Master Kyurem Raids: Catching Kyurem In Pokémon GO
Hey there, fellow trainers! Are you ready to tackle the chill and add a seriously cool, frosty dragon to your Pokémon GO collection? We're talking about Kyurem, the mighty legendary Dragon/Ice-type Pokémon from the Unova region. When Kyurem makes its grand entrance in 5-star raids, it’s an event that no serious player wants to miss. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey to become a Pokémon Master, understanding how to effectively challenge and catch Kyurem is absolutely crucial. This guide is your ultimate playbook, designed to walk you through everything you need to know, from assembling the perfect team to mastering that tricky catch, all while keeping things super casual and friendly. Let’s dive in and get you ready to conquer those icy raids, guys!
Kyurem isn't just any legendary; it's a creature of immense power, often referred to as the "Boundary Pokémon." In Pokémon GO, Kyurem brings a unique typing that makes it a formidable opponent and a fantastic addition to your roster. Its Dragon/Ice typing gives it both incredible offensive potential and some distinct weaknesses that we can exploit. Getting a good Kyurem means securing a strong attacker for future raids, gym battles, and even some GO Battle League action, especially in the Master League. We'll be focusing on the standard Kyurem for now, but keep in mind that its potential fusion forms, Black Kyurem and White Kyurem, could make an appearance down the line, so investing in a strong base Kyurem is a smart move for future-proofing your team. Trust me, having a powerful Kyurem is like having a secret weapon in your back pocket. So, grab your best battle gear, stock up on those potions, and let’s prepare to face this frosty beast head-on! We're going to make sure you're fully equipped to not just survive these encounters, but to dominate them. Let's get this legendary Pokémon added to your Pokedex, shall we?
What's the Deal with Kyurem Raids, Guys?
Alright, so Kyurem raids are a big deal in Pokémon GO, and understanding what makes this legendary Pokémon tick is your first step towards victory. Kyurem is a Generation V legendary known for its imposing presence and unique Dragon/Ice typing. This dual typing is a double-edged sword: it grants Kyurem resistances to Water, Grass, Electric, and its own Ice type, but it also leaves it vulnerable to a surprisingly diverse array of attack types. When Kyurem appears in 5-star raids, it means you're up against a truly powerful foe, one that demands careful planning and a well-coordinated team. Unlike some other legendaries, Kyurem's unique combination of types makes it a versatile attacker for your own team, capable of dishing out serious damage in both PvE (Player vs Environment, like raids and gyms) and PvP (Player vs Player, like the GO Battle League). Its base form, the one we typically encounter in raids, is just the beginning of its potential; lore-wise, Kyurem can fuse with Zekrom or Reshiram to become Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, respectively, which are even more formidable. While these fusion forms aren't available in Pokémon GO yet, having a strong regular Kyurem is an excellent foundation for when they eventually arrive. So, think of catching Kyurem now as an investment in your future Pokémon GO career!
Kyurem's Dragon/Ice typing means it's one of the few Pokémon that can effectively utilize both these powerful attack types. As a raid boss, it can come with a variety of fast and charged moves, making it unpredictable if you don't know its potential movesets. Common fast moves include Dragon Breath and Steel Wing, while charged moves can range from Dragon Claw, Icy Wind, to the powerful Glaciate. Understanding these potential moves helps you anticipate and prepare. For example, if Kyurem has Dragon-type moves, your own Dragon counters will take super effective damage, so you might want to pivot to Rock, Fighting, or Steel types. Conversely, if it has Ice-type moves, your Grass or Ground types would be in trouble. This strategic thinking is what separates a good trainer from a great one! Remember, guys, knowledge is power in these legendary battles. Preparing for Kyurem isn't just about bringing strong Pokémon; it's about bringing the right strong Pokémon that can withstand its assaults while dealing maximum damage back. Don't underestimate the importance of type matchups here – they're the bread and butter of Pokémon battles, especially against a legendary like Kyurem. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of which Pokémon will make Kyurem regret ever showing up to the raid!
