Ultimate Guide to Zacian Raids in Pokemon Go: Weaknesses and Top Counters

Galar-region Legendary Zacian is making a return to Pokémon Go’s 5-Star Raid battles, introducing its Shiny form. Here are the best counters to exploit its weaknesses and defeat it swiftly.

Both Zacian and Zamazenta, prominent Legendaries from Sword & Shield, are among the toughest Pokémon to catch in Niantic’s mobile game due to their limited appearances.

With the Max Out season highlighting the Galar region, Zacian is back. The mascot of Pokémon Sword will appear in 5-Star Raid battles during the Legendary Heroes event, showcasing its Shiny variation. Here’s how you can defeat it effectively.

Zacian Weaknesses in Pokémon Go

Zacian in its Hero of Many Battles form is a pure Fairy-type, making it weak against Poison and Steel-type moves. Trainers should focus on deploying their strongest Pokémon of these types with corresponding moves.

Regarding Zacian’s strengths, it is resistant to Dark, Dragon, Bug, and Fighting types, so it’s advisable to steer clear of these types during battle.

Zacian Best Counters

Here are some of the most effective counters you can use against Zacian:

POKEMON	BEST MOVESET
Mega Gengar	Shadow Claw & Sludge Bomb
Mega Aggron	Iron Tail & Heavy Slam
Dusk Mane Necrozma	Metal Claw & Sunsteel Strike
Dawn Wings Necrozma	Metal Claw & Moongeist Beam
Dialga	Metal Claw & Iron Head
Shadow Metagross	Bullet Punch & Meteor Mash
Shadow Excadrill	Metal Claw & Iron Head
Magnezone	Metal Sound & Flash Cannon
Genesect (Douse Drive)	Metal Claw & Gunk Shot
Empoleon	Metal Claw & Flash Cannon

The table above represents a variety of Megas, Legendaries, and common Pokémon, so trainers of all levels will find viable options. If you don’t have any listed, focus on your strongest Steel and Poison-type Pokémon.

Even though these Pokémon are effective against Zacian, leveling them up and ensuring they know the right moves is crucial for victory.

How to Get Zacian in Pokémon Go

The only way to catch Zacian in Pokémon Go is to defeat it in a 5-Star Raid Battle and then attempt to catch it with a limited number of Premier Balls awarded at the battle’s conclusion.

Zacian will be available in 5-Star Raid Battles from Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM local time until Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time due to the Legendary Heroes event.

Can Zacian be Shiny?

Yes, Zacian can be Shiny in Pokémon Go. The Legendary Heroes event introduces Shiny Zacian into the game.

pokemon go shiny zacian dexerto — NIANTIC

Trainers who battle Zacian in 5-Star Raids during the event will have an increased chance of encountering its Shiny variant, identified by its lighter body fur, blue braids, and tail.

Keep in mind that the odds of encountering a Shiny Pokémon are generally low, and there’s no guaranteed method to find one.

This is everything you need to know to take down Zacian in Pokémon Go.

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