Weather Boosted Zacian Raid Guide: Counters, Weaknesses, And How To Catch

Hey, trainers! Get ready to battle and catch the legendary Zacian in Pokémon GO. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to take down a weather-boosted Zacian, including its weaknesses, the best counters, and how to make the most of the raid. Let's dive in!

What is Zacian and Why Should You Raid It?

Zacian, the Warrior Pokémon, is a legendary Fairy-type Pokémon from the Galar region. Known for its incredible attack stats, Zacian is a formidable opponent in raids and a valuable addition to your Pokémon GO team. When weather boosted by Cloudy weather, Zacian becomes even more powerful, making it a challenging but rewarding raid boss. Participating in these raids gives you the chance to add a powerful Fairy-type Pokémon to your roster and collect valuable resources.

Zacian is not just another Pokémon; it's a legendary Pokémon, and catching one is a prestigious achievement for any trainer. Its high attack stat makes it a valuable asset in battles, whether you're facing other trainers in the GO Battle League or taking on Gyms and other raids. Additionally, Zacian’s Fairy typing makes it particularly effective against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type Pokémon, which are common threats in the current meta. By raiding Zacian, you're not just catching a Pokémon; you're investing in a powerful ally that can significantly improve your battle capabilities. The thrill of the raid, combined with the reward of catching such a strong Pokémon, makes Zacian raids an exciting and worthwhile endeavor for all trainers.

Moreover, participating in Zacian raids offers more than just a chance to catch this legendary Pokémon. Raids are a fantastic way to earn valuable rewards such as Rare Candies, Golden Razz Berries, and Technical Machines (TMs). These items are essential for powering up your Pokémon, evolving them, and teaching them new moves. Rare Candies, for example, can be used to power up any Pokémon, making them especially useful for legendary Pokémon like Zacian. Golden Razz Berries greatly increase your chances of catching a Pokémon after a raid, while TMs allow you to change your Pokémon’s moveset, optimizing them for battle. Therefore, engaging in Zacian raids not only gives you the opportunity to catch a powerful Pokémon but also provides you with the resources needed to enhance your entire team.

Understanding Weather Boost in Pokémon GO

Weather boost is a crucial mechanic in Pokémon GO that significantly impacts gameplay. When the in-game weather matches a Pokémon’s type, that Pokémon receives a boost in its stats, making it stronger in battles and raids. For Zacian, a Fairy-type Pokémon, the weather that provides a boost is Cloudy weather. When raiding a weather-boosted Zacian, you'll notice that it has higher CP (Combat Power) and its attacks hit harder. This means the raid will be more challenging, but it also means the Zacian you catch will be stronger.

The weather boost mechanic not only affects the strength of Pokémon in battles but also influences their spawn rates in the wild. During Cloudy weather, you're more likely to encounter Fairy-type Pokémon, in addition to Zacian raids being more challenging. This adds an extra layer of strategy to your gameplay, as you might want to prioritize raiding during certain weather conditions to catch a more powerful Zacian. Understanding how weather boost works is key to optimizing your Pokémon GO experience and making the most of every raid opportunity. So, keep an eye on the in-game weather forecast and plan your Zacian raids accordingly to take advantage of the weather boost and catch a truly formidable Pokémon.

Zacian's Weaknesses and Resistances

To effectively battle Zacian, you need to understand its weaknesses and resistances. As a Fairy-type Pokémon, Zacian is weak against Poison and Steel-type moves. This means you'll want to build your raid team with Pokémon that can dish out significant damage using these types of attacks. On the other hand, Zacian resists Dragon, Bug, Dark, and Fighting-type moves, so avoid using Pokémon that rely on these attacks.

Knowing these weaknesses and resistances is crucial for crafting a winning strategy against Zacian. By focusing on Poison and Steel-type attackers, you can maximize your damage output and bring Zacian down more quickly. This knowledge also helps you conserve your resources, such as Potions and Revives, as your Pokémon will take less damage from Zacian’s resisted attacks. Before heading into the raid, take a moment to assess your Pokémon collection and identify the best counters based on these type matchups. Planning ahead will significantly increase your chances of success and make the raid experience more enjoyable.

Moreover, understanding Zacian's moveset is just as important as knowing its type weaknesses. Zacian can have a variety of moves, each with different damage and energy costs. Some moves might be more challenging to deal with than others, depending on your team composition. For instance, if Zacian has a strong Steel-type move, bringing in a Pokémon that resists Steel-type attacks can be a smart move. Similarly, if Zacian has a Fairy-type move, your Poison and Steel-type attackers will be particularly effective. By anticipating the possible moves Zacian might use, you can make strategic decisions during the raid, such as switching out Pokémon or using Protect Shields at the right time. This level of preparation can make a significant difference in the outcome of the raid, helping you and your team secure a victory and catch this powerful legendary Pokémon.

Top Pokémon Counters for Zacian

Now, let's get to the most important part: building your raid team. Here are some of the top Pokémon counters for Zacian:

• Metagross: A Steel and Psychic-type Pokémon with access to powerful Steel-type moves like Metal Claw and Meteor Mash. Metagross is a top-tier choice for any Zacian raid.
• Roserade: A Grass and Poison-type Pokémon that can deal significant Poison-type damage with moves like Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb. Roserade is an excellent counter due to its dual typing.
• Excadrill: A Ground and Steel-type Pokémon with moves like Metal Claw and Iron Head. Excadrill’s Steel-type attacks make it a strong contender against Zacian.
• Gengar (Shadow): A Ghost and Poison-type Pokémon with high attack stats. Shadow Gengar can deal massive Poison-type damage with moves like Lick and Sludge Bomb.
• Dialga: A Steel and Dragon-type Pokémon with moves like Metal Claw and Iron Head. Dialga’s Steel typing and high stats make it a reliable choice.
• Nihilego: A Rock and Poison-type Ultra Beast with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb. Nihilego can deal significant damage while also resisting some of Zacian's attacks.

