Ultra Beast Xurkitree is returning to raids in Pokémon Go. The Ultra Beasts have very limited availability and are pretty tough. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to beat them.
Who is Xurkitree in Pokémon Go?
UB-03 Lighting, Xurkitree is the second of the Ultra Beasts, a special class of Legendary Pokémon found only in Ultra Space. Very rarely, Ultra Wormholes will appear in the Alola region, providing people and Pokémon alike with the ability to cross between the Pokémon world and Ultra Space.
In terms of gameplay, Xurkitree is a pure Electric type with an insanely high attack stat. Currently, its moveset leaves something to be desired, but even with its current limitations, this is not a raid you're going to want to skip! Also, be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped for all these raids!
Mega counters
There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Xurkitree, but currently, there aren't any suitable Ground type Mega Pokémon in Pokémon Go. For now, we're waiting on the debut of Mega Swampert, Mega Camerupt, or Mega Garchomp, but until then, there are still some decent options.
Mega Gengar
The top performing Mega Pokémon in this raid is Mega Gengar. As a Poison and Ghost type, it resists both Fairy and Grass type damage, while taking normal damage from Electric type moves. If you're bringing Mega Gengar to this fight, you'll want it to know Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball.
Mega Alakazam
Mega Alakazam is another great choice for this raid. It's a pure Psychic type so it has no weaknesses Xurkitree can exploit, but it won't be providing a same type Mega Boost in this raid. Confusion and Psychic are the best moves for Alakazam here.
Mega Latios
Another strong performing Mega Pokémon is Mega Latios. It's a Dragon and Psychic type so it resists Electric and Grass type damage, but is weak to Fairy type moves. Mega Latios's best moveset for this fight is Dragon Breath and Psychic.
Honorable mentions
While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid:
- Mega Beedrill with Bug Bite and Drill Run
- Mega Kangaskhan with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
- Mega Banette with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
- Mega Charizard Y with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
- Mega Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
- Mega Charizard X with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
- Mega Latias with Dragon Breath and Psychic
Top counters
Xurkitree is a pure Electric type with access to Electric, Fairy, and Grass type moves. Its only weakness is Ground type.
Landorus (Therian)
One of the Legendary Forces of Nature, Landorus (Therian) is the top counter for Xurkitree, including Megas and Shadows. This Flying and Ground type resists Electric type damage and has no weaknesses the Ultra Beast can exploit. Although his Therian forme hasn't been available as often as his Incarnate forme, both share candy, making it easier to power up. If you're bringing a Therian Landorus to this fight, you'll want him to know Mud Shot and Earthquake.
Garchomp
Another great option for this fight is a pseudo-Legendary from the Sinnoh Region, Garchomp. This Ground and Dragon type is weak to Fairy type damage, but resists Electric type moves. Although its first stage, Gible isn't very common normally, it has had the Community Day treatment and been featured in other events, so most active players have had the chance to catch and evolve this Pokémon. Mud Shot and Earth Power are the moves you'll want your Garchomp to know when facing Xurkitree.
Excadrill
The Unovan native Excadrill is another great choice for this fight. It's a Ground and Steel type, which means it resists Fairy and Electric type moves and has no relevant weaknesses. Excadrill is also readily available, requiring only 50 candy to fully evolve its common first stage. If you're bringing Excadrill to fight Xurkitree, you'll want Mud-Slap and Drill Run for its moveset.
Rhyperior
Another great counter for Xurkitree is the Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen I's Rhyhorn, Rhyperior. This Ground and Rock type resists Electric type damage, but has a double weakness to Grass, so moveset is important. Rhyperior and Rhyhorn have been featured in many events, including Community Day, so most active players have at least one or two already powered up. If you're bringing Rhyperior to this fight, you'll want Mud-Slap for its fast move and Earthquake for its charged move.
Groudon
Next up is the Legendary mascot of Pokémon Ruby, Groudon. Groudon is a pure Ground type, so Grass type moves will hit for super effective damage, but it resists Electric type damage. Having been featured in several raids, Special Research, Research Breakthrough Rewards, and even in the Pokémon Go Battle League, there's no good reason for active players not to have at least one already powered up. Mud Shot and Earthquake are the moves you'll want your Groudon to know when facing this Ultra Beast.
