Kyurem Pokemon GO Raid Guide (March 2026) Best Counters & Strategies
Kyurem, the legendary Boundary Pokémon from the Unova region, has returned to 5-star raids in Pokemon GO! As a powerful Dragon/Ice-type legendary, Kyurem presents a significant challenge for trainers, but with the right strategy and counters, you can defeat it and add this iconic Pokémon to your collection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about battling Kyurem, including the best counters, weaknesses, shiny opportunities, and even how to fuse it into its more powerful forms.
Quick Reference Kyurem Raid Essentials
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Raid Dates | December 4-13, 2026 |
| Raid Hour | December 10, 6:00-7:00 PM local time |
| Type | Dragon/Ice |
| Weaknesses | Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, Fairy (2x damage) |
| Resistances | Water, Grass, Electric (1/2x damage) |
| Shiny Rate | 1 in 20 (5%) |
| Raid CP Range | 1957-2042 (Level 20) |
| Weather Boosted CP | 2446-2553 (Level 25) |
| Minimum Trainers | 2-3 with optimal counters |
| Recommended Trainers | 4-6 for safety |
Kyurem Stats and Moveset Analysis
Understanding Kyurem’s base stats and potential moveset is crucial for preparing the right counter team. Here’s everything you need to know about this legendary raid boss:
Base Stats and Combat Power
| Stat | Value | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 246 | High |
| Defense | 170 | Moderate |
| Stamina | 245 | High |
| Max CP | 4041 | Excellent |
| Raid CP (Level 20) | 1957-2042 | – |
| Weather Boost CP (Level 25) | 2446-2553 | – |
Kyurem boasts impressive attack power and stamina, making it a formidable raid boss. While its defense isn’t as high as some other legendaries, its dual typing and movepool can still pose significant challenges to unprepared teams.
Potential Moveset
Fast Moves:
- Dragon Breath (Dragon) – 4 DPS
- Steel Wing (Steel) – 3 DPS
Charge Moves:
- Blizzard (Ice) – 55 damage, high energy cost
- Dragon Claw (Dragon) – 35 damage, low energy cost
- Draco Meteor (Dragon) – 150 damage, very high energy cost
- Glaciate* (Ice) – 60 damage, legacy move only available during special events
Pro Tip: Glaciate is a legacy move that makes Kyurem significantly more dangerous as an Ice-type attacker. If you encounter Kyurem with this move, prioritize Steel and Fighting types even more heavily, as they resist Ice damage.
Kyurem Weaknesses and Resistances
Kyurem’s Dragon/Ice typing creates both opportunities and challenges for raid teams. Understanding these type interactions is key to building an effective counter team.
Type Effectiveness Chart
| Attack Type | Effectiveness | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting | 2x (Super Effective) | Weak to Fighting |
| Rock | 2x (Super Effective) | Weak to Rock |
| Steel | 2x (Super Effective) | Weak to Steel |
| Dragon | 2x (Super Effective) | Weak to Dragon |
| Fairy | 2x (Super Effective) | Weak to Fairy |
| Water | 1/2x (Not Very Effective) | Resists Water |
| Grass | 1/2x (Not Very Effective) | Resists Grass |
| Electric | 1/2x (Not Very Effective) | Resists Electric |
Strategic Implications
The five weaknesses (Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, Fairy) give you plenty of options for building counter teams. However, you should prioritize based on:
- Move Coverage: Steel and Fighting types often have the best overall coverage against Kyurem’s potential moveset
- Available Pokémon: Some top counters may be harder to obtain than others
- Mega Evolution Benefits: Mega Pokémon provide team-wide damage bonuses
Best Kyurem Counters: Complete Tier List