Preparing for Battle: The Best Kyurem Counters
Alright, guys, let's talk Kyurem counters – this is where the rubber meets the road! To take down this frosty dragon, we need to exploit its weaknesses. Due to its unique Dragon/Ice typing, Kyurem is weak to Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. Now, while Dragon types are effective, be careful, as Kyurem's own Dragon-type moves can hit back for super effective damage. Generally, it's safer to prioritize the other types unless your Dragon counters are exceptionally bulky or you're running with a large group. Our goal is to assemble a team of six Pokémon that can dish out massive damage and withstand Kyurem's attacks, ensuring you contribute significantly to the raid and secure that catch opportunity. Let’s break down the absolute best options for your raid party.
First up, for Fighting-type counters, you simply can't go wrong with powerhouses like Conkeldurr (Counter/Dynamic Punch), Machamp (Counter/Dynamic Punch), and Lucario (Counter/Aura Sphere). These guys are absolute beasts against Kyurem, especially if it doesn't have a Flying-type fast move like Steel Wing. Even better, if you have a Shadow Machamp or Shadow Conkeldurr, they'll perform even more spectacularly due to their increased attack stat, making them some of the top-tier choices for this raid. Next, we move onto Rock-type attackers. Here, Rampardos (Smack Down/Rock Slide) is an absolute glass cannon, hitting incredibly hard, though it might faint quickly. Rhyperior (Smack Down/Rock Wrecker) is another fantastic option, offering both great attack and more bulk. Don't forget about Terrakion (Smack Down/Sacred Sword or Rock Slide), a legendary itself that excels in this matchup. Again, if you've got a Shadow Tyranitar or Shadow Aerodactyl with Rock-type moves, they'll deliver exceptional damage, often surpassing their regular counterparts. These Pokémon will deal super effective damage and take neutral or resisted damage from Kyurem’s Dragon and Ice attacks, making them very reliable choices.
Steel-type Pokémon are also incredibly effective, and one stands head and shoulders above the rest: Metagross. With Bullet Punch and the incredible Charged Attack Meteor Mash, Metagross is a Kyurem-destroying machine. Its Steel typing resists Dragon and Ice, allowing it to stay on the field longer while dishing out consistent, super effective damage. If you have a Shadow Metagross, it's almost unfair how powerful it becomes! For Fairy-type counters, Togekiss (Charm/Dazzling Gleam) and Gardevoir (Charm/Dazzling Gleam) are excellent choices. They provide solid damage and have a crucial resistance to Dragon-type attacks, making them particularly useful if Kyurem is sporting Dragon Breath or Dragon Claw. Lastly, while Dragon-type counters like Rayquaza, Palkia, and Dialga with Dragon Tail/Outrage are incredibly powerful, they are also vulnerable to Kyurem’s own Dragon attacks. Use them with caution and preferably in larger raid groups where you won't be relying on their bulk as much. If you're looking to maximize your damage output even further, consider bringing a Mega Evolution! Mega Blaziken (for Fighting boost), Mega Aerodactyl (for Rock boost), Mega Metagross (if released, for Steel boost), or Mega Gardevoir (for Fairy boost) will not only deal massive damage themselves but also provide an attack bonus to all other Pokémon of the same type on the field, significantly increasing your entire raid group's DPS. This cooperative aspect of Mega Evolution can truly turn the tide in tough raids, so communicate with your raid buddies and strategize which Mega to deploy!
Crafting Your Dream Team: Raid Strategy 101
Building your ultimate Kyurem raid team isn't just about picking six strong Pokémon; it's about smart strategy and understanding how to maximize your damage output and survivability. This is where we differentiate between just showing up and actually dominating the raid, guys! First and foremost, team composition is key. Aim for a diverse set of Kyurem counters that cover multiple weaknesses, but lean heavily into your strongest Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fairy types. Having a couple of options for each type can be beneficial, especially if Kyurem's moveset changes between raids. For instance, if you encounter a Kyurem with Dragon-type moves, having a strong Fairy or Steel attacker ready to swap in will be a lifesaver for your Dragon counters. Don't just auto-select; manually pick your team based on the best counters we discussed earlier, ensuring they have the optimal fast and charged attacks. Maxed-out Pokémon are obviously ideal, but even strong, high-level Pokémon with great IVs will do the trick if you have enough trainers in your group.
