Do you have what it takes to beat Zekrom?
For Pokémon Go Fest 2021, Niantic is bringing back every Legendary Raid for one day only. On Sunday, July 18, Zekrom will return to Raids, alongside dozens of other Legenday Pokémon. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to win this fight and add Zekrom to your roster. And be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!
Who is Zekrom in Pokémon Go?
One of the Tao Trio of the Unova region, Zekrom is a Dragon and Electric type Legendary Pokémon. The Tao Trio is based on the concepts of Yin, Yang, and Wuji. Zekrom represents Yin with its Electric typing, while Reshiram represents Yang with its Fire typing, and Kyurem, with its Ice typing, represents Wuji, which is the absence of Yin and Yang. Zekrom is also the mascot for Pokémon White.
Zekrom has a massive CP cap — we're talking over 53k in Raids! It's one of the best Electric type attackers in the game, thanks to its stats and its secondary typing. As a Dragon type goes, it's not quite as amazing, but it's still pretty solid. Regardless, it's only been in Raids once before and that was at the height of a global pandemic so many players don't even have one yet.
What are the best counters for Zekrom in Pokémon Go?
As a Dragon and Electric type Pokémon, Zekrom is weak to Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. It's capable of dealing Dragon, Electric, Steel, and Dark type damage.
Palkia
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Pearl, Palkia is the best non-Shadow counter for Zekrom. As a Water and Dragon type, it resists Zekrom's Steel type attack, but like most of the counters, it takes super effective damage from Dragon type moves. It hasn't seen widespread availability with a single run in Legendary Raids and Pokémon Go Fest 2020, so you might not have one fully powered up. If you do bring Palkia to this Raid, Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor are the moves you're looking for.
Garchomp
Originally encountered in the Sinnoh region of Gen IV, Garchomp is an excellent choice for this Raid. As a Ground and Dragon type, Garchomp takes super effective damage from Zekrom's Dragon type attacks, but resists its Electric type attacks. Thanks to its recent Community Day, most active players have a few already powered up. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves you'll want your Garchomp to know for this fight.
Zekrom
As is often the case with Dragon types, Zekrom makes a great counter for itself, especially if the Zekrom you're facing doesn't have Dragon type moves. Unfortunately, Zekrom has only had a single run in Raids and that was at the height of a global pandemic, so many players don't even have one, much less the Candy to power it up. If you do have one, you'll want it to know Dragon Breath and Outrage.
Reshiram
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram performs very well in this Raid. As a Dragon and Fire type, it takes increased damage from Dragon type moves, while resisting both Steel and Electric. Much like its counterpart, however, Reshiram only had one run in Raids and it was during the pandemic so many players don't even have one, much less the Candy to power it up. However, if you have one, the moveset you'll want to go against Zekrom is Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor.
Dialga
The Legendary mascrot of Pokémon Diamond, Dialga is a great tanky option for this Raid. A Dragon and Steel type, it resists Electric and Steel type moves, and it's the only Dragon type in Pokémon Go that isn't weak against Dragon type moves. Unfortunately, Dialga has only had one run in Raids and Pokémon Go Fest 2020, so many players don't have it or the Candy to power it up. Still, if you are bringing Dialga to fight Zekrom, Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor is the moveset you're looking for.
Rayquaza
The mascot of Gen III's Pokémon Emerald Rayquaza is still a great counter for Zekrom, even if it's no longer the best. As a Dragon and Flying type, It doesn't bring any resistances to the battle, but the only weakness Zekrom can exploit is Dragon type damage. Rayquaza has also had several runs in Raids and been featured in Special Research, so most players have had plenty of opportunities to add it to their roster. Dragon Tail is the fast move you'll want your Rayquaza to know and Outrage is the best charged attack.
Mega Charizard X
Although it doesn't perform as well as some of the other top counters, if it's at all possible, you will want Mega Charizard X on your team for this Raid. It will provide a significant boost to the other Dragon types on the field, so if it's possible to safely coordinate with other trainers, do so! As a Dragon and Fire type, it resists Electric and Steel type attacks, while sharing the Dragon type weakness. You'll want your Mega Charizard to know Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw when facing Zekrom.
Dragonite
The original pseudo-Legendary from Gen I, Dragonite is a solid counter with great availability. It has had the Community Day treatment, has been featured in events and Special Research, and is even available as a Shadow Pokémon. As a Dragon and Flying type, it's not bringing any useful resistances to this fight and it's weak to Dragon type moves, but it's still a great counter that most every player has. Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw are the ideal moveset for Dragonite in this battle, but Outrage is extremely close. Draco Meteor can also work if you don't have the TMs to spare.
Mamoswine
A Sinnoh Stone Evolution, Mamoswine performs well against Zekrom. As a Ground and Ice type is super resistant to Electric type moves, but weak against Steel. It's also been featured in a Community Day, as well as several other events, so most players already have a couple. Capable of getting STAB on two of Zekrom's weaknesses, Mud Slap and Avalanche are the ideal moveset, but Powder Snow and Bulldoze also work well.
Salamence
A pseudo-Legendary from the Hoenn region, Salamence is the last of our top counters. Having been the star of its own Community Day, as well as appearing in Raids and other events, most players have at least one really strong Salamence powered up. It's a Dragon and Flying type, so its only relevant weakness is Dragon. Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor are the moves you're looking for but Outrage can also work well.
Back ups?
Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:
- Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Mega Abomasnow with Powder Snow and Weather Ball
- Landorus (Therian forme) with Mud Shot and Earthquake
- Mega Charizard Y with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
- Groudon with Dragon Tail and Earthquake
- Mega Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Haxorus with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
- Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Landorus (Incarnate forme) with Mud Shot and Earth Power
- Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
- Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Hydreigon with Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse
- Mega Altaria with Dragon Breath and Dazzling Gleam
- Weavile with Ice Shard and Avalanche
- Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
- Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche
- Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
Shadow Pokémon
The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events, it's possible to change their moves with TMs. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:
- Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Avalanche
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Gardevoir Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Mewtwo* with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
- Shadow Weaville with Ice Shard and Avalanche
- Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
- Shadow Flygon with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Swampert with Mud Shot and Earthquake
- Shadow Porygon Z with Hidden Power and Blizzard
Note: Shadow Mamoswine and Shadow Dragonite outperform every other Pokémon in the best counters list. Shadow Salamence, Shadow Gardevoir, and Shadow Mewtwo also perform on par with the other best counters.
If you have a Shadow Mewtwo with Psystrike or Shadow Ball, do not TM these moves! Both are Legacy Moves that make Shadow Mewtwo the best Psychic and Ghost type attacker in the entire game.
How many players does it take to beat Zekrom in Pokémon Go?
With perfect conditions, it is possible for two players to take on Zekrom alone. However, that is a lot of pieces that have to fall into place. If you're playing with high level players, four should be able to handle this Raid. For lower level players, you'll want to aim for at least six. The addition of Raid Invitations should make a considerable difference.
Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:
- Rain boosts Zekrom's Electric type moves
- Wind will boost its Dragon type moves, as well as your Dragon type counters
- Snow will boost its Steel type move, as well as your Ice type counters
- Fog will boost Zekrom's Dark type move
- Sunny/Clear Weather will boost your Ground type counters
- Cloudy weather will boost your Fairy types counters
Questions about taking on Zekrom in Pokémon Go?
Do you have any questions about taking on the Legendary Zekrom in Pokémon Go? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
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