Based on extensive battle simulations and real-world raid data, here are the absolute best counters for Kyurem raids, ranked by effectiveness:
S-Tier Counters (Must-Use if Available)
| Pokémon | Fast Move | Charge Move | DPS | TTW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zacian – Crowned Sword | Metal Claw | Behemoth Blade | 43.47 | 352s | Best overall counter, resists Dragon moves |
| Mega Lucario | Force Palm/Counter | Aura Sphere | 44.15 | 356s | Fighting type with Mega boost, excellent DPS |
| Zamazenta – Crowned Shield | Metal Claw | Behemoth Bash | 42.16 | 368s | Steel type with great bulk and damage |
| Dusk Mane Necrozma | Metal Claw | Sunsteel Strike | 41.56 | 374s | Steel type with excellent performance |
| Mega Blaziken | Counter | Aura Sphere | 41.91 | 377s | Fighting type with Mega boost benefits |
A-Tier Counters (Excellent Alternatives)
| Pokémon | Fast Move | Charge Move | DPS | TTW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eternatus | Dragon Tail | Dynamax Cannon | 37.48 | 411s | Dragon type with great coverage |
| Shadow Metagross | Bullet Punch | Meteor Mash | 36.70 | 427s | Steel type with Shadow bonus |
| Mega Metagross | Bullet Punch | Meteor Mash | 35.50 | 436s | Steel type with Mega evolution boost |
| Mega Rayquaza | Dragon Tail | Breaking Swipe | 36.66 | 415s | Dragon type with incredible damage output |
| Resolute Keldeo | Low Kick | Secret Sword | 37.59 | 418s | Fighting type with excellent moveset |
B-Tier Counters (Solid Choices)
| Pokémon | Fast Move | Charge Move | DPS | TTW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Gardevoir | Charm | Dazzling Gleam | 33.31 | 465s | Fairy type with Mega boost |
| Lucario | Force Palm | Aura Sphere | 33.75 | 469s | Non-Mega Fighting option |
| Shadow Blaziken | Counter | Aura Sphere | 34.88 | 455s | Shadow Fighting type with great DPS |
| Mega Diancie | Rock Throw | Rock Slide | 33.11 | 470s | Rock type with Mega evolution |
| Black Kyurem | Dragon Tail | Outrage | 33.49 | 477s | Dragon type with high damage output |
C-Tier Counters (Viable if Well-Prepared)
| Pokémon | Fast Move | Charge Move | DPS | TTW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword | 32.20 | 495s | Fighting/Rock type with good coverage |
| Dialga – Origin | Metal Claw | Roar of Time | 34.22 | 457s | Steel/Dragon with excellent typing |
| Shadow Dialga | Metal Claw | Draco Meteor | 34.58 | 454s | Shadow version with boosted damage |
| Mega Garchomp | Dragon Tail | Breaking Swipe | 34.13 | 446s | Dragon/Ground with Mega evolution |
| Metagross | Bullet Punch | Meteor Mash | 30.73 | 507s | Reliable Steel type without Mega/Shadow |
Team Composition Strategies
Building the right team is crucial for defeating Kyurem efficiently. Here are some proven team compositions based on different scenarios:
Optimal 6-Pokemon Team (High-Level Trainers)
- Zacian – Crowned Sword (Metal Claw/Behemoth Blade)
- Mega Lucario (Force Palm/Aura Sphere)
- Zamazenta – Crowned Shield (Metal Claw/Behemoth Bash)
- Dusk Mane Necrozma (Metal Claw/Sunsteel Strike)
- Eternatus (Dragon Tail/Dynamax Cannon)
- Shadow Metagross (Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash)
This team provides maximum DPS while maintaining good coverage against all of Kyurem’s potential moves. The Mega Lucario provides a team-wide fighting type boost, making all your fighting moves more effective.
Budget-Friendly Team (No Legendary/Mega Pokémon)
- Lucario (Force Palm/Aura Sphere)
- Metagross (Bullet Punch/Meteor Mash)
- Conkeldurr (Counter/Dynamic Punch)
- Machamp (Counter/Cross Chop)
- Rhyperior (Smack Down/Rock Wrecker)
- Gardevoir (Charm/Dazzling Gleam)
This team uses more accessible Pokémon while still maintaining good type coverage and damage output against Kyurem.
