Pokemon Go Darkrai Raid Guide: Shiny, Best Counters & Moveset

Darkrai has returned to raids in Pokémon GO for part 2 of the ongoing Halloween Mischief event and will be available in 5-Star raids from October 22, 2021, at 10 am to November 5, 2021, at 10 am, local time.

In this guide, we’ll be covering the best counters to defeat Darkrai in Pokémon GO, as well as if it’s able to be shiny and the best moves to teach it once you’ve caught one.

Can Darkrai be shiny in Pokémon GO?

Darkrai can be shiny in Pokémon GO! It has around a 1-in-20 chance of being shiny after defeating it as a raid boss and is a guaranteed capture should you be lucky enough to encounter one.

Darkrai Weakness in Pokémon GO

Darkrai is a pure Dark-type Pokémon, which makes it 2x weak to Fighting, Bug and Fairy. It also means that Darkrai will take less damage from Ghost, Dark and Psychic-type moves.

Best Darkrai Counters in Pokémon GO

The top 6 counters for defeating Darkrai in Pokémon GO are currently Shadow Machamp, Shadow Hariyama, Conkeldurr, Lucario, Mega Beedrill and Machamp. Don’t worry if you’re a newer player and don’t have these Pokémon yet, we’ll also list general counters further on in this guide. The non-shadow versions of these Pokémon are also great counters.

Top Counter Movesets

• Shadow Machamp – Counter / Dynamic Punch
• Shadow Hariyama – Counter / Dynamic Punch
• Conkeldurr – Counter / Dynamic Punch
• Lucario – Counter / Aura Sphere
• Mega Beedrill – Bug Bite / X-Scissor
• Machamp – Counter / Dynamic Punch

Secondary counters include Granbull, Pinsir, Gardevoir, Zacian, Scizor, Heracross, Togekiss and Breloom. Basically, any Fighting-,Bug- or Fairy-type Pokémon with moves of the same type.

Counter, Dynamic Punch, Bug Bite, X-Scissor, Dazzling Gleam and Play Rough are all fantastic moves to look out for.

Secondary Counter Movesets

• Granbull – Charm / Play Rough
• Pinsir – Bug Bite / X-Scissor
• Gardevoir – Charm / Dazzling Gleam
• Zavian – Quick Attack / Play Rough
• Scizor – Fury Cutter / X-Scissor
• Heracross – Counter / Megahorn
• Togekiss – Charm / Dazzling Gleam
• Breloom – Counter / Dynamic Punch

How many people do I need to beat Darkrai?

Darkrai can be defeated by around 3 – 5 trainers, depending on how good each of their counters are.

Darkrai’s CP Range

Darkrai’s CP ranges from 2048 – 2136 in normal weather conditions. In Foggy weather conditions, it’s instead 2560 – 2571 CP. So, Darkrai that are 2136 or 2671 CP are perfect IV Pokémon.

What are the best moves for Darkrai in Pokémon GO?

Snarl as a Quick Move and Dark Pulse as a Charge Move is the best moveset for Darkrai in Pokémon GO if being used as a pure Dark-type attacker in both Raids and PvP. Snarl and Shadow Ball are also excellent choices if you’d also like to use Darkrai as a Ghost-type attacker.

If you’re looking for a third move, Focus Blast can provide better coverage in PvP. A third move isn’t needed if your Darkrai is just being used for raiding. Have you remembered to complete your Halloween Special Research? Check out our guide on ‘What Lies Beneath The Mask Special Research Tasks And Rewards‘

Pokémon GO is available now on Android and iOS.