Conquer Kyurem Raids In Pokémon GO: Your Ultimate Guide
Get Ready to Freeze and Dominate: Your Kyurem Raid Adventure Begins!
Welcome, fellow Pokémon GO trainers! Are you ready to face off against one of the most imposing Legendary Pokémon from the Unova region? We're talking about Kyurem, the formidable Ice/Dragon-type, often referred to as the Boundary Pokémon. Raiding Kyurem isn't just about catching a cool new Pokémon; it's about testing your team's strength, coordinating with friends (just like that call for "2 locals join up" implies!), and proving your mettle as a trainer. If you've been looking for that perfect guide to help you master every aspect of the Kyurem raid experience, you've come to the right place. We're here to break down everything you need to know, from understanding Kyurem's unique characteristics to assembling the ultimate team of counters and employing winning strategies. This isn't just another raid; it's an opportunity to add a powerful, shiny-eligible (when available!) legendary to your collection and boast about your epic victory. Tackling a Legendary Beast like Kyurem requires careful planning, a solid understanding of type matchups, and a bit of luck, but with our friendly advice, you’ll be more than prepared. Think of this as your personal coaching session to ensure you walk away from every Kyurem encounter victorious and with a new Legendary in your bag. So, grab your best Pokémon, rally your fellow trainers, and let's dive deep into making your Kyurem raid experience not just successful, but truly legendary!
Unveiling Kyurem: The Ice and Dragon Powerhouse
Kyurem, as an Ice and Dragon type Pokémon, brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities to Pokémon GO raid battles. Understanding its typing is the first crucial step in building a winning strategy. As an Ice and Dragon Pokémon, Kyurem is a formidable opponent, boasting resistances to Water, Grass, Electric, and other Ice-type attacks, making many common attackers less effective. However, its dual typing also exposes it to several key weaknesses that you can exploit to your advantage. Kyurem's stats typically feature a high Attack stat, which means its Charged Attacks can hit very hard, potentially knocking out your Pokémon quickly if you're not careful. Its defensive stats are also respectable, so you’ll need sustained damage from strong counters to bring it down within the time limit. When Kyurem makes an appearance in Pokémon GO raids, players eagerly anticipate the chance to catch this powerful beast. Its lore tells of a powerful entity that remained after Zekrom and Reshiram split apart, leaving it as an empty shell, a captivating backstory that adds to its mystique. In the game, its movesets can vary, often including strong Ice-type attacks like Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse, or Dragon Tail and Blizzard, making it a versatile and dangerous foe. Knowing these potential moves is essential for selecting appropriate counters. For example, if Kyurem has an Ice-type fast attack, your Dragon-type counters might take more damage than usual. Conversely, if it's packing Dragon-type moves, your Fighting or Rock types will fare better. This dynamic nature means you always need to be prepared for anything when facing Kyurem. Keep an eye on the in-game raid boss information to see its current moveset, which can slightly influence your team composition for optimal damage and survivability. Ultimately, tackling this Legendary Pokémon requires a deep understanding of its strengths, and more importantly, its exploitable weaknesses.
Crafting Your Perfect Kyurem Counter Team
When it comes to building your ultimate team for a Kyurem raid, focusing on its weaknesses is paramount. As an Ice and Dragon type, Kyurem is weak to Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, and Fairy type attacks. This gives you a fantastic array of options for Kyurem counters, allowing you to pick and choose based on what you have available and what's currently boosted. Let's dive into the best Pokémon for Kyurem and their ideal movesets, ensuring you're delivering maximum damage per second (DPS) and survivability.
First up, we have Fighting-type Pokémon. These excel against Kyurem due to its Ice typing. Powerful options include Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch, Machamp (a classic!) with Counter and Dynamic Punch, and Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere. These Pokémon deal incredible damage and often have good bulk, making them staples in any Kyurem raid team. Don't underestimate the power of a well-trained Fighting type Pokémon; they can significantly shorten the battle.
Next, let's talk about Rock-type Pokémon. Kyurem's Ice typing also makes it vulnerable to Rock attacks. Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide is an absolute beast, providing top-tier Rock-type damage. Terrakion with Smack Down and Rock Slide is another phenomenal choice, bringing both power and legendary status to your team. Tyranitar (especially a Shadow Tyranitar!) with Smack Down and Stone Edge is a consistently strong performer. These Rock-type Pokémon will chip away at Kyurem's health with impressive speed.
Steel-type Pokémon also get a nod thanks to their effectiveness against Ice. Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash is arguably one of the best overall attackers in the game and performs exceptionally well here. Its strong resistances can also help it survive longer, making it a reliable anchor for your team. Dialga with Metal Claw and Iron Head is another solid Steel-type option that brings its own Dragon-type strengths to the table.
