Zekrom, the Deep Black Pokémon, is a dual Electric/Dragon Legendary Pokémon from Generation V, known for its power and challenging raids in Pokémon GO. This guide provides essential strategies and counters to help trainers defeat Zekrom in Tier 5 raids, ensuring success for both new and experienced players.
1.1 Overview of Zekrom as a Raid Boss
Zekrom, the Deep Black Pokémon, is a dual Electric/Dragon Legendary Pokémon and a formidable Tier 5 raid boss in Pokémon GO. With a CP of 53,394, it presents a significant challenge due to its high defense and powerful moves like Wild Charge and Crunch. Known for its versatility in battle, Zekrom’s Electric-type attacks are amplified in rainy or foggy weather, making it a force to be reckoned with. Its dual typing requires a strategic approach to exploit its weaknesses effectively and secure a victory.
1.2 Importance of Understanding Zekrom’s Weaknesses
Understanding Zekrom’s weaknesses is crucial for raid success. As a dual Electric/Dragon type, it’s vulnerable to Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves, which can significantly reduce its formidable defenses. By targeting these weaknesses with the right counters, trainers can minimize damage taken and maximize their team’s effectiveness. Ignoring these vulnerabilities can lead to prolonged battles and potential defeats, making knowledge of its weaknesses essential for any raid strategy against Zekrom.
Zekrom’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Zekrom is a powerful dual Electric/Dragon type with high CP and strong moves like Wild Charge. However, its weaknesses to Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy types make it vulnerable to specific counters.
2.1 Type Weaknesses: Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy
Zekrom’s dual Electric/Dragon typing leaves it susceptible to Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. Ground moves counter its Electric attacks, while Ice and Fairy types exploit its Dragon weaknesses. Dragon-type moves also deal super-effective damage, making them ideal for countering Zekrom effectively in raids. Understanding these weaknesses is crucial for selecting the best counters and maximizing damage output during battles.
2.2 Key Moves and Their Impact in Raids
Zekrom’s move set includes Dragon Breath, Wild Charge, and Crunch, each posing significant threats in raids. Dragon Breath is a fast, damaging move, while Wild Charge delivers heavy hits but is resisted by many Dragon-types. Crunch provides strong neutral coverage, making it a frequent and dangerous attack. Knowing these moves’ impacts allows trainers to anticipate and counter them effectively, leveraging Zekrom’s weaknesses to minimize damage and secure victory in battles.
Best Counters for Zekrom Raid
Zekrom’s weaknesses make Dragon, Ice, and Fairy types ideal counters. Reshiram, Rayquaza, Kyurem, and Garchomp are top picks due to their high damage output against Zekrom.
3.1 Top Counters: Reshiram, Rayquaza, Kyurem, Garchomp
Reshiram, a Dragon/Fairy type, excels with its high damage output and moves like Draco Meteor. Rayquaza, a Dragon/Flying type, offers powerful attacks and versatility. Kyurem, a Dragon/Ice type, is doubly super effective against Zekrom. Garchomp, a Dragon/Ground type, provides high DPS and resilience. These Pokémon are ideal due to their type advantages and strong movesets. Weather conditions like Windy or Snow boost their effectiveness, making them indispensable in raid teams. Proper team composition and synergy maximize their potential.
3.2 Alternative Counters for Diverse Teams
For teams lacking top-tier counters, Togekiss, Weavile, and Haxorus are viable alternatives. Togekiss, a Fairy/Flying type, deals super-effective damage with Dazzling Gleam. Weavile, an Ice/Dark type, excels with Avalanche and Ice Punch. Haxorus, a pure Dragon type, offers high DPS with Dragon Claw. These Pokémon provide flexibility and can perform well in optimal weather conditions like Snow or Wind, ensuring a balanced approach to defeating Zekrom without relying solely on meta picks.
Weather Conditions and Their Impact
Cloudy and Rainy weather boost Zekrom’s Electric-type moves, increasing its strength. Snowy weather enhances Dragon and Ice-type attacks, benefiting your team against this Dragon/Electric Pokémon.
4.1 Boosting Zekrom’s CP in Certain Weather
Cloudy and Rainy weather significantly boost Zekrom’s CP, making it a tougher opponent. These conditions enhance its Electric-type moves, such as Wild Charge, increasing their damage output. Additionally, Snowy weather can also elevate Zekrom’s CP, further intensifying its Dragon-type attacks like Dragon Breath. Understanding and preparing for these weather conditions is crucial for effectively countering Zekrom’s heightened power during raids. Trainers should adapt their strategies to account for these weather-related challenges to improve their chances of success.
4.2 Leveraging Weather to Strengthen Your Team
Weather conditions can be a double-edged sword in Zekrom raids. While certain weather boosts Zekrom’s CP, it also enhances specific Pokémon types on your team. For example, Rainy or Cloudy weather strengthens Electric-type moves, benefiting counters like Zapdos or Raikou. Conversely, Windy weather boosts Dragon-type moves, making Dragonite or Garchomp even more formidable. Always check the forecast beforehand and adjust your team to maximize type advantages, ensuring your counters are optimized for the given conditions. This strategic approach can significantly improve your chances of success against Zekrom.