Weather-Boosted Team Strategies
Snowy Weather (Ice Boost):
- Prioritize Steel and Fighting types even more heavily
- Avoid Dragon and Rock types (they take increased damage from Ice)
- Consider: Zacian, Mega Lucario, Zamazenta
Windy Weather (Dragon Boost):
- Steel types become even more valuable (resist Dragon)
- Dragon counters deal extra damage but also take extra damage
- Consider: Zacian, Zamazenta, Dialga
Partly Cloudy Weather (Normal):
- Balanced approach works well
- All counter types perform at baseline levels
- Consider mixed team with Steel/Fighting focus
Advanced Raid Strategies
Dodge Timing Guide
Knowing when to dodge can make the difference between victory and defeat. Here’s when to dodge Kyurem’s charge moves:
High Priority Dodges:
- Draco Meteor: 150 damage, very dangerous
- Blizzard: 55 damage with high chance to freeze your Pokémon
- Glaciate: 60 damage legacy move, avoid if possible
Medium Priority Dodges:
- Dragon Claw: 35 damage, less threatening but still worth dodging if possible
Pro Strategy: Time your dodges based on the charge move animation. Draco Meteor has a distinctive purple energy gathering animation, while Blizzard shows ice crystals forming. Practice in lower-stakes raids to perfect your timing.
Mega Evolution Strategy
Mega Pokémon provide significant advantages in Kyurem raids:
- Mega Lucario: Best overall choice – Fighting type boost helps entire team
- Mega Steelix: Alternative Steel type with team-wide Steel boost
- Mega Rayquaza: Dragon type boost, but be careful of increased damage taken
Mega Timing Tip: Mega evolve your first Pokémon before the battle starts to ensure the boost applies for the entire raid duration.
Friendship and Weather Bonuses
Maximize your damage output with these bonuses:
- Friendship Levels: Ultra Friends (30% damage boost) or Best Friends (40% damage boost)
- Weather Conditions: Snowy or Windy weather boosts your Pokémon’s CP
- Raid Medals: Gold Dragon/Ice type medals provide additional damage bonuses
How to Obtain Kyurem: Complete Guide
1. Raid Battles (Primary Method)
Kyurem is available in 5-star raids from December 4-13, 2026. Here’s how to maximize your raid success:
Raid Pass Strategy:
- Stock up on Raid Passes (1 free per day, additional for 100 PokéCoins each)
- Consider Remote Raid Passes for accessibility (100 PokéCoins each)
- Premium Battle Passes work for raids but are less cost-effective
Raid Hour Optimization:
- December 10, 6:00-7:00 PM local time – All gyms feature Kyurem raids
- Plan with local communities to coordinate raid groups
- Use apps like PokeGenie or Campfire to find raid groups
Catch Phase Tips:
- Use Golden Razz Berries for highest catch rate (2% base catch rate)
- Aim for Excellent throws for maximum catch bonus
- Curve balls provide additional catch bonus
- Save your Premier Balls for the last few attempts when you’re more comfortable
2. Special Research Tasks
While currently unavailable, Kyurem has been featured in Special Research tasks in the past:
- “It’s Not Over Yet” questline previously rewarded Kyurem encounters
- Keep an eye on our Pokemon GO guides for future research opportunities
- Event-themed research often includes legendary Pokémon encounters
3. GO Battle League Rewards
Reaching rank 20 in GO Battle League provides a chance to encounter legendary Pokémon:
- Requires significant time investment and PvP skill
- Not guaranteed to be Kyurem when legendary encounters occur
- Consider this a bonus method rather than primary strategy
Shiny Kyurem: Complete Hunting Guide
Shiny Rate and Appearance
- Shiny Rate: 1 in 20 (5%) for legendary raids
- Appearance: Deep purple/pink wings with darker teal body color
- Guaranteed? No, but the 5% rate is significantly higher than wild Pokémon
Shiny Hunting Strategy
Maximize Your Chances:
- Participate in as many raids as possible during the December 4-13 window
- Raid Hour on December 10 provides concentrated opportunities
- Coordinate with friends to trade for better IV shiny Kyurem
Cost Considerations:
- Each raid costs 1 Raid Pass or 100 PokéCoins for Remote Raid Pass
- Budget for 10-20 raids for a good chance at shiny
- Consider the value of shiny vs. regular Kyurem for your collection
Shiny Fusion Possibilities
Great news for shiny hunters: You can fuse shiny Kyurem to create shiny Black Kyurem or shiny White Kyurem without needing shiny Reshiram or Zekrom! This makes shiny Kyurem extremely valuable for collectors.
