Shadow Kyogre Raid Guide: 2 Locals Can Win!

by Luna Greco 44 views

Hey everyone! Are you ready to take on the Shadow Kyogre? This legendary Pokémon is a formidable opponent, but with the right strategy and a couple of friends, you can conquer this raid. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know, from Shadow Kyogre's strengths and weaknesses to the best counters and strategies for success. Plus, we'll show you how even with just two local players, you can emerge victorious. Let's dive in!

Understanding Shadow Kyogre

First, let's get to know our opponent. Shadow Kyogre is a Water-type Pokémon, which means it's strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon, but vulnerable to Electric and Grass-type attacks. As a Shadow Pokémon, it hits significantly harder than its regular form, making this raid a serious challenge. However, Shadow Pokémon also have reduced defense, so if you can exploit its weaknesses, you can deal some serious damage. Remember, understanding these key characteristics is crucial when planning your strategy for the Shadow Kyogre raid.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strengths: Water-type attacks, high attack stat, Shadow boost
  • Weaknesses: Electric and Grass-type attacks, lower defense (as a Shadow Pokémon)

Moveset Analysis

To effectively counter Shadow Kyogre, it’s essential to understand its potential moveset. Shadow Kyogre can have a variety of Fast and Charged moves, each with different type matchups and damage outputs. Knowing these moves will help you anticipate attacks and choose the right Pokémon for your team. Here are some of the key moves to watch out for:

  • Fast Moves: Waterfall (Water), Hidden Power (Normal)
  • Charged Moves: Hydro Pump (Water), Thunder (Electric), Blizzard (Ice), Surf (Water)

Hydro Pump is a powerful Water-type move that can deal significant damage, while Thunder provides coverage against its Electric-type weakness, making it a dangerous option. Blizzard, an Ice-type move, can catch Grass-type counters off guard, and Surf is a more moderate Water-type attack. Understanding these movesets will enable you to better prepare your team and strategy, ensuring you're ready for any combination Shadow Kyogre throws your way. By anticipating these attacks, you can minimize damage and maximize your own offensive output, increasing your chances of victory in the Shadow Kyogre raid.

Building Your Raid Team

Now, let's talk team composition. Since Shadow Kyogre is weak to Electric and Grass-type attacks, you'll want to load up on Pokémon with these types of moves. But it's not just about type matchups; you also need to consider individual Pokémon stats, movesets, and your available resources. Don't worry, guys, we'll break it down.

Top Electric-Type Counters

Electric-type Pokémon are your primary attackers against Shadow Kyogre, exploiting its weakness and dealing significant damage. Here are some of the top Electric-type counters to consider:

  • Mega Manectric: With its high attack stat and access to Electric-type moves like Thunder Fang and Wild Charge, Mega Manectric is a top-tier choice for this raid. Its Mega Evolution boosts its stats even further, making it a powerhouse against Shadow Kyogre. Remember, Mega Evolutions only last for a limited time, so plan your strategy accordingly.
  • Zekrom: This legendary Electric/Dragon-type Pokémon is another excellent option. Zekrom boasts high attack stats and can learn powerful Electric-type moves like Charge Beam and Wild Charge. Its dual-typing also gives it some added resilience against certain attacks.
  • Raikou: A pure Electric-type, Raikou is known for its high speed and special attack. It can learn moves like Thunder Shock and Wild Charge, making it a consistent damage dealer in the raid. Raikou’s speed allows it to get off more attacks, potentially overwhelming Shadow Kyogre.
  • Electivire: As a strong Electric-type, Electivire has access to moves like Thunder Shock and Wild Charge. It's also relatively easier to obtain compared to legendaries, making it a great choice for many players. Electivire's accessibility and solid performance make it a valuable asset to any raid team facing Shadow Kyogre.

Top Grass-Type Counters

Grass-type Pokémon are also effective against Shadow Kyogre, although they need to be used strategically due to Kyogre’s potential Ice-type coverage. Here are some top Grass-type counters to consider:

  • Mega Sceptile: This Mega Evolution is a phenomenal Grass-type attacker. With moves like Bullet Seed and Frenzy Plant, Mega Sceptile can dish out massive damage. Just be cautious of Blizzard, a potential Ice-type move from Shadow Kyogre, which can deal super-effective damage to Mega Sceptile.
  • Kartana: This Ultra Beast is one of the best Grass-type attackers in the game. Kartana's insane attack stat, combined with moves like Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade, makes it a premier choice for this raid. However, its Steel/Grass typing makes it doubly weak to Fire-type moves, so keep an eye on Shadow Kyogre’s moveset.
  • Tangrowth: A bulky Grass-type, Tangrowth can withstand some hits while still dealing significant damage. With moves like Vine Whip and Power Whip, Tangrowth can be a reliable choice, especially if you're looking for a Pokémon that can survive longer in the battle. Its tankiness allows it to stay in the fight and consistently apply pressure to Shadow Kyogre.
  • Sceptile: Without its Mega Evolution, Sceptile is still a viable option. It has a good attack stat and can learn moves like Bullet Seed and Frenzy Plant. Sceptile is a solid choice for players who may not have access to the Mega Evolution but still want a strong Grass-type attacker.

