Kyurem Raid Guide: Tips And Strategies
Kyurem, the Boundary Pokémon, is a legendary Dragon/Ice-type Pokémon that can be a formidable opponent in Pokémon GO raids. Its dual typing gives it a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, making raid preparation crucial for success. In this guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know to take down Kyurem, from its best counters to optimal raid strategies. Whether you're a seasoned raider or new to the legendary scene, this information will help you catch this powerful Pokémon.
Understanding Kyurem's Strengths and Weaknesses
To effectively battle Kyurem, understanding its typing is paramount. As a Dragon/Ice-type, Kyurem boasts an impressive attack stat but also has several exploitable weaknesses. Its Dragon-typing makes it weak to Dragon, Ice, Fighting, Rock, and Fairy-type attacks. Conversely, it resists Grass and Electric-type attacks. However, its Ice-typing adds more layers to this. It's weak to Fighting, Rock, Fire, and Steel-type attacks, while resisting Ice-type attacks. When you combine these, Kyurem is super effective against Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon. This means you'll want to bring Pokémon that can hit it hard with the types it's vulnerable to. The key weaknesses to focus on are Fighting, Rock, Fire, and Fairy-type moves. While Dragon-type attackers can also be effective, they are also vulnerable to Kyurem's Dragon-type attacks, making them a riskier choice unless you have powerful Pokémon with high defense. Considering its dual nature, planning your team composition based on these vulnerabilities is the first step towards a successful raid. Don't forget that weather boosts can play a significant role. Sunny weather boosts Fire and Rock attackers, while Windy weather boosts Dragon attackers. Conversely, Snow weather will boost Kyurem's Ice-type attacks, making it even more dangerous. Therefore, always check the in-game weather before the raid begins and adjust your team accordingly. This strategic approach to countering Kyurem’s typing is what separates a frustrating raid attempt from a triumphant victory.
Top Counters for Kyurem Raids
When assembling your raid team for Kyurem, you'll want to prioritize Pokémon that exploit its weaknesses. Fighting-type attackers are excellent choices due to Kyurem's vulnerability to this type. Pokémon like Lucario, Terrakion, and Machamp with their powerful Fighting-type moves such as Aura Sphere, Sacred Sword, and Dynamic Punch respectively, can deal massive damage. Rock-type attackers are another strong option. Rhyperior with Smack Down and Stone Edge, Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge, and Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide are all top-tier choices. Their STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Rock-type moves will be devastating against Kyurem. Fairy-type attackers offer a unique advantage, as they are super effective against Dragon-types and take reduced damage from Dragon-type moves. Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam, Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam, and Sylveon with Charm and Dazzling Gleam are fantastic options. Their Fairy-type moves will exploit Kyurem's Dragon typing significantly. Fire-type attackers are also viable, especially if you have strong options like Reshiram with Fire Fang and Fusion Flare, or Chandelure with Fire Spin and Overheat. Remember that weather boosts can further enhance the effectiveness of these counters. For instance, a cloudy day will boost Fighting-type attacks, a windy day will boost Dragon-type attacks (use with caution), and a sunny day will boost Fire and Rock-type attacks. When choosing your Pokémon, also consider their bulk and available movesets. A Pokémon with high attack and good defensive stats, along with a legacy move that provides super-effective damage, will often outperform a glass cannon with less ideal coverage. Always aim for a diverse team that can adapt to different raid situations and weather conditions. Prioritizing Pokémon with both high damage output and survivability is key to overcoming this challenging raid boss.
