Dynamax Raikou is a pure Electric-type boss, so Ground-type Max attacks are the central counter strategy. The most direct recommendation in Pokémon GO Hub’s August 21, 2025 guide is Dynamax Excadrill with a Ground-type Fast Attack and Max Quake. Raikou’s five-star debut weekend was March 15–16, 2025, and no later return date is established here; check Niantic’s current event announcements before planning a battle.
Which Pokémon should you use against Dynamax Raikou?
Raikou is weak to Ground-type attacks. For its Max phase, the aim is to enter with a Pokémon that can use a Ground-type Max Attack; the accompanying Fast Attack also matters because it contributes both damage and energy toward the Max meter.
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Best-supported Max attackers
| Pokémon | Move guidance | What the ranking establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamax Excadrill | Mud-Slap or Mud Shot; Max Quake | Pokémon GO Hub’s recommended lead attacker and top-ranked option in its Max-phase comparison. |
| Dynamax Rhyperior | Use a Ground-type Max Attack | Listed among the leading Max-phase attackers by the same ranking. |
| Rhydon | Use a Ground-type Max Attack | Also listed among the leading Max-phase attackers. |
The ranking compares damage during the Max phase with Level 3 Max or Gigantamax moves and three consecutive Max Attacks. It does not rank overall battle survivability or guarantee a win. When choosing between counters, weigh Ground-type move access alongside durability in the ordinary phase, the ability to build the meter, available Max Guard or Max Spirit support, and which Pokémon you have already powered up. The specific moves and ranking come from Pokémon GO Hub’s Dynamax Raikou strategy guide and its Dynamax Raikou counter ranking.
Can you solo Dynamax Raikou?
Pokémon GO Hub’s strategy guide says Dynamax Raikou is not soloable. Niantic allows up to four Trainers to join a Max Battle, but that is a lobby limit, not a promise that any particular group will win. Coordinate counters and roles with the Trainers actually in your lobby.
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Suggested group roles
The strategy guide suggests two attacker-focused Trainers, one tank or defender, and one healer. This is a tactical recommendation, not a Niantic rule. A durable Pokémon can help its Trainer withstand the regular phase and build the meter; where the team’s plan allows, switch to a stronger Ground-type Max attacker for the Max phase.
How to play the battle
- Build the meter: Tap to use Fast Attacks. They deal damage, build Charged Attack energy, and fill the Max meter.
- Dodge and collect energy: Swipe when Raikou targets your Pokémon, and swipe toward visible battlefield energy to collect it and fill the meter faster.
- Use the Max phase deliberately: When the meter is full, your Pokémon transforms for three turns. Use Ground-type Max attacks for damage, or coordinate a defensive or healing move if that better serves the team.
- Adjust if your party faints: In battles rated three stars or higher, a Trainer whose Pokémon faint can cheer to fill teammates’ Max meters faster. That Trainer cannot choose new Pokémon and rejoin that battle.
These actions and battle rules are described in Niantic’s Max Battles help page.
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- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
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What do Max Attack, Max Guard, and Max Spirit do?
- Max Attack takes its type from the Dynamax Pokémon’s Fast Attack. For this matchup, a Ground-type Fast Attack gives access to a Ground-type Max Attack.
- Max Guard reduces damage from the boss.
- Max Spirit heals the user and allies.
Max Moves can be unlocked and powered up using Max Particles and Pokémon Candy. Their effects and upgrade resources are covered in Niantic’s Max Pokémon help page and Max Moves help page.
What happens after you win?
Winning a Max Battle gives rewards and a chance to catch the boss. A caught Max Pokémon returns to its normal form in storage and can Dynamax again in eligible situations. Niantic’s Max Battles help page explains participation, rewards, and capture rules.
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- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
When was Dynamax Raikou available?
Niantic announced Raikou’s five-star Max Battle debut for Saturday, March 15, at 6:00 a.m. through Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. local time. The event also offered Timed Research with a Dynamax Drilbur encounter and resources; that research expired at the event’s end, so it is not currently claimable. The announcement’s temporary bonuses included an increased Max Particle collection limit of 1,600, one-quarter adventuring distance to receive Max Particles, more frequent Power Spot refreshes, and eight times the Max Particles from Power Spots. A separate three-quarter Max Particle cost bonus for unlocking and powering up Max Moves ran March 10–16, 2025. These were event-specific terms, not standing gameplay conditions. See Niantic’s event announcement, “An electrifying Max Battle Weekend awaits with Dynamax Raikou!” for the historical details; it does not establish a later return date.
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- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
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