Honorable Mentions

  • Xurkitree: This Electric-type Ultra Beast boasts an exceptionally high special attack stat, making it a potent choice against Shadow Kyogre. With moves like Thunder Shock and Discharge, Xurkitree can deal significant damage, though its defenses are somewhat lacking, requiring careful play.
  • Tapu Bulu: As a Grass/Fairy-type, Tapu Bulu brings a unique set of resistances and attacks to the table. It can learn moves like Bullet Seed and Grass Knot, making it a solid choice for players looking for a different approach to the raid. Tapu Bulu’s dual-typing also provides some strategic advantages in certain matchups.

Team Building Strategy with 2 Locals

Raiding with only two people can be challenging, especially against a Shadow Pokémon like Shadow Kyogre. The key is to maximize your damage output and ensure your team can survive long enough to deal sufficient damage. Here’s a strategy for building an effective team with two local players:

  1. Maximize Type Effectiveness: Focus on bringing Pokémon that have a double-type advantage or high-damage moves that exploit Shadow Kyogre’s weaknesses. Prioritize Electric and Grass-type attackers to deal the most damage.
  2. Mega Evolution Synergy: Coordinate with your partner to bring complementary Mega Evolutions. For example, if one player brings Mega Manectric to boost Electric-type damage, the other player can bring a strong Grass-type attacker like Mega Sceptile to maximize overall damage output. Synergizing Mega Evolutions can significantly boost your team's performance.
  3. Weather Boost Consideration: Pay attention to the weather in your game. Rainy weather boosts Electric-type attacks, while Sunny weather boosts Grass-type attacks. Take advantage of these boosts to increase your damage output even further. A weather-boosted team can make a substantial difference in a two-person raid.
  4. Revive and Potion Management: Be prepared to use plenty of Revives and Potions. Shadow Pokémon hit hard, so your Pokémon will likely faint multiple times during the raid. Having a good supply of these items will allow you to keep your team in the fight and maintain your damage output. Effective resource management is crucial for success.
  5. Communicate with Your Partner: Communication is key when raiding with a small group. Coordinate your Pokémon choices, Mega Evolutions, and attack strategies. Call out Shadow Kyogre’s moves and plan accordingly. Clear communication will help you and your partner stay on the same page and optimize your performance.

Raid Strategy for Two Locals

Okay, so you've got your team ready. Now, let's talk strategy. Raiding with just two people against a Shadow Legendary requires a coordinated effort and a deep understanding of the battle mechanics. It's totally doable, guys, but you need to be smart about it.

Pre-Raid Preparation

Before you even step into the raid, make sure you're fully prepared. This means stocking up on essential items, optimizing your Pokémon, and understanding the battle mechanics. Proper preparation can significantly increase your chances of success against Shadow Kyogre.

  • Stock Up on Items: Potions, Super Potions, Hyper Potions, Max Potions, Revives, and Max Revives are crucial for keeping your team in the fight. Shadow Pokémon hit hard, so you'll likely need to heal and revive your Pokémon multiple times during the raid. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of each item to keep your team strong.
  • Optimize Your Pokémon: Power up your Pokémon to their maximum level to ensure they have the highest possible stats. Use TMs (Technical Machines) to teach your Pokémon the best movesets for the raid. Optimal movesets can significantly increase your damage output, so don't overlook this step.
  • Weather Conditions: Check the in-game weather forecast before starting the raid. Rainy weather boosts Electric-type moves, while Sunny weather boosts Grass-type moves. Use this information to your advantage by selecting Pokémon that benefit from the current weather conditions. Weather boosts can provide a significant edge in battle.
  • Buddy Pokémon Boost: Set your Buddy Pokémon to one that provides useful bonuses, such as CP boost or assistance in catching. A high-level Buddy Pokémon can contribute significantly to your team's overall strength. The right Buddy Pokémon can make a noticeable difference in the raid.

In-Raid Battle Tactics

During the raid, your battle tactics are just as important as your team composition. Smart play and quick decision-making can turn the tide of the battle in your favor. Here are some tactics to employ during the Shadow Kyogre raid:

  • Dodging Charged Attacks: Dodging Charged Attacks can help you minimize damage and keep your Pokémon in the fight longer. Pay attention to the visual cues and timing of the attacks to successfully dodge them. Dodging effectively can significantly increase your team’s survivability.
  • Strategic Switching: Don't hesitate to switch out your Pokémon if they're taking too much damage or if Shadow Kyogre uses a Charged Attack that's super effective against them. Switching to a more resistant Pokémon can help you conserve your team’s health and stay in the battle longer. Strategic switching is crucial for maintaining your damage output.
  • Communicate with Your Partner: Coordinate your attacks and strategies with your raid partner. If one player’s Pokémon is about to faint, the other player can step in with a fresh attacker. Clear communication can help you maximize your damage output and ensure a coordinated effort. Teamwork is essential for success in a two-person raid.
  • Mega Evolution Timing: Coordinate the use of Mega Evolutions to maximize their impact. Mega Evolving at the right time can provide a significant boost to your team’s damage output. For example, Mega Evolving Mega Manectric before unleashing a series of Electric-type attacks can significantly increase the damage dealt.

