Pokemon GO: How To Get Terrakion & Shiny Terrakion (March 2026)

Looking to add the powerful Terrakion to your Pokemon GO collection? You’re in the right place! Terrakion is currently available as a 5-Star Raid Boss from July 14 to July 22, 2026, with a special Raid Hour on July 16 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. This Legendary Rock/Fighting-type Pokemon can be caught with CP values ranging from 2026-2113 (unboosted) or 2533-2641 (weather boosted), and yes – Shiny Terrakion is available with a 1 in 20 chance of appearing after defeating it in raids.
Pokemon GO: Quick Terrakion Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | 5-Star Raids (July 14-22, 2026) |
| Type | Rock/Fighting |
| Max CP | 4181 (Level 50) |
| Catch CP Range | 2026-2113 (Normal) / 2533-2641 (Boosted) |
| Shiny Available | Yes (5% or 1/20 chance) |
| Weather Boost | Partly Cloudy & Cloudy |
| Best Fast Move | Double Kick |
| Best Charged Move | Sacred Sword |
| Raid Difficulty | Can be duo’d, 3-5 trainers recommended |
What Is Terrakion in Pokemon GO?
I’ve been raiding Terrakion since its debut in November 2019, and let me tell you – this Legendary Pokemon from the Unova region is an absolute powerhouse! As one of the Swords of Justice trio (alongside Cobalion and Virizion), Terrakion boasts an impressive 260 Attack stat that makes it one of the best Fighting-type attackers in the entire game.
The lore behind Terrakion is fascinating too. According to Pokemon legend, this cavern-dwelling creature once used its phenomenal power to destroy an entire castle while protecting other Pokemon. In Pokemon GO, that raw strength translates to a maximum Combat Power of 4181 at Level 50, making it a formidable addition to any trainer’s roster.
What sets Terrakion apart from other Legendaries is its unique dual typing. The Rock/Fighting combination gives it incredible offensive coverage while also providing some interesting resistances. I’ve found it particularly useful against Steel-type raid bosses and in Master League PvP battles where its Sacred Sword move can devastate opponents.
How to Get Terrakion in Pokemon GO (March 2026)
Current Availability: 5-Star Raids
The primary way to obtain Terrakion in Pokemon GO is by defeating it in 5-Star Raid Battles. As of March 2026, Terrakion is featured in raids from July 14 to July 22, 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about catching this Legendary beast:
Raid Schedule:
- Regular Raids: July 14-22, 2026
- Raid Hour: July 16, 2026 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time)
- CP Ranges:
- Standard Weather: 2026-2113 CP
- Weather Boosted (Partly Cloudy/Cloudy): 2533-2641 CP
Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Terrakion
- Find a Terrakion Raid
- Check your nearby raids tab for 5-Star eggs
- Look for gyms with pink/purple eggs that hatch into Terrakion
- Use remote raid passes if no local raids are available
- Assemble Your Raid Team
- Gather 3-5 trainers (minimum 2 with perfect counters)
- Coordinate through local Discord or Facebook groups
- Consider using apps like PokeRaid for remote coordination
- Build Your Battle Team
- Select Pokemon with Psychic, Water, Fairy, Fighting, Grass, Ground, or Steel moves
- Power up your counters to at least Level 30
- Set up battle parties in advance for quick selection
- Win the Raid Battle
- Enter the raid lobby 2 minutes before start
- Use your strongest counters first
- Dodge charged moves if your team is small
- Catch Terrakion
- Use Golden Razz Berries for best catch rate
- Aim for Great or Excellent throws
- Use the circle lock technique for consistency
Alternative Methods to Obtain Terrakion
While raids are the primary method, there are occasionally other ways to encounter Terrakion:
1. GO Battle League Rewards
- Reach Rank 20 during seasons featuring Terrakion
- Win 3 battles in a set for encounter chance
- Guaranteed catch if encountered
2. Special Research
- Featured during events like “Road to Unova”
- One-time encounters through research completion
- Often includes exclusive moves
3. Elite Raids (Rare)
- Occasionally featured in Elite Raids
- Local-only participation required
- Higher IV floor than regular raids
Terrakion’s Weaknesses and Resistances
Understanding Terrakion’s type matchups is crucial for raid success. As a Rock/Fighting dual-type, it has seven weaknesses but also resists six types:
Terrakion’s Weaknesses (Take 160% Damage)
- Fairy – Most effective counter type
- Fighting – Ironically weak to its own type
- Grass – Solid choice for budget teams
- Ground – Common and accessible
- Psychic – Top-tier counter option
- Steel – Excellent with Meteor Mash users
- Water – Widely available counters
Terrakion’s Resistances (Take 62.5% Damage)
- Bug
- Dark
- Fire
- Normal (Double resistance – 39% damage)
- Poison
- Rock
Weather Effects on Terrakion Raids
Weather plays a significant role in Terrakion raids:
- Partly Cloudy/Cloudy: Boosts Terrakion’s Rock and Fighting moves (AVOID!)