Kyurem Fusion: Black and White Forms
One of the most exciting aspects of Kyurem is its ability to fuse with Reshiram and Zekrom to create even more powerful forms. Here’s everything you need to know about the fusion process:
Fusion Requirements
For Black Kyurem:
- 1000 Volt Fusion Energy
- 30 Kyurem Candy
- 30 Zekrom Candy
- 1 Kyurem
- 1 Zekrom
For White Kyurem:
- 1000 Blaze Fusion Energy
- 30 Kyurem Candy
- 30 Reshiram Candy
- 1 Kyurem
- 1 Reshiram
How to Obtain Fusion Energy
Fusion Energy can only be obtained by defeating the fused forms in raids:
- Defeat Black Kyurem raids → Volt Fusion Energy
- Defeat White Kyurem raids → Blaze Fusion Energy
Important Note: Fused Kyurem forms are not currently available in raids as of December 2026. Keep an eye on official announcements for their return.
Fusion Process Step-by-Step
- Collect Resources: Gather all required Fusion Energy and candy
- Select Kyurem: Choose which Kyurem you want to fuse (use your best one!)
- Choose Fusion Option: Select either Black Kyurem or White Kyurem
- Select Partner: Choose your Reshiram or Zekrom to fuse with
- Confirm Fusion: Complete the fusion process
Pro Tip: Fuse your best Kyurem with your weakest Reshiram/Zekrom. The fused form’s stats depend on the Kyurem, not the partner Pokémon. This way you keep your stronger Reshiram/Zekrom for battles.
Adventure Effects: Special Abilities
Fused Kyurem forms have unique Adventure Effects that provide temporary bonuses:
White Kyurem – Ice Burn:
- Slows down the aim ring when catching Pokémon for 10 minutes
- Makes Pokémon significantly easier to catch
- Perfect for catching difficult Pokémon or completing research tasks
Black Kyurem – Freeze Shock:
- Locks and freezes the Pokémon you’re catching, preventing movement for 10 minutes
- Eliminates jumping and attacking animations
- Ideal for catching fast-moving or aggressive Pokémon
Defusion Process
You can defuse Kyurem anytime without cost:
- Select your fused Kyurem
- Choose the defusion option
- Both Pokémon return to your inventory unchanged
This flexibility allows you to use the Adventure Effects when needed and defuse for regular battles.
Kyurem in Pokemon GO Meta: Comprehensive Analysis
Raid Attacker Performance
Regular Kyurem:
- Dragon Type: Ranks in top 40 Dragon attackers with Dragon Breath/Draco Meteor
- Ice Type: Significantly better with Glaciate legacy move, but still outclassed by fused forms
- Overall: Not recommended for raids due to better alternatives available
Fused Forms:
- White Kyurem: One of the best Ice-type attackers in the game
- Black Kyurem: Excellent Dragon/Ice attacker with unique coverage
- Investment Priority: High if you have the fusion materials
PvP Performance
Ultra League:
- CP Issue: Kyurem’s stats don’t work well at 2500 CP cap
- Practical Performance: Poor despite theoretical ranking around top 45
- Recommendation: Avoid for Ultra League competition
Master League:
- Outclassed: Regular Kyurem is overshadowed by many better options
- Fused Forms: Much more viable but still face competition from top-tier Pokémon
- Recommendation: Only consider if you have excellent IV fused forms
Gym Defense
Important Note: Like all legendary Pokémon, Kyurem cannot be placed in gyms for defense. This is a game mechanic limitation for all legendary and mythical Pokémon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Type Matchups
Many trainers bring Dragon types without considering that Kyurem also has Dragon moves, creating a mutual weakness. Steel and Fighting types are often safer choices.