One of the biggest game-changers in Pokémon GO raids is the proper use of Mega Evolutions. As we touched upon, a Mega-evolved Pokémon on the field doesn't just boost its own power; it provides an attack bonus to all other Pokémon of the same type currently battling. For example, if someone deploys a Mega Blaziken, all Fighting-type Pokémon on the field (from all trainers in the raid) will deal an extra 30% damage, or 10% for other types. This is huge for coordinated groups! Try to coordinate with your raid party to ensure you have a Mega Evolution active that boosts your primary counter types. If most of your group is using Fighting types, a Mega Blaziken is perfect. If it's a mix, a Mega that boosts multiple types (like Mega Latios/Latias for Dragon, though risky) or a generally powerful one can still be effective. Communication is vital here, so use your raid chat or local groups to decide who brings what. Beyond Megas, don't underestimate the power of Friendship Bonuses. Battling alongside Good, Great, Ultra, or Best Friends gives you a damage boost, with Best Friends providing the highest bonus. So, make sure you're raiding with your in-game friends whenever possible! These bonuses stack, making even smaller groups surprisingly powerful.
Considering weather boosts is another strategic layer. If the weather is Windy, Kyurem's Dragon-type attacks will be boosted, making it more dangerous, but it will also boost your own Dragon-type counters. If it's Snowy, Kyurem's Ice-type attacks are boosted, but so are your Steel-type counters. Use this to your advantage! A Snowy day is perfect for bringing out those Metagrosses. Conversely, if Kyurem's moves are boosted against your primary counters, you might need a larger group or more resilient Pokémon. In terms of battle mechanics, the age-old debate of dodging vs. pure DPS comes up. In larger raid groups (6+ trainers), it's often more beneficial to go all out, focusing on dealing as much damage as possible before your Pokémon faint. The sheer number of attackers means you won't lose much by having Pokémon faint and quickly swapping them out. However, in smaller groups (3-4 trainers), dodging charged attacks can be crucial for keeping your Pokémon alive longer, thus maintaining consistent damage and avoiding costly revives. Practice those dodges, especially if you're trying to 2-man or 3-man a Kyurem raid! And a final, but absolutely crucial, tip: always make sure you're well-stocked on Revives and Potions before heading into a raid. Nothing's worse than running out mid-battle and not being able to re-enter with your healed team. A little preparation goes a long way, guys, trust me!
Mastering the Catch: Pinap, Berries, and Throws
Alright, you've battled valiantly, dealt massive damage, and Kyurem is defeated! Now comes the moment of truth: mastering the catch. This is where many trainers get tripped up, especially with legendary Pokémon. Don't let your hard work go to waste, guys! Your primary goal here is to maximize your chances of getting Kyurem into that Poké Ball. First and foremost, Golden Razz Berries are your best friends. Seriously, these are non-negotiable for legendary catches. Use one every single time before you throw a Premier Ball. The boost to the catch rate they provide is simply unparalleled, and hoarding them for regular Pokémon is a rookie mistake. Save those Golden Razz Berries for the legendaries, Kyurem included!