- Windy: Boosts Psychic and Fairy counters (IDEAL)
- Rainy: Boosts Water counters
- Sunny: Boosts Grass and Ground counters
- Snow: Boosts Steel counters
Pro tip: I always check the weather before raiding. Windy weather makes duo attempts much easier!
Best Terrakion Raid Counters (March 2026)
After countless Terrakion raids, I’ve refined my counter teams to perfection. Here are the absolute best options:
Top 10 Terrakion Counters
- Crowned Sword Zacian
- Fast Move: Metal Claw
- Charged Move: Behemoth Blade
- Why it’s great: Highest DPS, takes reduced damage
- Dusk Mane Necrozma
- Fast Move: Psycho Cut
- Charged Move: Sunsteel Strike
- Why it’s great: Legendary stats, powerful signature move
- Shadow Mewtwo
- Fast Move: Confusion
- Charged Move: Psychic/Psystrike
- Why it’s great: Glass cannon with extreme damage
- Primal Kyogre
- Fast Move: Waterfall
- Charged Move: Surf/Origin Pulse
- Why it’s great: Tanky with consistent damage
- Mega Gardevoir
- Fast Move: Confusion
- Charged Move: Psychic
- Why it’s great: Mega boost for raid group
- Mega Alakazam
- Fast Move: Confusion
- Charged Move: Psychic/Future Sight
- Why it’s great: Highest Psychic DPS
- Primal Groudon
- Fast Move: Mud Shot
- Charged Move: Earthquake/Precipice Blades
- Why it’s great: Bulky Ground attacker
- Shadow Machamp
- Fast Move: Counter
- Charged Move: Dynamic Punch
- Why it’s great: Accessible Fighting counter
- Mega Gallade
- Fast Move: Confusion
- Charged Move: Psychic
- Why it’s great: Dual typing advantage
- Crowned Shield Zamazenta
- Fast Move: Metal Claw
- Charged Move: Behemoth Bash
- Why it’s great: Defensive bulk with solid damage
Budget Counter Options
Not everyone has powered-up Legendaries. Here are excellent budget alternatives:
- Machamp: Counter + Dynamic Punch
- Espeon: Confusion + Psychic
- Gardevoir: Confusion + Psychic
- Gyarados: Waterfall + Hydro Pump
- Alakazam: Confusion + Psychic
- Metagross: Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash
How to Get Shiny Terrakion in Pokemon GO?
I still remember my first Shiny Terrakion encounter – the excitement is unmatched! Here’s everything about hunting this rare variant:
Shiny Terrakion Details
Visual Differences:
- Regular: Brown/orange body with gray accents
- Shiny: Lighter tan body with subtle pink/purple tints
- The differences are subtle but noticeable
Shiny Odds:
- Legendary Rate: 1 in 20 (5%)
- Not affected by shiny charm events
- Same odds regardless of weather
Maximizing Shiny Chances
- Raid Volume Strategy
- Complete as many Terrakion raids as possible
- Use daily free pass + premium passes
- Coordinate raid trains with local groups
- Raid Hour Optimization
- July 16, 2026 from 6-7 PM local time
- Most gyms will have Terrakion
- Can complete 10-15 raids in one hour
- Remote Raiding
- Join international raids for extended availability
- Use apps like PokeRaid or PokeGenie
- Stock up on Remote Raid Passes
- Statistical Approach
- 20 raids = 64% chance of at least one shiny
- 40 raids = 87% chance
- 60 raids = 95% chance
Remember: Shiny Legendaries from raids have a 100% catch rate! Use Pinap Berries instead of Golden Razz for extra candy.
Terrakion’s Best Moveset and Usage
PvE (Raids and Gyms)
Optimal Fighting-Type Moveset:
- Fast Move: Double Kick
- Charged Move: Sacred Sword*
*Sacred Sword requires Elite Charged TM
Alternative Rock-Type Moveset:
- Fast Move: Smack Down
- Charged Move: Rock Slide
PvP (Battle League)
Master League Moveset:
- Fast Move: Double Kick
- Charged Moves: Sacred Sword + Rock Slide
Terrakion excels in Master League, particularly as a closer. Its unique typing allows it to threaten common threats like Dialga, Togekiss, and Dragonite.
