Get prepared to take down Darkrai
Darkrai is back in Pokémon GO raids, and as one of the best Dark-type raid attackers in the game you'll want to try and pick up a good IV Darkrai if you don't have one already. Otherwise, these raids are a great chance to stock up on some Darkrai candy and XL candy.
Darkrai is in raids from February 15 to February 20 and any trainers catching this legendary Pokémon during this time will get a Darkrai with the legacy Charged Attack Sludge Bomb. Shiny Darkrai is also available.
Here is all you need to take on this powerful Pokémon, with our Darkrai Pokémon GO raid guide.
Best Darkrai counters in Pokémon GO:
Darkrai is a pure Dark-type Pokémon. This means that Darkrai is weak to Bug, Fairy and Fighting-type Pokémon. Thankfully, there are some powerful legendary, mega and standard Pokémon available for you to build a powerful team.
Here are the best Darkrai counters in Pokémon GO:
 Terrakion Double Kick & Sacred Sword |  Mega Blaziken Counter & Focus Blast |  Mega Gardevoir Charm & Dazzling Gleam |  Keldeo Low Kick & Sacred Sword |  Mega Alakazam Counter & Dazzling Gleam |  Lucario Counter & Aura Sphere |  Incarnate Forme Enamorus Fairy Wind & Dazzling Gleam |  Conkeldurr Counter & Dynamic Punch |  Volcarona Bug Bite & Bug Buzz |  Machamp Counter & Dynamic Punch |  Xerneas Geomancy & Moonblast |  Togekiss Charm & Aura Sphere |
Pretty much all of these Pokémon have been available in recent events, raids or are generally common. Mega Alakazam requires two legacy moves, so it will be expensive to teach it both of these unless you have an Alakazam that already knows these.
Fairy-type Pokémon will take less damage against Dark Pokémon, so bear that in mind when building your team.
Mega Evolutions to get you more Darkrai candy in Pokémon GO
Mega Evolutions can help you get more candy and XL candy with every catch. Having a mega level 3 active that boosts candy for Dark-types will give you an extra 2 candy per catch, as well as a 25% bonus to your XL candy chance.
- Gyrados
- Houndoom
- Tyranitar
- Absol
Related articles
How many trainers do I need to beat Darkrai in Pokémon GO?
Darkrai has high attack, but reasonably low defence. This means that you don't need a super stacked team of trainers to take this Pokémon down.
Two high level trainers, especially with party power, will be able to take down Darkrai. Lower level trainers should try to be in a group of at least four.
Darkrai Pokémon GO 100% IV
What CP values should you be looking out for, to know you're about to catch a 100% IV Darkrai?
- 2136 CP
- 2671 CP (Weather Boosted)
Weather Effects:
Weather boost can help you save candy, get better IVs and benefit from power boosts on your team. Here are the weather effects to keep an eye on when taking on these raids.
Weather | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny | - | - |
| Windy | - | - |
| Partly Cloudy | - | - |
| Cloudy | Boosts your Fairy and Fighting-type Pokémon | Darkrai's Focus Blast will be boosted |
| Snow | - | - |
| Rainy | Boosts Bug-type Pokémon | - |
| Fog | Will let you catch a higher level Darkrai | Boosts Dark and Ghost-type moves that Darkrai has |
Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest esports news and more Pokémon guides.