Of course, we can't forget Dragon-type Pokémon themselves. While Kyurem is a Dragon, it's also weak to Dragon-type attacks, leading to a super-effective battle of the dragons! Palkia, Rayquaza, Salamence, and Garchomp (all with Dragon Tail/Dragon Breath and Outrage/Draco Meteor) are fantastic choices. Be cautious, however, as Kyurem's own Dragon-type moves will hit your Dragon counters for super effective damage. This makes them high-risk, high-reward choices, best used if you have a strong understanding of dodging or if you know Kyurem's moveset isn't Dragon-heavy.
Finally, the ever-charming Fairy-type Pokémon. These lovely creatures are super effective against Dragon types. Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam, and Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam, are excellent options. They may not have the raw DPS of some other types, but their resistance to Dragon-type attacks (from Kyurem) makes them incredibly durable and reliable damage dealers, especially if Kyurem is spamming Dragon-type moves. Their ability to take hits while dishing out consistent super-effective damage makes them invaluable, particularly for trainers who prefer a slightly safer approach or when the raid group is smaller.
Don't forget the power of Mega Evolutions! Mega Blaziken or Mega Gardevoir, for example, not only boost their own attack but also provide a damage bonus to all other Pokémon of the same type on the field, significantly increasing your raid group's overall DPS. Using a Mega Pokémon at the start of the raid can make a huge difference, especially in close fights. Similarly, Shadow Pokémon like Shadow Machamp, Shadow Metagross, or Shadow Tyranitar deal significantly increased damage at the cost of defense. If you have any of these powered up, they will be phenomenal additions to your Kyurem raid team, often out-performing their regular counterparts. The key is to diversify your team and consider potential move sets of Kyurem itself. Having a mix of Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fairy types, along with strong Dragon attackers if you’re confident, will set you up for success. Aim for at least a few of these top-tier counters powered up as much as possible to ensure you're contributing effectively to bring down this Legendary beast!
Master the Kyurem Raid Battle Strategy
Facing Kyurem in a raid battle isn't just about having the right Pokémon; it's also about executing a smart strategy to maximize your damage and ensure your team survives. This section will walk you through essential Pokémon GO raid tips and battle tactics to help you and your fellow trainers conquer Kyurem. First and foremost, coordination is key. While the initial call might be for "2 locals join up," a full team of 5-8 trainers, especially if they have strong counters, makes the raid significantly easier. Communicate with your raid group about which Mega Evolutions they plan to use to maximize the attack bonus for everyone. For example, if one trainer uses Mega Blaziken, all Fighting-type attacks from other trainers will get a boost, making the raid much faster.
Next, understand the importance of dodging attacks. Kyurem, like many Legendary Raid Bosses, has powerful Charged Attacks that can easily knock out your Pokémon. Learning to effectively dodge these moves, especially Kyurem's Dragon Pulse or Blizzard, can extend your Pokémon's life significantly, allowing it to deal more damage over time. Pay attention to the boss's animation cues – a quick flash or distinct movement usually precedes a Charged Attack. A perfectly timed swipe left or right can save your Pokémon from a debilitating hit. While dodging reduces your own damage output slightly, the added survivability often outweighs this, especially if you're using a frail but powerful attacker like Rampardos or Lucario. It's a balance, but in smaller groups, dodging becomes almost essential.
Weather boosts can also play a huge role in your Kyurem raid strategy. Clear/Sunny weather boosts Fire, Grass, and Ground-type moves (not very helpful here), but most importantly for Kyurem, windy weather boosts Dragon and Flying-type moves, meaning Kyurem's Dragon-type attacks will hit harder, but your Dragon counters will also deal more damage. Snowy weather boosts Ice and Steel-type moves, making Kyurem's Ice-type attacks more potent, but also boosting your Steel counters. Cloudy weather boosts Fighting and Fairy-type moves, significantly strengthening some of your best counters. Always check the in-game weather before a raid to adjust your team if necessary and to anticipate Kyurem's boosted moves. Utilizing weather-boosted counters can drastically increase your group's DPS and make even challenging raids feel manageable. For instance, if it’s cloudy, prioritize your Machamp and Conkeldurr! This often overlooked aspect of raid battles can turn a tight race against the clock into a comfortable victory, giving you more Premier Balls for the catch.
