Pokemon GO Shadow Articuno raid guide (June 2023): Best counters, weaknesses, and more

Shadow Raids in Pokemon GO debuted in May 2023, and it seems like the latest iteration of the mode will feature a new raid boss as of June 5, 2023. Trainers will encounter Shadow Articuno as the 5-star Shadow Raid boss on the weekends, giving them an opportunity to capture the legendary ice and flying Pokemon.

However, like with any raid setting in Pokemon GO, players will need to defeat Shadow Articuno first. This can be a tall order for some trainers, as Shadow Articuno has plenty of firepower and the ability to become enraged since it's a Shadow Raid boss.

The good news is that trainers hoping to beat Shadow Articuno as a Pokemon GO raid boss won't lack ways to counter it and deal considerable amounts of damage in a fairly short amount of time. They should just be sure to keep those Purified Gems handy.

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How to beat Shadow Articuno in Pokemon GO

As a Flying/Ice-type species in Pokemon GO, Articuno is susceptible to Electric, Fire, Rock, and Steel-type attacks, which will deal super effective damage to it. Rock-type moves are particularly effective, as they deal super effective to both Flying and Ice-types, making them doubly dangerous for Shadow Articuno.

If players match these moves with their user (ie. A Rock-type 'mon using a Rock-type move), they'll also trigger the in-game Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB). This increases damage output, so trainers will want to keep it in mind as they battle Shadow Articuno.

Suggested Pokemon counters for Shadow Articuno

• Rampardos
• Rhyperior
• Terrakion
• Gigalith
• Tyranitar
• Aggron
• Aurorus
• Lycanroc
• Omastar
• Aerodactyl
• Alolan Golem
• Landorus
• Hisuian Arcanine
• Darmanitan
• Golem
• Archeops
• Nihilego
• Reshiram
• Kleavor
• Excadrill
• Sudowoodo
• Xurkitree
• Metagross

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Best Counter Moves to beat Shadow Articuno in Pokemon GO

While ostensibly any Fire/Rock/Steel/Electric-type move can technically counter Shadow Articuno, some are plainly better than others. Trainers will want to focus on attacks that give them the best possible damage per second (DPS) while still generating good amounts of energy to fire Charged Moves.

As previously noted, Rock-type moves will be the most effective against Shadow Articuno. However, players shouldn't feel limited if they lack Rock-type attacks/Pocket Monsters, as they can still complete the raid by exploiting Shadow Articuno's other weaknesses.

Here are the suggested moves to counter Shadow Articuno:

• Smack Down
• Rock Slide
• Rock Wrecker
• Meteor Beam
• Stone Edge
• Rock Throw
• Fire Fang
• Steel Wing
• Ancient Power
• Fusion Flare
• Metal Claw
• Spark
• Discharge
• Bullet Punch
• Meteor Smash
• Wild Charge
• Thunder Shock
• Thunderbolt

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How to prepare for Shadow Articuno raids in Pokemon GO

In addition to using the right counters for the job, players will likely need to group up with their fellow trainers to improve the completion speed of the raid. It's also wise to defeat Team GO Rocket members to collect Shadow Shards so they can be crafted into Purified Gems to remove Shadow Articuno's enraged stat bonuses.

During the raid, trainers are likely to have their battle parties take quite a bit of damage, so investing in healing items like Potions and Revives is also advised.