Performance Analysis
As a Fighting-Type Attacker:
- Ranks #1 among non-Mega, non-Shadow Fighting types
- Outperforms Lucario in most scenarios
- Essential for Steel-type raid bosses
As a Rock-Type Attacker:
- Solid but not top-tier
- Outclassed by Rhyperior and Rampardos
- Still viable for Flying-type raids
Terrakion Raid Tips and Strategies
Team Size Recommendations
Based on my experience and extensive testing:
- Solo: Impossible
- Duo: Possible with maxed Shadow Mewtwo/Mega Alakazam in Windy weather
- Trio: Comfortable with Level 35+ counters
- 4-5 Players: Safe for any team composition
- 6+ Players: Easy victory, focus on damage balls
Battle Strategy Tips
- Create Battle Parties
- Set up teams in advance
- Name them “Terrakion 1,” “Terrakion 2,” etc.
- Include one anchor Pokemon
- Optimize Raid Rewards
- Aim for 15-20% individual damage
- Use friends for damage bonus balls
- Control gym for extra balls
- Dodge Strategically
- Only dodge Earthquake
- Don’t dodge with glass cannons
- Dodge with bulky Pokemon if short-manning
- Weather Considerations
- Avoid Partly Cloudy/Cloudy weather
- Seek Windy conditions for easier raids
- Adjust team based on weather boost
Is Terrakion Worth Powering Up?
Absolutely! Here’s why I’ve invested in multiple Terrakion:
Investment Priority: HIGH
Pros:
- Top Fighting-type DPS
- Unique typing for coverage
- Excellent in Master League
- Future-proof with Sacred Sword
Cons:
- Requires Elite TM for best move
- Many weaknesses in PvP
- Expensive candy/stardust investment
Resource Allocation Guide
For PvE Focus:
- Power up 1-2 to Level 40
- Teach Sacred Sword with Elite TM
- Best buddy one for Level 41
For PvP Focus:
- One maxed for Master League
- Double move mandatory
- Consider second move before powering up
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Terrakion return to Pokemon GO raids?
Terrakion typically returns 2-3 times per year during Fighting-type events, Unova celebrations, or Swords of Justice features. It’s currently available from July 14-22, 2026.
Can Terrakion be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes! Shiny Terrakion has been available since May 19, 2020. The shiny rate is approximately 1 in 20 encounters.
What CP is a perfect Terrakion?
A 100% IV Terrakion will be:
- 2113 CP at Level 20 (non-weather boosted)
- 2641 CP at Level 25 (weather boosted)
Can you solo Terrakion raids?
No, Terrakion cannot be soloed due to its high HP and defense. Minimum 2 trainers with perfect counters required.
Is Sacred Sword necessary for Terrakion?
While Close Combat is serviceable, Sacred Sword significantly improves Terrakion’s performance. It’s worth the Elite Charged TM investment.
How many trainers do you need for Terrakion?
- Minimum: 2 (with maxed counters and weather boost)
- Recommended: 3-5 trainers
- Comfortable: 4+ trainers with Level 30+ counters
What’s the best ball to use on Terrakion?
Always use Golden Razz Berries with Premier Balls for non-shiny Terrakion. For shiny Terrakion (100% catch rate), use Pinap Berries for extra candy.
Is Terrakion good for PvP?
Yes, Terrakion is excellent in Master League but struggles in Great and Ultra League due to CP restrictions and numerous weaknesses.
What’s better: Rock Slide or Earthquake on Terrakion?
Rock Slide is generally preferred for its lower energy cost and STAB bonus. Earthquake provides coverage but is easily dodged.
Will Terrakion get a Community Day?
Unlikely, as Legendary Pokemon rarely receive Community Days. However, it may feature in special raid events with exclusive moves.
Advanced Terrakion Strategies
XL Candy Farming
For trainers pursuing Level 50 Terrakion:
- Maximize XL Candy Chances
- Trade Terrakion with friends (distance trades preferred)
- Walk as buddy during 2x candy events
- Transfer during 2x transfer candy events
- Raid Optimization
- Use Mega evolved Pokemon for +1 candy
- Complete raids with Best Friends
- Focus on weather-boosted catches
Battle League Applications
Master League Classic:
- Core breaker against Steel types
- Pairs well with Giratina-O
- Vulnerable to common Fairy types
Master League Open:
- Struggles against Level 50 meta
- Consider only if XL maxed
- Better options available
Conclusion
Terrakion remains one of Pokemon GO’s most valuable Legendary Pokemon in 2026. Whether you’re hunting for that elusive shiny, building a Fighting-type raid team, or competing in Master League, this rock-solid warrior deserves a spot in your collection. With its current availability from July 14-22, 2026, and the special Raid Hour on July 16, now’s the perfect time to add this powerhouse to your roster.
Remember to coordinate with your local community, prepare your counters in advance, and most importantly – have fun raiding! The thrill of seeing that shiny sparkle after defeating Terrakion never gets old. Good luck, trainers, and may the shiny odds be ever in your favor!