2. Underestimating Group Size
While technically possible with 2 high-level trainers, Kyurem can be challenging. Aim for 4-6 trainers for a comfortable victory, especially if using non-optimal counters.
3. Wasting Resources on Poor Counters
Avoid using Pokémon that are weak to Ice or Dragon attacks. Fire, Ground, and Flying types take increased damage from Kyurem’s moveset.
4. Missing the Legacy Move Opportunity
If Kyurem has Glaciate during this raid period, prioritize catching one with this move. It significantly increases Kyurem’s value as an Ice-type attacker.
5. Neglecting Shiny Opportunities
With a 5% shiny rate, Kyurem raids offer excellent shiny hunting opportunities. Don’t miss out during the December 4-13 window.
Community and Resources
Official Sources
- Pokemon GO Blog: Official announcements and event details
- Niantic Support: Bug reports and technical assistance
- Pokemon GO Twitter: Real-time updates and community highlights
Community Resources
- The Silph Road: Advanced strategy discussions and research
- Pokemon GO Hub: Comprehensive guides and event coverage
- Pokebattler: Raid simulators and counter recommendations
- Leek Duck: Event calendars and infographic resources
Local Communities
- Discord Servers: Many cities have local Pokemon GO Discord communities
- Facebook Groups: Local raid coordination groups
- Campfire App: Niantic’s official community platform
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trainers do I need to defeat Kyurem?
Technically, 2-3 high-level trainers with optimal counters can defeat Kyurem, but 4-6 trainers is recommended for a comfortable victory, especially for newer players or those without top-tier counters.
What is the best counter for Kyurem?
Zacian – Crowned Sword with Metal Claw and Behemoth Blade is currently the best counter, followed closely by Mega Lucario with Fighting moves. Both provide excellent DPS while resisting Kyurem’s attacks.
Can Kyurem be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes! Kyurem has a 1 in 20 (5%) shiny rate during raids, making it one of the better legendary Pokemon for shiny hunting. The shiny version features deep purple/pink wings and a darker teal body.
How do I get Black Kyurem and White Kyurem?
You need to fuse regular Kyurem with Zekrom (for Black Kyurem) or Reshiram (for White Kyurem). This requires 1000 of the appropriate Fusion Energy, 30 candy for each Pokemon, and both base Pokemon.
Is Kyurem good in Pokemon GO?
Regular Kyurem is mediocre in raids and PvP, but its fused forms (Black and White Kyurem) are among the best attackers in the game. The fusion process and Adventure Effects make Kyurem very valuable for dedicated players.
What moves should Kyurem have?
For raids, Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor provide the best DPS. For PvP, Steel Wing offers better coverage. The legacy move Glaciate makes Kyurem a much better Ice-type attacker if you can obtain it.
When will Kyurem leave raids?
Kyurem is available in 5-star raids from December 4-13, 2026, with a special Raid Hour on December 10 from 6:00-7:00 PM local time. Make sure to complete your raids before December 13 at 10 AM local time.
Can I get Fusion Energy from regular Kyurem raids?
No, Fusion Energy can only be obtained by defeating the fused forms (Black Kyurem and White Kyurem) in their special raids, which are not currently available as of December 2026.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Kyurem represents an excellent opportunity for Pokemon GO trainers to add a powerful legendary Pokemon to their collection, with the added bonus of potential shiny encounters and future fusion possibilities. By following the strategies and counter recommendations in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to defeat Kyurem and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on Steel and Fighting type counters for maximum effectiveness
- Take advantage of the December 4-13 raid window and December 10 Raid Hour
- Consider the long-term value of fusion materials and shiny hunting
- Prepare for future fused Kyurem raids when they return
Ready to take on Kyurem? Gather your best counters, coordinate with your local community, and make the most of this legendary raid opportunity. Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for quick reference during your raids, and check out our other Pokemon GO guides for more expert strategies!
Happy raiding, trainers! May your throws be excellent and your shiny luck be strong!