Best Counters to Beat Gyarados in Pokémon GO
Gyarados, the intimidating Atrocious Pokémon, is a common sight in Pokémon GO raids, Gyms, and even in the wild. Its dual Water/Flying typing makes it a formidable opponent, but with the right strategy and Pokémon, you can take it down effectively. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to counter Gyarados and emerge victorious.
Understanding Gyarados’ Weaknesses and Resistances
Gyarados’ dual typing gives it a unique set of weaknesses and resistances. Knowing these is crucial for selecting the most effective counters. Gyarados is weak to:
- Electric: This is Gyarados’ biggest weakness, dealing super effective damage.
- Rock: Rock-type moves are also super effective against Gyarados.
Gyarados resists:
- Fighting: Avoid using Fighting-type Pokémon.
- Bug: Bug-type moves are not very effective.
- Steel: Steel-type moves will deal reduced damage.
- Fire: Fire-type moves are resisted.
- Water: It resists its own type.
- Ground: Ground-type moves are completely nullified due to its Flying typing.
Top Gyarados Counters
Based on Gyarados’ weaknesses, the following Pokémon are among the best counters:
- Zekrom: With powerful Electric-type moves like Charge Beam and Wild Charge, Zekrom is an excellent choice.
- Shadow Raikou: A strong Electric-type attacker, especially with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge.
- Electivire: A readily available and powerful Electric-type with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge.
- Magnezone: Another strong Electric-type option with Spark and Wild Charge.
- Rhyperior: With access to Rock-type moves like Smack Down and Rock Wrecker, Rhyperior is a formidable counter.
- Shadow Tyranitar: While weak to Fighting, its dark typing gives it resistance to Psychic-type moves Gyarados might have, and it boasts powerful Rock-type attacks.
- Terrakion: A strong Rock-type attacker.
- Rampardos: Another solid Rock-type attacker.
Moveset Considerations
When choosing your counters, pay attention to their movesets. The best movesets for countering Gyarados are:
- Electric Types: Thunder Shock or Charge Beam for the fast move, and Wild Charge for the charged move.
- Rock Types: Smack Down for the fast move and Rock Wrecker or Stone Edge for the charged move.
Tips for Battling Gyarados
- Dodge Charged Attacks: Gyarados’ charged attacks can hit hard. Dodging them will significantly increase your chances of winning.
- Utilize Weather Boosts: Rainy weather boosts Water-type moves, making Gyarados even stronger. Windy weather, however, boosts Electric-type moves, giving your counters an advantage. Understanding weather conditions in Pokémon GO is beneficial for all battles.
- Team Up with Friends: Battling Gyarados in raids is much easier with a group. Coordinate with your friends to bring the most effective counters.
- Power Up Your Pokémon: Higher CP Pokémon will deal more damage and withstand more attacks. Invest in powering up your best counters to maximize their effectiveness. If you’re looking to optimize your team, learning about ideal IVs is essential.
Alternative Counters
While the Pokémon listed above are some of the best counters, other options can be effective depending on the situation. Some alternatives include:
- Zapdos: A classic Electric-type legendary Pokémon.
- Raikou: A powerful Electric-type legendary.
- Mega Manectric: Offers a powerful Mega Evolution boost to Electric-type attacks.
- Gigalith: A strong Rock-type option.
- Aerodactyl: With Rock Throw and Rock Slide, it can deal significant damage. Knowing how to optimize your Pokémon with the right movesets can make a significant difference.
By understanding Gyarados’ weaknesses, utilizing the best counters, and employing smart battle strategies, you can confidently take on this formidable Pokémon and add it to your collection. Good luck, Trainers!