Raikou Counters: 5 Best Counters in Pokemon GO

Raikou counters are important as the legendary Pokemon will be returning to Pokémon GO this month as part of the February 2020 events.

If you're looking for a chance to beat it, you'll need to know the right counter Pokémon to send its way. This arrival comes alongside new research tasks for Minccino, Umbreon, Woobat, and more. It appears that our favorite legendary electric dog has been turned into a shadow Pokémon by Team Rocket leader, Giovanni, and it's up to the trainers of the world to restore him.

Looking to add this Pokémon to your raid team? Here are some of the best counters to help bring this dog yours into your home.

Raikou Counters: 5 Best Counters in Pokemon GO

Giovanni can be encountered throughout the month of February for a chance at catching Raikou. If you haven't already completed the quest "A Troubling Situation" we recommend you get started now. Unsurprisingly, the majority of these Pokémon will be ground-types.

1. Groudon

Legendary problems call for legendary solutions. If you have Groudon in your boxes, this may be the time to let him shine. Groudon is a pure ground-type with over 3800 combat power (CP) and, when coupled with moves such as "Earthquake" or "Mud Shot", he's destined to give Raikou a run for its money.

2. Garchomp

This Sinnoh dragon is easily one of the best battlers in the game with its 3600+ CP. Additionally, it has a ground-based moveset available for you if you choose to invest in this Pokemon for your team. We're talking about "Earthquake" and "Mud Shot", of course, but "Sand Tomb" may also get you close enough.

3. Rhyperior

As the final evolution of Rhyhorn, Rhyperior is one of the strongest ground-types currently in the game. It holds a secure type advantage being in both ground and rock categories which will mean trouble for Raikou and Giovanni. Its moveset should be ground-based with "Earthquake", "Mud Shot", and the like.

4. Mamoswine

This prehistoric-based Pokemon packs a punch against Raikou, easily holding its own as a ground and ice-type. "Bulldoze" is the primary move you want to have for Mamoswines interested in taking down the legendary dog. There could be a bit of a trade off here, however, as Giovanni may call out his Steelix in the second round. If you place Mamoswine in your party, be sure you have a steel-type counter.

5. Excadrill

It's this Pokemon's ground-type advantage that really counts. Excadrills with exclusively ground movesets such as "Mud-Slap" and "Drill Run" are perfect for reigning in Raikou. It's recommended that this Pokemon not have any steel-type moves as those aren't effective against pure electric-types.