While Golden Razz Berries are king, if you're swimming in Golden Razz and desperately need Kyurem candy, a Silver Pinap Berry can be a tempting alternative. These berries offer a slight catch rate increase and double the candy you get if you succeed. However, this is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Only consider using Silver Pinap if you're extremely confident in your throwing skills and have plenty of Premier Balls to spare, or if you've already caught a few Kyurem and are just hunting for candy. For your first few Kyurem catches, stick to the Golden Razz, always. Now, let's talk throws. Your goal should always be to land an Excellent Curveball Throw. This combination provides the highest catch rate multiplier. Practice makes perfect here! Legendaries typically have a large hit circle that can be a bit tricky. A common strategy is the "circle lock trick": hold your finger on the Poké Ball until the circle shrinks to an "Excellent" size, then release your finger. Wait for Kyurem to attack, and as it's returning to its normal position (usually just as the attack animation finishes), throw your curveball. This way, you're throwing when the circle is at its optimal size, and Kyurem isn't attacking to swat your ball away. Mastering this trick will significantly increase your catch rate for all legendaries, not just Kyurem.
Remember to always throw curveballs! Not only do they grant extra XP (which is always a bonus!), but they also provide a small but significant boost to your catch rate compared to straight throws. Every little bit helps when you're trying to snag a rare legendary. And don't rush the process, guys. Kyurem will often move around or attack frequently. Be patient, wait for that perfect opening, and then strike! Don't just wildly fling balls. If Kyurem is moving to the side or up and down, wait for it to return to a more central position. You've earned this catch, so take your time and make each Premier Ball count. Finally, keep an eye out for a Shiny Kyurem! Like many legendary raid bosses, Kyurem can be encountered in its rare shiny form. If you see a different color palette after the raid, get ready to celebrate, because shiny legendaries have a 100% catch rate (as long as you hit the Pokémon with the ball!), so you can even use a Pinap Berry for double candy without worry! Good luck, trainers, may those Premier Balls be kind to you!
Why Kyurem is a Game-Changer: PvE and PvP Utility
So, you’ve successfully raided and caught your Kyurem – congrats, trainer! But why is this icy dragon a game-changer for your roster? Kyurem isn't just a trophy; it's a versatile Pokémon that brings significant utility to both the PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player) aspects of Pokémon GO. Let’s break down why investing in a strong Kyurem, powering it up, and teaching it the right moves is a super smart move for any serious player, guys.
In the realm of PvE, which includes tackling raids, gym battles, and Team GO Rocket encounters, Kyurem shines as a formidable Ice-type attacker. With a moveset like Dragon Breath (Fast Attack) and Glaciate or Icy Wind (Charged Attacks), Kyurem becomes a top-tier Ice-type damage dealer. Ice-type attacks are super effective against Dragon, Grass, Ground, and Flying types, making Kyurem a fantastic counter for many common raid bosses and gym defenders. Think about bosses like Rayquaza, Landorus, Groudon, Zekrom, or even other Dragon-type legendaries – Kyurem can often stand its ground and dish out significant super effective damage. While it can also learn Dragon-type moves like Dragon Claw, its Ice-type utility is often where it truly stands out, as there are fewer strong Ice attackers compared to Dragon. A high IV Kyurem powered up to level 40 or even 50 (with XL candy) can become a cornerstone of your raid teams, especially when you need to exploit those crucial Ice weaknesses. Don't underestimate the power of its signature move, Glaciate; it's a hard-hitting charged attack that can turn the tide in many battles, especially when Kyurem is weather-boosted in Snowy weather, making its Ice attacks even more devastating. Its decent bulk also means it can take a few hits while delivering its powerful attacks.
Now, let's talk PvP, specifically the GO Battle League. Kyurem finds its niche primarily in the Master League, where its high Combat Power (CP) and unique typing can give it an edge. In Master League, Kyurem's Dragon/Ice typing provides excellent offensive coverage. It can hit many common Master League threats for super effective damage. Its preferred moveset often involves Dragon Breath for fast energy generation and consistent damage, paired with Dragon Claw (for baiting shields and consistent Dragon damage) and Glaciate or Icy Wind (for powerful Ice-type coverage and potential debuffs). Glaciate, in particular, not only deals good damage but also has a chance to debuff the opponent's attack, making Kyurem surprisingly bulky and capable of flipping matchups. While it might struggle against pure Steel types (like Metagross or Dialga), it can put immense pressure on Dragon, Ground, and Flying-type opponents. Furthermore, remember the potential for Black Kyurem and White Kyurem to be released in the future. These forms are astronomically powerful in the main series games, and if they arrive in Pokémon GO, they would likely be absolute monsters in the Master League and PvE alike. Having a strong base Kyurem now means you'll be well-prepared to power up or potentially fuse it when these even stronger forms eventually arrive, making your investment in Kyurem a truly forward-thinking strategy. So, get that Kyurem to a high level, give it the right moves, and watch it dominate!