Leveraging Party Power

Party Power is a relatively new feature in Pokémon GO that can provide a significant boost in raids, especially when battling with a smaller group. Understanding and leveraging Party Power can be the key to victory in a two-person raid against Shadow Kyogre.

  • What is Party Power? Party Power is a temporary boost that players in the same party can activate during a raid. When activated, Party Power charges up a special attack that can deal significant damage to the raid boss. This feature is designed to help smaller groups of players compete against challenging raid bosses.
  • How to Charge Party Power: To charge Party Power, party members need to use Fast Attacks. Each Fast Attack contributes to the Party Power meter. The more Fast Attacks you and your partner use, the faster the meter will fill. Encourage your partner to use Fast Attacks frequently to maximize the charging speed.
  • When to Use Party Power: Timing is crucial when using Party Power. It's best to activate the charged attack when Shadow Kyogre is vulnerable, such as after it has used a Charged Attack and is in a recovery animation. You can also coordinate with your partner to use it when you have other damage boosts active, such as weather boosts or Mega Evolution bonuses. Timing the use of Party Power correctly can significantly increase the damage dealt.

Catching Shadow Kyogre

Congratulations, you've defeated Shadow Kyogre! Now comes the exciting part: catching it. Shadow Pokémon can be a bit trickier to catch than regular Pokémon, but with a few tips and tricks, you can add this powerful Pokémon to your team.

Pre-Catch Preparations

Before you start throwing Poké Balls, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of catching Shadow Kyogre. These preparations can make a significant difference in your success rate.

  • Use Golden Razz Berries: Golden Razz Berries significantly increase your catch rate. Use them liberally, especially if Shadow Kyogre is proving difficult to catch. These berries are your best friend when it comes to catching tough raid bosses.
  • Curveball Throws: Curveball throws have a higher catch rate than straight throws. Practice your curveball technique to increase your chances of landing a successful throw. Consistent curveball throws can greatly improve your catch rate.
  • Aim for Great or Excellent Throws: Aiming for Great or Excellent throws further increases your catch rate. Take your time and aim carefully to land these throws. Practice makes perfect, so don't rush your throws.

Shadow Pokémon Catch Mechanics

Shadow Pokémon have a unique catch mechanic that you should be aware of. They tend to be more aggressive and move around more, making them harder to hit. Here are some tips for dealing with these challenges:

  • Patience is Key: Wait for Shadow Kyogre to settle down before throwing your Poké Ball. Don't throw when it's attacking or moving erratically. Timing your throws is crucial for success.
  • Observe Attack Patterns: Pay attention to Shadow Kyogre's attack patterns. It will often have a predictable sequence of movements. Time your throws to coincide with these patterns to increase your chances of hitting.
  • Use the Circle Lock Technique: The Circle Lock Technique involves setting the size of the catch circle and timing your throw so that the Poké Ball lands inside the circle when it’s at its smallest. This technique can greatly increase your chances of landing a Great or Excellent throw.

Post-Catch Considerations

Once you've caught Shadow Kyogre, there are a few things to keep in mind. Shadow Pokémon require special care and attention, so let's cover the essentials.

  • Purification: You have the option to purify your Shadow Kyogre, which will make it stronger and reduce the Stardust and Candy cost for powering it up. However, purified Pokémon lose the Shadow bonus, which increases their damage output. Consider your strategy and whether you prefer the raw power of a Shadow Pokémon or the cost savings of a purified one.
  • Move Re-rolls: If your Shadow Kyogre has suboptimal moves, you can use TMs to re-roll them. Aim for the best moveset to maximize its effectiveness in battles and raids. A Pokémon with the right moves can be a game-changer.
  • Candy and Stardust Investment: Shadow Kyogre is a powerful Pokémon, so it's worth investing Candy and Stardust to power it up. Prioritize maxing out its CP to make it a formidable addition to your team. A strong Shadow Kyogre can be a valuable asset in your battles.

Conclusion

Taking down Shadow Kyogre with just two local players is a challenging but achievable feat. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, building a strategic team, and employing effective battle tactics, you can emerge victorious. Remember to coordinate with your partner, leverage Party Power, and be patient during the catch encounter. With the right preparation and execution, you'll be adding this powerful Shadow Pokémon to your collection in no time. Good luck, trainers, and happy raiding!

Remember to use the friend code 774171049084 to connect with other trainers and coordinate your raids. Let's conquer Shadow Kyogre together!