Kyurem is coming back to Pokémon Go. It's been a while since we've had the chance to battle this Legendary Pokémon, but fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to win this fight and add Kyurem to your roster.
Who is Kyurem in Pokémon Go?
Kyurem is part of a group of Legendary Dragon type Pokémon and the mascots of the Gen V games Pokémon Black, Pokémon White, Pokémon Black 2, and Pokémon White 2. 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. Kyurem is unique among the Tao Trio in that it is capable of fusing with the other two to form Black Kyurem and White Kyurem.
Currently, Kyurem is the least useful of the Tao Trio due to a poor moveset. However, once it's given the ability to fuse, it will really stand out. It would also be a powerful Ice type if given its signature move or any Ice type fast move. You won't want to skip this raid , so be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories, so you're fully equipped.
Mega counters
There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Kyurem, focusing on some of its weaknesses: Dragon, Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fairy type.
Mega Blaziken
The best performing Mega in this raid is Mega Blaziken. It's a Fire and Fighting type, so it resists both Ice and Steel type damage. The best moveset for Blaziken against Kyurem is Counter and Focus Blast.
Mega Latios
Another great option for facing Kyurem is Mega Legendary, Mega Latios. As a Dragon and Psychic type, it takes super effective damage from both Dragon and Ice type moves; however, it's the best option to provide a same type Mega Boost to Dragon types. If you're adding Latios to your team, it should know Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw.
Honorable mentions
While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid:
- Mega Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Mega Alakazam with Counter and Dazzling Gleam
- Mega Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Mega Aggron with Iron Tail and Meteor Beam
- Mega Scizor with Bullet Punch and Iron Head
- Mega Lopunny with Double Kick and Focus Blast
- Mega Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Mega Charizard Y with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
Top counters
Kyurem is a Dragon and Ice type with access to Ice, Dragon, and Steel type moves. Its weaknesses include Dragon, Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fairy types leaving room for several winning strategies.
Terrakion
Thanks to finally having its signature move, Terrakion is now the top standard counter in this raid. As a Rock and Fighting type, it takes super effective damage from Steel type moves. Terrakion has been in raids many times, so most active players have at least one powered up. Double Kick and Sacred Sword isthe moveset you're looking for. If you don't have its Legacy Move or an Elite TM to spare, Rock Slide can also work well in this raid, but Sacred Sword is dramatically better.
Metagross
Originally encountered in the Hoenn region, Metagross is next on our list. As a Steel and Psychic type, it resists all of Kyurem's potential moves. With a Shadow Pokémon variant and its own Community Day, most players have at least one or two strong Metagross. You'll want it to know Bullet Punch and it's Community Day exclusive move, Meteor Mash.
Lucario
Gen IV's Lucario is an excellent choice for facing Kyurem, if you have one that is. Lucario can only be gained by evolution and its first stage, Riolu is an incredibly rare hatch from 10 KM eggs, so many players don't have one at all. As a Steel and Fighting type, it resists Dragon, Ice, and Steel type damage, so it will last almost as long as Metagross. If you do have a Lucario, Counter and Aura Sphere are its ideal moves.
Conkeldurr
The final evolution of Timburr, Conkeldurr is a pure Fighting type from Gen V. It doesn't bring any notable resistances to the battle, but it's also not weak to any of Kyurem's attacks. Timburr is super common and it also benefits from Trade Evolution, leaving plenty of extra candy for powering up. If you're bringing Conkeldurr to this Raid, you'll want it to know Counter and Dynamic Punch.
Dialga
The mascot of Pokémon Diamond and the recently released, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Dialga is another great choice for this fight. As a Steel and Dragon type, it resists Steel type damage. Dialga has also had a few runs in raids now, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. Dragon Breath is the fast move you'll want, and Draco Meteor is the charged move of choice.
Rhyperior
The Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen I Rhyhorn, Rhyperior isn't my first choice for this raid. As a Ground and Rock type, it's taking increased damage from Ice and Steel type moves, but most players have at least one or two fully powered up (if not a whole team.) Rhyhorn has been around since the start and was featured in a Community Day. Plus Rhyperior is quite durable, even when taking super effective damage. If you do bring Rhyperior to this Raid, you'll want it to know Smack Down and Rock Wrecker.
Machamp
Gen I's Machamp is a pure Fighting type with widespread availability. With the addition of Trade Evolution, as well as its Community Day, there is no good excuse not to have a couple fully powered up Machamp in your roster. It's not quite as sturdy as Conkeldurr, but with Counter and Dynamic Punch, as well as no significant weaknesses, it will put the hurt on Kyurem.
Zacian (Hero of Many Battles)
The mascot of Pokémon Sword, Zacian makes a great counter for Kyurem. Although Zacian has two formes, only its Hero of Many Battles forme is available in Pokémon Go. As a pure Fairy type, it resists Steel type moves, but takes super effective damage from Dragon type. It has had a couple runs in raids, so you might already have one powered up. You'll want your Zacian to know Metal Claw and Play Rough for this fight.
Genesect
The Mythical Steel and Bug type from the Unova Region, Genesect performs quite well against Kyurem. It resists all of Kyurem's attacks and it has been far more common than Mythicals usually are in Pokémon Go. However, it's still fairly expensive to power up so plenty of Trainers only have a couple. If you are bringing Genesect to this raid, you'll want it to know Metal Claw and Magnet Bomb.
Cobalion
Last but not least is Legendary Sword of Justice, Cobalion. This Steel and Fighting type resists Ice, Dragon, and Steel type damage. Plus, Cobalion has had several runs in raids, so most active players have it already powered up. If you're adding this Legendary to your team, it should know Double Kick and Sacred Sword.
Back up counters
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:
- Excadrill with Metal Claw and Iron Head
- Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Zekrom with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Gigalith with Smack Down and Meteor Beam
- Virizion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Hariyama with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Jirachi with Confusion and Doom Desire
- Buzzwole with Counter and Superpower
- Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
- Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Haxorus with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Primarina with Charm and Moonblast
- Galarian Zapdos with Counter and Close Combat
- Xurkitree with Thunder Shock and Dazzling Gleam
- Keldeo (Ordinary) with Low Kick and Close Combat
Shadow counters
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 or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this raid:
- Shadow Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
- Shadow Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Shadow Hariyama with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
- Shadow Aggron with Smack Down and Meteor Beam
- Shadow Scizor with Bullet Punch and Iron Head
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike
- Shadow Latios with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
- Shadow Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
Note: This is an excellent raid for Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Metagross outperforms every other Pokémon in this raid. Every Shadow through Shadow Latios performs on par with other top counters before applying a same type Mega Boost.
More details
Kyurem is by far the easiest of the Tao Trio to beat. With the best counters, two high level players can do this raid alone. Even lower level players or those who lack the best counters shouldn't need more than four players to take on Kyurem.
Weather conditions that can impact this raid include:
- Snow will boost Kyurem's Ice and Steel type moves, as well as your Steel type counters
- Windy Weather will boost Kyurem's Dragon type moves, as well as your Dragon type counters
- Cloudy Weather will boost Fairy and Fighting type counters
- Partly Cloudy Weather will boost your Rock type counters
Don't miss your chance to catch Kyurem in Pokémon Go!
Kyurem will only be available in raids for a limited time so you don't want to miss this chance to battle and catch one. Also, be sure to check out our other Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