Effective Raid Strategies and Team Composition
Successfully defeating Kyurem in a raid requires more than just bringing the right Pokémon; it also involves smart strategy and team composition. When facing Kyurem, it's generally recommended to have at least three to five high-level trainers with strong counter Pokémon. For lower-level trainers or those with less optimal counters, aiming for six or more trainers is advisable. The key is to deal as much damage as possible, as quickly as possible, to minimize the chances of Kyurem using its powerful charged moves. Start the battle by immediately switching to your strongest attacker. Utilize your Pokémon's fast moves to build up energy for their charged moves. Once you have enough energy, unleash your super-effective charged attacks. Don't be afraid to dodge Kyurem's charged attacks if you see them coming, especially if your Pokémon is low on health. However, prioritize dealing damage over dodging if you have a powerful attacker that can afford to take a hit. After your first team faints, immediately switch to your second team. Having a well-organized Pokémon box with pre-made raid teams for specific legendary Pokémon like Kyurem can save precious seconds during the raid. Consider organizing your Pokémon by type or by raid boss. For Kyurem, having separate teams for Fighting, Rock, Fairy, and Fire attackers can be incredibly efficient. Remember to power up your Pokémon to the highest level possible, ideally level 40 or higher, to maximize their damage output and survivability. Using Pokémon with the best fast and charged moves for their typing is also crucial. For example, a Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere will be significantly more effective than one with a different moveset. Pay attention to the raid timer; the faster you defeat Kyurem, the more bonus balls you'll receive for catching it. If you're playing with a group, communicate with your fellow trainers about who is bringing which type of counters to ensure a balanced team and avoid overlap. This coordinated effort can make a significant difference in the outcome of the raid. Ultimately, a well-prepared team and a clear strategy are your best weapons against the formidable Kyurem.
Post-Raid Catching Tips for Kyurem
After successfully defeating Kyurem in a raid, the challenge isn't over; the catch phase is often just as, if not more, difficult. You'll typically receive a limited number of Premier Balls, usually between 8 to 14, depending on your performance and any bonuses you've earned. Therefore, making every throw count is essential. The Circle Lock Technique is a highly effective strategy to guarantee a Great or Excellent throw. To execute this, you'll need to wait until Kyurem is about to attack, then throw your Poké Ball. The ball will remain in place until Kyurem finishes its attack animation, at which point you can release the ball, and it will hit its target. This allows you to time your throws perfectly. Mastering curveballs is also crucial. Spinning your Poké Ball before throwing it adds a slight curve, which increases the catch bonus. Practice throwing curveballs regularly in the wild to improve your accuracy. Aim for Great or Excellent throws whenever possible. These provide significant catch bonuses. The target circle around Kyurem will change size; aim for when it's at its smallest for Excellent throws, or slightly larger for Great throws. The color of the circle also indicates the difficulty of the catch: green for easy, yellow for normal, orange for difficult, and red for very difficult. Kyurem's target circle is typically orange or red, indicating a tough catch. Berries can also significantly improve your chances. Use Golden Razz Berries for the highest catch bonus, or Nanab Berries if Kyurem is frequently attacking and making it difficult to time your throws. Nanab Berries will calm the Pokémon, making its movements more predictable. Don't forget to consider the weather boost when catching. If Kyurem's typing is boosted by the current weather (e.g., Snow for Ice-type moves), it will be harder to catch. Conversely, if the weather doesn't boost its stats, it might be slightly easier. Finally, don't get discouraged if you don't catch it on the first try. Legendary Pokémon can be notoriously difficult to catch, and it often takes multiple attempts and a bit of luck. Conserve your Premier Balls and use your best throwing techniques to maximize your chances. The reward for your persistence will be a powerful ally in your Pokémon GO journey.
Conclusion
Taking down Kyurem in Pokémon GO requires a combination of strategic team building, understanding its type matchups, and executing effective raid and catching strategies. By focusing on its weaknesses to Fighting, Rock, Fairy, and Fire-type attacks, and bringing along powerful counters like Lucario, Terrakion, Gardevoir, and Rhyperior, you significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to power up your Pokémon, utilize weather boosts to your advantage, and coordinate with your fellow trainers. The post-raid catching phase is equally important, so master techniques like the Circle Lock and curveball throws, and utilize berries wisely to secure your catch. With careful preparation and execution, you'll be well on your way to adding this magnificent Legendary Pokémon to your collection. Happy raiding!
For more detailed information on Pokémon GO strategies and tips, check out **
and
for comprehensive guides and updates.
