Pokemon Go Shadow Lugia Raid guide: Weaknesses & best counters

Shadow Lugia is expected to make an appearance in Shadow Raid Battles in Pokemon Go, however, it will not be a simple task to defeat. Here are its vulnerabilities and a few top choices for counters to aid in your victory.

In August 2024, Pokemon Go players can look forward to another Team Go Rocket takeover event. This upcoming event will bring a wonderful opportunity for players to catch some amazing Shadow Pokemon.

During the event, trainers will have the opportunity to participate in Five-star Shadow Lugia raids, while Giovanni will be using Shadow Cresselia.

Undoubtedly, Shadow Raids are far from being a breeze, and Shadow Lugia’s formidable build and excellent typing only add to the danger. Therefore, it is crucial for trainers to have a thorough understanding of Shadow Lugia, including its vulnerabilities and the most effective strategies for defeating it.

Shadow Lugia from Pokemon Go battling a trainer

How to defeat Shadow Lugia in Pokemon Go

Shadow Lugia will be available in Five-star Shadow Raids starting on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10 AM local time until Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 8 PM local time. Trainers will have approximately two days to challenge and capture this powerful Shadow Legendary.

Shadow Lugia is expected to be a challenging raid due to the enraged mechanic. As a reminder, Shadow Raid Bosses become increasingly enraged as time passes, resulting in higher Attack and Defense stats.

Even though the Shadow Raid will require effective counters and teamwork from trainers, the use of Purified Gems will remain crucial in defeating the powerful Shadow Lugia.

Special items known as Purified Gems are utilized to weaken Shadow Raid Bosses, ultimately decreasing their strength. By using a sufficient amount of these Purified Gems, the Shadow Lugia can be transformed back to its non-enraged state, making it significantly easier to defeat. These items can be obtained through Shadow Raids.

To acquire Purified Gems, individuals should gather four Shadow Shards. These can be acquired by defeating Team Go Rocket members or winning Shadow Raid Battles. Once the required amount is obtained, a Purified Gem will be awarded automatically.

It is worth mentioning that Shadow Lugia Raids cannot be accessed using Remote Raid Passes. Therefore, you must physically locate a nearby Gym hosting a Shadow Lugia Raid and use a standard Raid Pass to participate.

Pokemon Go Shadow Lugia Weaknesses

Shadow Lugia, a Psychic/Flying-type Pokemon, is vulnerable to attacks from Rock, Ghost, Electric, Ice, and Dark-type opponents.

Conversely, Shadow Lugia possesses a resistance to Fighting, Grass, and Psychic-type attacks. Furthermore, it exhibits complete immunity to Ground-type attacks, making it advisable to refrain from using them whenever feasible.

Best counters for Shadow Lugia in Pokemon Go

Some of the most effective counters in Pokemon Go for defeating Shadow Lugia are listed below.

POKEMON	SPRITE	BEST MOVESET
Dawn Wings Necrozma	Shadow Claw & Moongeist Beam
Mega Tyranitar	Bite & Brutal Swing
Mega Banette	Shadow Claw & Shadow Ball
Mega Diancie	Rock Throw & Rock Slide
Mega Manectric	Thunder Fang & Wild Charge
Mega Gengar	Lick & Shadow Ball
Raikou	Thunder Shock & Wild Charge
Xurkitree	Spark & Discharge
Weavile	Snarl & Avalanche
Luxray	Spark & Wild Charge
Zapdos	Thunder Shock & Thunderbolt

We’ve provided a variety of Megas, Legendaries, and regular Pokemon above, so hopefully, there’s something for everyone to utilize.

It is not necessary to have any of the counters we have mentioned. Instead, prioritize your strongest Pokemon that can exploit Shadow Lugia’s weaknesses and team up with other trainers for a higher chance of success.

Don’t forget that having Purified Gems with you is just as crucial as having the proper counters or teammates. Our suggestion is to battle low-level Shadow Raid Bosses or Team Go Rocket members to gather a good supply of these gems beforehand.