Finding Your Raid Group (Even Without the Numbers!)
Okay, guys, we’ve covered all the battle tactics and catch strategies, but there’s one crucial element to successfully raiding a legendary like Kyurem: your raid group! While those numerical codes (like the ones in the original title) might seem like the primary way to find friends for remote raids, building a strong local community or knowing where to find fellow trainers is still incredibly important for in-person raids and overall enjoyment of the game. You simply cannot take down a 5-star legendary by yourself; Kyurem is a tough cookie, and you’ll need at least 4-5 high-level trainers with strong counters, or even more if your group is less optimized. Coordination is absolutely key here.
So, where do you find these elusive trainers? The first place to look is your local Pokémon GO community. Many cities and towns have dedicated Discord servers, Facebook Messenger groups, WhatsApp chats, or even local subreddits specifically for Pokémon GO players. These communities are fantastic for organizing raids, sharing tips, and connecting with trainers in your area. A quick search on Facebook or Reddit for "Pokémon GO [Your City Name]" will often yield results. These groups are usually buzzing with activity when a new legendary like Kyurem is in raids, with players organizing meet-ups at specific gyms. Don't be shy to introduce yourself and ask where people are raiding! People are generally super friendly and happy to help new members get into the raid action. This is the absolute best way to ensure you have enough people when an in-person Kyurem raid pops up near you.
Another fantastic tool, often underutilized, is the official Niantic app called Campfire. This app is designed specifically for Pokémon GO players to find local raids, coordinate with nearby trainers, and even light flares to signal interest in a specific raid. If you see a Kyurem raid egg about to hatch or an active raid nearby, you can light a flare on Campfire, and other local players using the app will see it, indicating that you're looking for a group. It’s a game-changer for spontaneous raiding and connecting with folks in your immediate vicinity. While the original prompt hinted at specific numbers for friends (like the 9789 9701 9577 example), those are typically friend codes for remote raids. And yes, remote raiding is a perfectly valid and often necessary way to catch Kyurem, especially if your local community is small or you’re raiding at odd hours. Using apps like Pokegenie or even just sharing your trainer code in those aforementioned Discord groups allows you to invite or be invited to raids from anywhere in the world. Just remember that remote raid passes are a premium item, so use them wisely! Ultimately, the message is simple: don’t raid alone! Whether it's through a local group, the Campfire app, or remote invitations, collaborating with other trainers is essential for taking down Kyurem and securing that legendary catch. The more people you raid with, the easier and more fun it becomes, so get out there and connect with your fellow trainers, guys! Happy raiding and good luck with those Kyurem encounters!
Conquer the Chill, Catch the Power!
Alright, trainers, you're now fully equipped to master Kyurem raids in Pokémon GO! We’ve covered everything from understanding Kyurem's unique Dragon/Ice typing and its weaknesses to assembling your dream team of counters, leveraging Mega Evolutions and Friendship Bonuses, and even nailing those critical catch mechanics. Remember, preparation is your greatest weapon. Stock up on those Golden Razz Berries, ensure your top counters are powered up and have the best movesets, and most importantly, coordinate with your fellow trainers. Whether you're battling in person or remotely, strong teamwork makes all the difference when facing a legendary like Kyurem. This icy dragon is a fantastic addition to any roster, offering incredible power for both PvE and PvP, and setting you up for future legendary challenges. So go forth, challenge the Boundary Pokémon, and add its awesome power to your collection. Good luck, have fun, and may your throws always be excellent! You've got this, guys! Now get out there and catch 'em all!