Pokemon GO Shadow Registeel: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good?

Shadow Registeel has returned to Pokemon GO as a Shadow Raid Boss, leading many to wonder if it is of any use in battle. Shadow Legendary Pokemon are typically better than their standard variants since most are focused on dealing damage. This is thanks to the shadow boost, which boosts a creature's attack in exchange for some of its defense.

Some players may want to know more about this creature, including how they can take it down in a battle and how well it stacks up to its standard counterpart. Here is everything trainers should know about Shadow Registeel in Pokemon GO.

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Best moveset for Shadow Registeel in Pokemon GO

Shadow Registeel has more flexibility than the standard variety, which is locked into a defensive moveset (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Shadow Registeel's higher attack stat means it can deal some decent damage with an offensive moveset. This is in stark contrast to the standard variety, which uses a defensive moveset with Lock-On for quick energy generation.

Shadow Registeel can make use of the following offensive moveset in PvP or PvE battles:

• Fast Attack: Metal Claw
• Charged Attack: Flash Cannon, Focus Blast

Shadow Registeel can also make use of the standard defensive moveset most frequently used by Registeel in Pokemon GO's PvP scene:

• Fast Attack: Lock-On
• Charged Attack: Zap Cannon, Focus Blast

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How to counter Shadow Registeel in Pokemon GO

Shadow Registeel can be taken down easily with powerful Ground-type attacks (Image via Niantic)

The shadow boost lowers Registeel's defense, making it vulnerable to super-effective charged attacks. Registeel is weak to Ground, Fire, and Fighting-type attacks, so players wanting to take it down in its respective Shadow Raid Battle will want to use powerful monsters like Mega Lucario and Primal Groudon.

In PvP, Registeel is commonly seen in the Great and Ultra Leagues. With Primeape seeing high usage as of writing, most players carry the perfect counter to Shadow Registeel by default. Ground-types like Clodsire, Gastrodon, and Swampert can also put it down fairly easily.

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Is Shadow Registeel any good in Pokemon GO?

Shadow Registeel is worse than its standard variant (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Registeel, as a species, gain their value from their ability to tank heavy amounts of damage while spamming charged attacks to bait opponents out of their shields. With the shadow boost taking this away in favor of more damage, it pushes Registeel away from the strategy it uses so well into a less reliable offensive kit.

These Shadow Registeel raids are still worth participating in, as users can still purify the Shadow Registeels they capture, converting them into their standard variant while also boosting their stats. Registeel's shiny variant will also be available through these raids, so collectors also have a reason to participate.

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For more information on the game, check out the articles below:

• Ditto disguises
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts