Have you already caught a Mega Raikou in Pokémon GO?
Raids are the only way for you to catch most Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO. You should do them whenever you can to get the best and rarest Pokémon. Raikou is also arguably the strongest of the three famous Legendary dogs, so you shouldn’t miss out on getting it.
Mega Raikou is fairly strong to go up against, but it is also weak against certain types of Pokémon. You just have to learn its strengths and weaknesses and form the right team to beat it. Capturing Mega Raikou will also make it easier for you to defeat Legendary Pokémon in future raids.
If you don’t have it yet, check out our detailed guide on how to beat Mega Raikou in Pokémon GO.
Pokémon GO Raids
Raids are occasional events in Pokémon GO. They always happen in Gyms and are only available for a fixed amount of time. You can see a Raid getting ready by a giant egg icon on top of a Gym’s location. After the timer runs out, the egg hatches and is replaced by the Raid Boss Pokémon.
Another timer will show how much time is left for you to join the Raid Battle. After this one runs out as well, the Raid will be over. You can enter a Raid lobby anytime after the egg hatches and before the timer runs out. All you need to do is be in the range of the Gym and have a Raid Pass. Raid Passes can be earned through spinning in PokéStops or bought for coins in the shop.
Each Raid lobby can only have up to 20 players, so make sure you get to the Gym before others arrive. You can have a party of up to six Pokémon and can use Revive in case they all faint. You can also just form a new party and get right back in the Raid. Raids have five different tiers, which you can see from the notifications or on the map.
The higher the tier, the rarer and stronger the Raid Boss Pokémon will be. Tier five Raids are certain to have Legendary Pokémon like Raikou. They will be very strong, so remember to bring your best Pokémon with you. After the Raid Boss is defeated, you will be rewarded Premier Balls depending on your performance. You can then use them to try and catch the Raid Boss, so make everyone count.
Raikou
Raikou is one of the Legendary Dogs. It is an Electric-type Pokémon, so it is weak against Ground moves and ineffective against Rock-type Pokémon. As a tier five Raid Boss, it will take many players and Pokémon to take down Raikou. However, tier five Raids are tough to come by, and the Legendary Pokémon Raid Bosses often rotate, so make sure to join whenever you see one.
It is also possible to encounter a Shiny Raikou. This is a great opportunity because Shiny Pokémon can be caught with just one Premier Ball. At that point, you just need to make sure you survive the Raid to get the Legendary Pokémon.
How to Beat Raikou
Rock and Ground-type Pokémon are all you need to beat Raikou. The advantage of Ground-types over Electric-types is one of the biggest in Pokémon games, so you do not have to try anything else.
Pokémon like Garchomp, Rhyperior, Golem, or Regirock are great choices to beat Raikou. Try to avoid including Flying or Water-type Pokémon in your team because they are especially weak against Electric-types. If you have Kyogre, Blastoise, or any of the Legendary birds, try not to bring them on a Raikou Raid.
Rhyperior
Rhyperior was not introduced until Generation IV of Pokémon, but it is an evolution of an older Pokémon. Up until Generation III, Rhyhorn evolved into Rhydon, but it stopped there. Now Rhydon evolves into its final form Rhyperior with the help of a Sinnoh Stone in Pokémon GO.
This Ground and Rock-type Pokémon usually has a high Combat Power. Because of both its types, it is almost completely resistant to Raikou’s attacks. You can have your Rhyperior learn Mud-Slap and Earthquake and just keep bombarding Raikou with them.
Golem
Golem is another Rock and Ground-type Pokémon that is very effective against Raikou. This Pokémon is also resistant to all Electric-type moves, so you will not have to worry about fainting. Golem is also the final form of Geodude and Graveler.
It can have a high Combat Power with especially powerful moves like Rock Throw and Earthquake. If you have several Golems, you can put them all on your team during Raid Battles against a Raikou.
Regirock
Regirock is the Legendary rock titan. It is a Rock-type Pokémon that is known for its defense. Rock-types are completely resistant to all Electric-type moves, so Regirock is perfect against Raikou.
Use Rock Throw or Stone Edge when battling Raikou. While this Pokémon is more defense-oriented than others, it is still very effective for defeating and capturing the Electric Legendary dog.
Garchomp
Garchomp is a very strong Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon. It can have a max Combat Power of 4479. This Generation 4 Pokémon can learn Mud Shot and Earth Power against the Electric-type Raikou in Pokémon GO.
Ground-type moves will get a boost during sunny or clear weather, so make sure to check for Raids during those days especially.
You Might Ask (FAQs)
Where can I find Raikou in Pokémon GO?
You can find the Legendary dog Raikou in tier five Raids. Look out for Raid icons in Gyms and get your Pokémon ready for battle. Get in the lobby quickly because there are only 20 slots.
How do I beat Raikou?
Use Ground or Rock-type Pokémon because they are completely resistant and strong against Electric-types like Raikou. Apart from the ones mentioned previously, Groudon, Excadrill, and Krookodile are also very effective against it. Make sure they have strong Ground or Rock-type moves like Mud-Slap, Earthquake, or Rock Throw.