Finally, don't underestimate the utility of healing items. After each raid, your Pokémon will likely be battered. Make sure you have enough Potions and Revives to quickly get your team back into fighting shape for subsequent raids. Also, remember that using your own Charged Attacks optimally is crucial. Don't sit on a full energy bar; unleash those powerful moves as soon as they're ready, especially if your Pokémon is close to fainting. The faster you cycle through your Charged Attacks, the more damage you'll inflict. The collective effort of strong counters, strategic dodging, and capitalizing on weather advantages forms the backbone of a successful Kyurem raid victory. By employing these techniques, you'll not only defeat Kyurem but also establish yourself as a truly strategic trainer ready for any challenge the game throws your way.
Successfully Catching Kyurem: Premier Ball Mastery
So, you’ve battled hard, coordinated with your team, and successfully defeated Kyurem! Congratulations! But the challenge isn't over yet. The final, and arguably most nerve-wracking, step is catching Kyurem with your limited supply of Premier Balls. This is where patience, technique, and a bit of luck truly come into play. Every trainer wants to add a powerful Legendary Pokémon to their collection, so mastering the catch phase is just as important as the battle itself. First, let's talk about the Premier Balls you receive. The number of balls you get depends on several factors: how much damage you dealt to the raid boss, if you raided with friends (friendship bonuses!), controlling the gym, and how quickly you defeated Kyurem. More balls mean more chances, so always aim for maximum contribution in the battle phase.
Now, for the actual catching technique. Kyurem, like all Legendary Pokémon, has a notoriously low base catch rate, making every throw critical. Your primary goal should be to consistently land Excellent throws. An Excellent throw provides the highest catch bonus, significantly increasing your chances. To achieve this, wait for Kyurem to finish its attack animation. As it begins to return to its resting position, carefully aim your curveball (yes, always throw curveballs for the extra bonus!) into the center of the shrinking circle. The circle size for an Excellent throw on Kyurem can be tricky to master, but practice makes perfect. Don't rush your throws; take your time to ensure accuracy. If Kyurem is flying or moving erratically, wait for it to settle before attempting your throw. Patience is a virtue here, as a wasted Premier Ball on a bad throw is a missed opportunity.
Next, the Golden Razz Berry is your best friend. Always use a Golden Razz Berry before every throw when trying to catch a Legendary Pokémon like Kyurem. This berry provides the largest boost to your catch rate, making it an indispensable tool. While you might be tempted to use a Pinap Berry for extra candy on a common raid boss, for Legendaries, the Golden Razz Berry is non-negotiable for maximizing your chances. If you’re low on Golden Razz Berries, participate in more raids or complete field research tasks to stock up. You wouldn't want to run out when facing a potential shiny Kyurem!
Consider the Kyurem's move animations. Some Pokémon have longer or shorter attack animations, which affects when you can safely throw. Pay close attention to Kyurem’s specific movements; some trainers find it helpful to throw just as it reaches the peak of its jump or begins to descend after an attack. Finding your rhythm and timing for Kyurem is crucial, and it might take a few throws to get it right. Don't get discouraged if you miss a few times; even seasoned trainers miss their throws. Keep calm, keep focusing on those Excellent curveballs, and keep using those Golden Razz Berries. With persistent effort and a bit of good fortune, you will successfully add this majestic Ice and Dragon-type Legendary to your Pokedex, ready to unleash its power in future battles!
Conclusion: Your Path to Kyurem Victory!
And there you have it, trainers! You're now equipped with a comprehensive guide to absolutely dominate every Kyurem raid that comes your way in Pokémon GO. We've covered everything from understanding Kyurem's formidable Ice and Dragon type and its unique weaknesses, to assembling the perfect team of counters utilizing powerful Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, and Fairy-type Pokémon. Remember the incredible boost you can get from Mega Evolutions and Shadow Pokémon, turning a challenging battle into a much smoother victory. Beyond just strong Pokémon, we delved into the crucial battle strategies: effective coordination with your raid group, the art of dodging Kyurem's devastating attacks, and smartly capitalizing on weather boosts to enhance your team's performance. And finally, we walked through the critical steps of catching Kyurem itself, emphasizing the importance of Excellent curveballs and the strategic use of Golden Razz Berries to secure that prized Legendary Pokémon. Kyurem raids are not just about adding another entry to your Pokedex; they're an experience, a challenge that tests your tactical prowess and your ability to work alongside other trainers. With this guide, you're not just ready to participate; you're ready to lead, strategize, and conquer. So, gather your friends, charge up your best Pokémon, and step boldly into the raid arena. The thrill of victory and the chance to capture this magnificent beast await! Get out there, have fun, and catch 'em all!
For more in-depth information on Pokémon types and their effectiveness, check out the official Pokémon GO Support Page or the comprehensive Bulbapedia Pokémon Type Chart.
