Pokemon GO Blacephalon raid guide: Best counters, weaknesses, and more

Modified Jul 12, 2024 13:36 GMT

A comprehensive Pokemon GO Blacephalon raid guide will help you overcome this Fire- and Ghost-type beast in 5-star raids. This creature debuted in Niantic's mobile game during the Ultra Space Wonders event on May 23, 2024, and is generally found exclusively in the Western Hemisphere. That said, during special events, it can make an appearance in other areas.

In July 2024, it appeared as a 5-star raid boss in the Western Hemisphere on July 11 and 12, with a Raid Hour on July 11 from 6 - 7 pm local time. Additionally, Blacephalon can be encountered globally during Pokemon GO Fest 2024: Global's Day 1 (July 13).

Blacephalon is an extreme glass cannon. That is, although it hits hard, it can barely take hits. This Pokemon GO Blacephalon raid guide covers everything you need to know about defeating it.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the author's opinions.

Check out the current Pokemon GO raid bosses that you can encounter in-game

Pokemon GO Blacephalon raid weaknesses

Blacephalon in the anime (Image via TPC)

What is super effective against Blacephalon in Pokemon GO?

As a Fire- and Ghost-type Pocket Monster, this Ultra Beast is vulnerable to the following elemental typings:

Water (160% increased damage)
Ground (160% increased damage)
Rock (160% increased damage)
Ghost (160% increased damage)
Dark (160% increased damage)

Also read: Best shiny Pokemon to hunt in the wild during Pokemon GO Fest 2024: Global

Blacephalon's stat distribution and moveset in Pokemon GO

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

Combat Power: 51,600
Attack: 315
Defense: 148
Stamina: 15,000 HP
Fast Attacks: Astonish and Incinerate
Charged Attacks: Mystical Fire, Overheat, and Shadow Ball

Best counters to Pokemon GO Blacephalon raids

Best Water-type counters to Blacephalon

Primal or Shadow Kyogre with Waterfall and Origin Pulse
Mega Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
Shadow Kingler with Bubble and Crabhammer
Greninja with Water Shuriken and Hydro Cannon

Best Ground-type counters to Blacephalon

Primal or regular Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
Mega or Shadow Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
Shadow Excadrill with Mud Slap and Scorching Sands
Shadow Ursaluna with Tackle and High Horsepower

Best Rock-type counters to Blacephalon

Shadow Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
Mega Diancie with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
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

Also read: Pokemon GO Dusk Mane Necrozma: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good?

Best Ghost-type counters to Blacephalon

Dawn Wings Necrozma with Shadow Claw and Moongeist Beam
Mega Gengar with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
Mega Banette with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
Shadow or regular Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball

Best Dark-type counters to Blacephalon

Mega or Shadow Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing
Mega Houndoom with Snarl and Foul Play
Hydreigon with Bite and Brutal Swing
Darkrai with Snarl and Dark Pulse

Pokemon GO Blacephalon raid catch CP and shiny availability

Shiny Blacephalon cannot yet be found via Pokemon GO Blacephalon raids (Image via TPC)

Depending on the IV values and weather, the creature you encounter after taking down Pokemon GO Placephalon raids will have different combat powers. Here are the values you can expect:

No weather boost: 1,797 - 1,884 CP at level 20 (10/10/10 - 15/15/15 IVs)
Weather boosted (Foggy or Sunny): 2,246 - 2,355 CP at level 25 (10/10/10 - 15/15/15 IVs)

Also read: Pokemon GO Sunsteel Strike Adventure Effect: How to get, effects, and more