These are just a few examples, and there are other viable counters as well. The key is to choose Pokémon with strong Poison or Steel-type moves and high attack stats. Remember to power up your Pokémon and unlock their Charged Moves to maximize their effectiveness in battle. A well-prepared team can make all the difference in a Zacian raid.

When selecting your team, consider the movesets of your Pokémon and try to optimize them for the raid. Using TMs (Technical Machines) to teach your Pokémon the best moves for the Zacian raid can significantly boost your performance. For example, ensuring your Metagross knows Meteor Mash or your Roserade knows Sludge Bomb will help you deal maximum damage. Additionally, consider the weather conditions in your game. If it's Cloudy, your Poison-type attacks will receive a boost, making Pokémon like Roserade and Shadow Gengar even more effective. By carefully curating your team and optimizing their movesets, you can increase your chances of victory and successfully catch Zacian.

Raid Strategy and Tips

To successfully complete a Zacian raid, you'll need more than just a strong team; you'll need a solid strategy. Here are some tips to help you and your fellow trainers take down Zacian:

• Coordinate with Your Team: Raids are often more successful when trainers work together. Communicate with your team members about your Pokémon choices and strategy.
• Use Weather Boost to Your Advantage: As mentioned earlier, Cloudy weather boosts Zacian’s power, but it also boosts your Poison-type attacks. Take advantage of this by using Poison-type Pokémon during Cloudy weather.
• Dodge Charged Attacks: Zacian’s Charged Attacks can deal significant damage. Pay attention to the visual cues and swipe to dodge these attacks whenever possible.
• Use Berries: Golden Razz Berries are your best friend when trying to catch Zacian after the raid. They significantly increase your chances of catching the Pokémon.
• Optimal Group Size: The ideal group size for a Zacian raid is typically 4-7 trainers with well-prepared teams. Smaller groups are possible, but they require higher-level trainers and optimized Pokémon.

Effective communication and coordination are key components of a successful raid strategy. Before the raid begins, discuss with your team members which Pokémon they plan to use and how they will contribute to the battle. If you have trainers who are particularly strong with Poison or Steel-type Pokémon, encourage them to lead the charge. Sharing information about Zacian’s moveset can also be beneficial, as this allows trainers to anticipate and dodge incoming attacks more effectively. By working together and strategizing as a team, you can overcome the challenges of the raid and increase your chances of victory.

Moreover, maximizing your damage output during the raid is crucial for defeating Zacian within the time limit. One way to do this is by utilizing the Mega Evolution mechanic. Mega Evolved Pokémon receive a significant boost in stats, making them incredibly powerful in raids. If you have access to a Mega Evolved Pokémon that is effective against Zacian, such as Mega Gengar or Mega Beedrill, consider including it in your team. Mega Evolved Pokémon not only deal more damage themselves but also boost the attack power of other Pokémon of the same type in the raid. This can create a synergistic effect, allowing your team to deal even more damage and bring Zacian down faster. By carefully considering your Mega Evolution options and coordinating with your team, you can optimize your damage output and improve your chances of success.

How to Catch Zacian After the Raid

Congratulations, you've defeated Zacian! Now comes the crucial part: catching it. Here’s how to maximize your chances:

• Use Golden Razz Berries: As mentioned before, Golden Razz Berries greatly increase your catch rate. Use them on every throw.
• Curveball Throws: Throwing a curveball increases your chances of catching the Pokémon. Practice your curveball throws to improve your accuracy.
• Aim for the Circle: The colored circle around Zacian indicates the catch rate. Aim to throw your Poké Ball when the circle is at its smallest for the highest chance of success.
• Patience is Key: Don’t rush your throws. Take your time, observe Zacian’s movements, and wait for the best opportunity to throw your Poké Ball.

Mastering the art of catching Pokémon after raids is essential for building a strong and diverse team. One of the most effective techniques is to use the "circle lock" method. This involves waiting for the catch circle to reach its smallest size, then setting your finger on the screen and holding it in place. While holding your finger, throw a curveball into the circle just as Zacian finishes its attack animation. This increases your chances of hitting the Excellent throw bonus, which significantly boosts your catch rate. Practicing this method can make a big difference in your ability to catch legendary Pokémon like Zacian.

Additionally, understanding Zacian's behavior during the catch encounter can help you make more strategic throws. Zacian will often move around or attack, making it difficult to hit the catch circle. Pay attention to its patterns and time your throws accordingly. For instance, if Zacian is about to attack, wait until it finishes its animation before throwing your Poké Ball. This prevents the ball from being deflected and ensures a cleaner hit. If Zacian is moving from side to side, try to anticipate its movements and adjust your throw accordingly. By being patient and observant, you can increase your accuracy and make the most of your Poké Balls.

Conclusion

Battling and catching a weather-boosted Zacian in Pokémon GO is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By understanding its weaknesses, building a strong team of counters, and using effective raid strategies, you can successfully take down this legendary Pokémon. Don’t forget to use Golden Razz Berries and practice your curveball throws to increase your chances of catching it after the raid. Good luck, trainers, and happy raiding!