Landorus (Incarnate)
Although its Therian forme performs better, Landorus (Incarnate) is also a top counter for Xurkitree. It's also a Ground and Flying type, so it will resists Electric type damage while having no weaknesses the Ultra Beast can exploit. It's also the more common forme of Landorus, so most active players probably already have one or two powered up and ready for this fight. If you're bringing an Incarnate Landorus to this raid, it should know Mud Shot and Earth Power.
Krookodile
Originally encountered in the Unova region of Gen V, Krookodile is a great counter for Xurkitree. It's a Dark and Ground type, which means it resists Electric type damage, but is weak to both Grass and Fairy type moves. Another downside to Krookodile is just how hard it is to get. It can only be evolved and its first stage can only be hatched from 12KM Strange Eggs rescued from the Leaders of Team GO Rocket. Still, if you have one, you'll want it to know Mud-Slap and Earthquake for this raid.
Golurk
Another Unovan native, Golurk performs very well against Xurkitree. This Ghost and Ground type resists Electric type damage, but Grass type moves will hit extra hard. Golurk is very obtainable, having been featured in multiple events on top of eggs and the wild. Mud-Slap and Earth Power are the ideal moves for Golurk in this fight.
Mamoswine
Another excellent counter for Xurkitree is Gen IV's Mamoswine. This Ground and Ice type is weak to Grass type damage, but resists Electric type moves. Mamoswine and its line have also been featured in events, including Community Day, so most active players have had the chance to catch and evolve this woolly mammoth Pokémon. If you're bringing Mamoswine to this fight, Mud-Slap and Bulldoze are the best moves it can know.
Regigigas
Last but not least is the master of the Legendary golems, Regigigas. This Normal type brings no relevant resistances or weaknesses to this raid, but more than makes up for it with its bulk. Although it was originally limited to paid Special Research, Regigigas has since had a couple runs in raids, so there's a good chance you already have one powered up and ready for this fight. Hidden Power (Ground) and Giga Impact are its best moves when facing Xurkitree.
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:
- Mewtwo with Confusion and Psystrike
- Donphan with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
- Ursaluna with Tackle and High Horsepower
- Kartana with Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade
- Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Haxorus with Dragon Tail and Earthquake
- Reshiram with Fire Fang and Overheat
- Flygon with Mud Shot and Earth Power
- Hoopa (Unbound) with Confusion and Psychic
- Nidoking with Fury Cutter and Earth Power
- Ho-Oh with Hidden Power (Ground) and Earthquake
- Rayquaza with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Hippowdon with Ice Fang and Earth Power
- Latios with Dragon Breath and Psychic
- Shaymin (Sky) with Hidden Power (Ground) and Grass Knot
- Salamence with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
- Zekrom with Dragon Breath and Outrage
- Gigalith with Mud-Slap and Meteor Beam
- Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Earthquake
- Giratina (Origin) with Shadow Claw and Shadow Force
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 Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Bulldoze
- Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike
- Shadow Ursaluna with Tackle and High Horsepower
- Shadow Nidoking with Fury Cutter and Earth Power
- Shadow Latios with Dragon Breath and Psychic
- Shadow Ho-Oh with Hidden Power (Ground) and Earthquake
- Shadow Hippowdon with Fire Fang and Earth Power
- Shadow Golurk with Mud-Slap and Earth Power
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
- Shadow Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Earthquake
- Shadow Nidoqueen with Poison Jab and Earth Power
- Shadow Camerupt with Ember and Earth Power
- Shadow Golem with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
Note: Shadow Mamoswine, Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Ursaluna, and Shadow Nidoking perform on par with the best counters list.
More details
Under the best conditions, two top level players can beat Xurkitree. If you're a lower level player, lacking the best counters, or just unsure, you should aim for four or five players.
Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:
- Rain will boost Xurkitree's Electric type moves
- Sunny/Clear Weather will boost its Grass type move, as well as your Ground type counters
- Cloudy/Overcast Weather will boost its Fairy type move
Don't miss your chance to catch Xurkitree in Pokémon Go!
Xurkitree 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!
