participate in raids that would otherwise be inaccessible. This feature has not only broadened the player base for raids but also fostered a greater sense of community among players who can now collaborate regardless of geographical constraints.
To join a remote raid, you'll need a Remote Raid Pass. You can buy these in the in-game shop. Once you have a pass, you can join any raid that appears on your