Zekrom returns to Pokémon GO this month as part of a series of challenging 5-star raids. Arriving alongside another Legendary Generation Five Pokémon Reshiram, you'll have the chance to add this powerful Dragon/Electric-type to your roster for the rest of the month.
These raids will be quite a challenge, so it's best to try teaming up with other trainers in groups of five or more to take on Zekrom. In this guide, we'll detail the best counters and movesets for fighting Zekrom, as well as the possibilities of finding a Shiny Zekrom in December.
Best counters for Zekrom in Pokémon GO
Although Zekrom is a challenge for any trainer, he has multiple weaknesses due to his Dragon/Electric double strike. As usual, you can expect Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type moves to hit hard with their super effectiveness against Dragon-types, but you can also include Ground-type Pokémon due to Zekrom's secondary Electric type. .
Rayquaza, Zacian, and Groudon are the perfect trio to take on Zekrom if you have them at your disposal. While not a Legendary Pokemon, Garchomp is also an effective call to deal with Zekrom as its Dragon/Ground dual-type covers all the bases against the Raid Boss. Unfortunately, Zekrom will retaliate just as hard if he uses Dragon-type attacks, so be sure to only take your Garchomp if he's leveled up enough to land powerful hits.
Best Movesets to Beat Zekrom
Dragon Counters
Rayquaza – Dragon Tail / Outrage
Palkia – Dragon Tail / Draco Meteor
Kyurem – Dragon Tail / Outrage
Ice counters
Darmantien (zen galarien) – Icefang / Avalanche
mamoswine – Powder snow / Avalanche
Fairy Counters
Zacian (crowned sword) – Growl / Play hard
gardevoir – Charm / Dazzling Glow
Floor counters
Groudon – Mud Shot / Earthquake
Garchomp – Mud Shot / Earthquake
Can Reshiram be shiny in Pokémon GO?
All Legendary Pokemon in this month's 5-Star Raids can be Shiny, including Zekrom. While it's possible to encounter a Shiny Zekrom during one of the Pokemon's 5-Star Raids this month, your best bet is to take advantage of the Special Raid Hours. From 18:00 PM to 19:00 PM local time on December 1, 8, and 15 more Zekrom will be available in more raid locations than usual, increasing your chances of finding a Shiny.
There is a method to guarantee a Shiny Zekrom this month, but it's not the easiest thing to do. You'll need to form a full raid party of 20 before taking on a Zekrom, and one player in the party will be guaranteed a brilliant encounter after the battle. There's still some luck here, but that beats endless hours of solo raiding.
For more on Pokémon GO, check out our listings for all the Community Day events coming up this month. Or, if you still need a Shiny Magmar, check out our guide to the next Magmar Spotlight Hour.
Pokémon GO is available now on Android and iOS.