Team Composition and Strategy
A balanced team with high-level Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type Pokémon is crucial. Coordinate with fellow players to ensure type diversity and maximize damage output against Zekrom.
5.1 Building a Balanced Raid Team
Building a balanced team is key to defeating Zekrom. Focus on high-level Dragon, Ground, Ice, and Fairy-type Pokémon to exploit its weaknesses. Include powerful dragons like Rayquaza and Garchomp for their high damage output. Fairy-types such as Gardevoir or Togekiss can provide coverage against its Electric moves. Ensure a mix of fast and charged moves for optimal strategy. Weather-boosted Pokémon can further enhance your team’s effectiveness in battle. Coordination and diversity are essential for success.
5.2 Organizing with Fellow Players for Success
Organizing with fellow players is crucial for defeating Zekrom. Coordinate strategies through communication tools like Discord to ensure teamwork and role assignment. Assign players with Dragon, Ground, Ice, and Fairy-type Pokémon to maximize damage output. Utilize weather boosts and friendship bonuses to enhance performance. Ensure all players are aware of Zekrom’s move patterns to dodge effectively; A well-coordinated team significantly increases chances of success, especially in challenging Tier 5 raids. Proper planning and execution are key to emerging victorious.
Duo and Trio Raid Strategies
Zekrom can be duoed in optimal weather with powered-up Dragon-types. Trio raids require 3-5 high-level players for success. Weather and team composition are crucial factors.
6.1 Can Zekrom Be Beaten by 2 Players?
Zekrom can be defeated by two players under optimal conditions, such as favorable weather and high-level, well-coordinated teams. Both players should use top Dragon-, Ice-, or Fairy-type counters like Reshiram or Garchomp. Weather boosts, such as Windy conditions, significantly enhance Dragon-type moves, making duo raids feasible. However, success heavily depends on team strength, strategy, and communication. Lower-level players may struggle, but experienced trainers with powerful Pokémon can secure a victory. Proper move sets and timing are crucial for success in a duo raid setup.
6.2 Optimal Conditions for Duo and Trio Raids
Optimal conditions for duo and trio Zekrom raids include favorable weather like Windy, which boosts Dragon-type moves, and ensuring all players have high-level, well-coordinated teams. Friendship boosts and top-tier counters significantly improve success rates. Communication and strategy are key, as lower-level players may struggle without proper teamwork. Weather conditions like Cloudy or Rainy can also impact the battle, with Cloudy boosting Electric moves and Rainy enhancing certain strategies. Balance offense and defense effectively to manage Zekrom’s powerful attacks and secure a victory.
Catching Zekrom After the Raid
Catching Zekrom after the raid requires precision and strategy. Use Premier Balls and aim for excellent throws to maximize capture chances. A must-have for any collection.
7.1 Tips for Successfully Catching Zekrom
Maximizing your chances to catch Zekrom requires strategic planning. Use Premier Balls exclusively, as they offer the highest capture rate. Aim for excellent throws by shrinking the circle to its smallest size. Weather conditions like Windy or Snow can boost Zekrom’s CP, making it tougher to catch, so ensure your team is well-prepared. If Zekrom has lower CP due to unfavorable weather, use Golden Razz Berries to increase capture success. Timing your throws perfectly is crucial to secure this legendary Pokémon;
7.2 Using Premier Balls and Throw Strategies
Premier Balls are essential for catching Zekrom due to their higher success rate. Stock up on them before the raid to ensure you don’t run out. Curveball throws and excellent timing increase your chances significantly. Use Pinap or Golden Razz Berries if needed, but focus on accurate throws. Aim for when Zekrom is in the green capture ring for the best results. Practice your throwing skills beforehand to maximize efficiency and secure this elusive Pokémon.
Additional Resources and Tips
Consult detailed infographics and guides for tailored strategies. Stay updated with raid schedules and Pokémon GO events for the latest information and optimizations to enhance your gameplay.
8.1 Recommended Infographics and Guides
Utilize detailed infographics and guides from trusted sources like Pokebattler and Pokémon GO Raids for optimized strategies. These resources provide top-tier counters, move analysis, and team compositions tailored for Zekrom raids. Community-driven platforms like Reddit and Discord also offer valuable insights and real-time updates. Additionally, video guides on YouTube channels such as ProPlanty offer in-depth tutorials and tips for both new and experienced players. These tools ensure you’re well-prepared to tackle Zekrom effectively in any raid scenario.
8.2 Staying Updated with Raid Information
Stay informed about Zekrom raids through Niantic’s official updates and Pokémon GO’s social media channels. Community platforms like Reddit and Discord offer real-time discussions and strategy sharing. Websites such as Leek Duck and Pokemongoraids.online provide detailed raid analyses and counter guides. Regularly checking these sources ensures you’re prepared for any updates, new mechanics, or optimal team compositions. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead and maximize your chances of success in dynamic raid environments.