Pokemon GO Articuno raid guide: Weaknesses and best counters

A Pokemon GO Articuno raid will help players defeat this classic Pocket Monster as it returns to Niantic's mobile game. The Ice-type member of the Legendary Birds trio made its debut during DO Fest 2017 in July of that year. It has appeared as a 5-star raid boss several times since then.

In July 2024, Pokemon GO Articuno raids will be available from July 15 - 23. There will also be an Articuno Raid Hour on July 17 from 6 - 7 pm local time.

This Pokemon GO Articuno raid guide will cover everything you need to know about successfully taking down this powerful Legendary Pokemon.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author's opinions.

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Pokemon GO Articuno raid weaknesses

Articuno in the anime (Image via TPC)

What is super-effective against Articuno in Pokemon GO?

Being an Ice and Flying-type Pocket Monster, Articuno takes super-effective damage from Rock, Electric, Fire, and Steel-type attacks. Of these, Rock-type attacks deal 256% damage, while the last three deal 160% damage.

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How many people are needed to best Pokemon GO Articuno raids?

When using maxed-out best counters, you need at least 2 - 3 players to take down Articuno raids in Pokemon GO. When using less optimal counters, go with as many players as you can gather.

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Articuno's stat distribution and moveset in Pokemon GO

As a 5-star raid boss in Pokemon GO, Articuno has the following stats:

• Combat Power: 40,165
• Attack: 192
• Defense: 236
• Stamina: 15,000 HP
• Fast Attacks: Frost Breath and Ice Shard
• Charged Attacks: Ancient Power, Blizzard, Ice Beam, Icy Wind, and Triple Axel

Players get 300 seconds to take down Articuno once the timer starts. Within this period, you must whittle down the raid boss' HP bar for a chance to capture it. Up to 20 players can take part in these raids.

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Best counters for Pokemon GO Articuno raid

Best Rock-type counters to Articuno (Top picks, thanks to the 256% weakness)

• Mega Diancie with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Shadow Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
• Shadow Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
• Shadow or Mega Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Tyrantrum with Rock Throw and Meteor Beam

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Best Fire-type counters to Articuno

• Mega or Shadow Blaziken with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Mega Charizard X or Y with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Mega Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flame Thrower
• Reshiram with Fire Fang and Fusion Flare

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Best Steel-type counters to Articuno

• Dusk Mane Necrozma with Metal Claw and Sunsteel Strike
• Shadow Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
• Shadow Excadrill with Metal Claw and Iron Head
• Jirachi with Confusion and Doom Desire

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Best Electric-type counters to Articuno

• Shadow or regular Raikou with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
• Xurkitree with Thunder Shock and Discharge
• Zekrom with Charge Beam and Fusion Bolt
• Shadow Electrivire with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
• Shadow Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt

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Pokemon GO Articuno raid catch CP and shiny availability

Shiny Articuno in Pokemon GO (Image via TPC)

Depending on the weather conditions and the IV distribution of the Articuno spawn, it will have the following CP ranges:

• No weather boost: 1,665 - 1,743 CP at level 20 (10/10/10 - 15/15/15 IVs)
• Weather boosted (Snowy and Windy): 2,082 - 2,179 CP at level 25 (10/10/10 - 15/15/15 IVs)

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What are the 100% IVs for Articuno raids?

The following are the 100% IVs for Articuno raids:

• No weather boost: 1,743 CP
• Weather boosted (Snowy and Windy): 2,179 CP

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Can Aricuno be shiny in Pokemon GO?

Shiny Articuno in Pokemon GO was released on Articuno Day in July 2018. Since then encounters with it (unless mentioned otherwise) have a 1-in-20 or 5% chance of being shiny.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters