Suicune Raid Guide: Pokémon GO (February 2, 2026)
Suicune returns to Pokémon GO raids, offering trainers a chance to catch this legendary beast! This guide provides essential strategies and counter options for successful raids.
Suicune, the majestic Water-type Legendary Pokémon from the Johto region, is currently available in Tier 5 raids in Pokémon GO as of February 2, 2026. This marks a return for Suicune, giving both veteran and newer trainers an opportunity to add it to their collections. As part of the Johto Beasts trio, Suicune presents a significant challenge, requiring coordinated efforts and strategic team compositions to defeat.
These raids demand preparation, understanding Suicune’s strengths and weaknesses, and assembling a team of effective counters. This guide will delve into the specifics of these raids, providing insights into Suicune’s stats, optimal counter choices, and helpful strategies to maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re raiding locally with friends or remotely with online groups, a well-planned approach is crucial. Remember, Suicune is a powerful opponent, so come prepared!
The current raid window extends until November 11th, offering ample time to participate. Resources like Pokebattler and The Silph Road provide valuable data and community support for tackling this raid.
Suicune’s Stats and CP
Suicune, a pure Water-type Legendary Pokémon, boasts impressive stats that contribute to its formidable presence in raids. Its maximum CP sits at 37761, making it a challenging Tier 5 raid boss. Understanding these stats is vital for building an effective counter team.
Specifically, Suicune’s Attack stat is 2358, Defense is 2288, and Stamina is 2662. These values dictate its offensive and defensive capabilities during raids. Trainers should note that Suicune’s high Stamina makes it a bulky opponent, requiring sustained damage output to overcome.
Upon defeating Suicune, trainers can encounter it with a CP range of 1627-1704 at level 20, and 2033-2130 at level 25. Weather boosts can further influence these CP values. Knowing these ranges helps assess the potential IVs of the caught Suicune, aiding in post-raid evaluation. Utilizing resources like Pokebattler allows for detailed stat analysis and raid simulations, optimizing your strategy against this legendary beast.
Understanding Raid Boss Difficulty
Suicune, as a Tier 5 Raid Boss in Pokémon GO, presents a significant challenge demanding coordinated efforts from multiple trainers. Tier 5 raids are the highest difficulty level, featuring Legendary Pokémon with substantial HP and attack power. Successfully defeating Suicune requires a well-balanced team of at least six high-level players, ideally more for faster completion.
The difficulty stems from Suicune’s high CP (37761) and its diverse movepool, capable of dealing considerable damage. Soloing Suicune is exceptionally difficult, even for experienced players with optimized Pokémon. Raid boss difficulty is also influenced by individual Pokémon levels and IVs, as well as weather conditions.
Preparation is key; scouting Suicune’s potential moves and assembling a team of effective counters is crucial. Utilizing raid coordination tools and communicating with fellow trainers enhances the chances of victory. Understanding these factors allows players to approach the raid strategically and maximize their chances of catching this elusive Legendary Pokémon.
Best Overall Suicune Counters
Determining the “best” Suicune counters involves considering type effectiveness, stats, and move sets. Generally, strong Fighting, Electric, and Grass-type Pokémon perform exceptionally well against Suicune, exploiting its weaknesses. However, specific Pokémon within these types stand out due to their overall power and efficiency.
Pokebattlers’ simulations consistently highlight Shadow Kyogre as a top-tier counter, boasting immense damage output. Other strong contenders include Mega Rayquaza (with Dragon-type moves), Mega Electivire, and powerful Electric-types like Xurkitree. Prioritize Pokémon with high Attack stats and moves that match Suicune’s weaknesses.
Remember that optimal counters can vary based on Suicune’s movepool. While these Pokémon offer a strong foundation, adapting your team based on the specific raid boss’s attacks is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing losses. Utilizing a customizable counter tool, like those offered by Pokebattlers, allows for personalized counter selection.
Top Water-Type Counters
While counterintuitive, certain Water-type Pokémon can contribute to Suicune raids, primarily through supporting roles or exploiting potential movepool variations. However, their effectiveness is limited due to Suicune’s resistance to Water-type attacks. Despite this, strategically chosen Water-types can offer valuable utility.
Shadow Kyogre, despite being a top overall counter, also functions as a powerful Water-type attacker. Other viable options include Mega Blastoise (with Hydro Cannon) and strong, fully evolved Water-types like Gyarados and Swampert. These Pokémon benefit from STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) on their Water-type moves.
Focus on Water-types with secondary move types that cover Suicune’s weaknesses, such as Electric or Grass. Their role is often to provide consistent damage while stronger counters handle the bulk of the raid. Remember to prioritize Pokémon with high stats and optimal move sets for maximum impact, even within this limited counter category.
Top Electric-Type Counters
Electric-type Pokémon represent a strong strategic choice when tackling Suicune raids, exploiting its significant weakness to this attack type. Prioritizing high-DPS Electric-types is crucial for swift raid completions. Shadow Raikou consistently ranks among the best overall counters, delivering exceptional damage output.
Mega Rayquaza (with Electric-type moves) offers unparalleled power, though its availability is limited. Other excellent choices include Xurkitree, known for its incredibly high Attack stat, and fully evolved Pokémon like Zapdos and Electivire; These Pokémon benefit from STAB, amplifying their Electric-type attacks.
When selecting Electric-type counters, consider their move sets. Moves like Wild Charge and Thunderbolt are highly effective. Building a team with diverse Electric-type attackers ensures consistent damage and maximizes raid efficiency. Remember to power up and optimize your Electric-types for optimal performance against Suicune.
Top Grass-Type Counters
While Suicune isn’t doubly weak to Grass-type attacks, they still offer a viable counter strategy, particularly when other options are limited. Focusing on high-attack Grass-types is essential for maximizing damage output during raids. Mega Venusaur stands out as a premier choice, boasting significant attack power and STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus).
Shadow Venusaur provides a substantial damage boost compared to its standard form, making it a highly desirable option. Other strong contenders include Tangela (and its evolution, Tangrowth), and fully evolved Pokémon like Exeggutor and Victreebel. Prioritize Pokémon with access to powerful Grass-type moves.
Moves like Frenzy Plant and Solar Beam are particularly effective against Suicune. Remember that Grass-type damage will be moderate, so supplementing your team with other counter types is recommended for faster raid completions. Optimizing IVs and powering up your Grass-type Pokémon will further enhance their performance.
Shadow Pokémon Counters for Suicune
Shadow Pokémon offer a significant damage boost in Pokémon GO raids, and Suicune is no exception. While requiring more resources to power up, their increased attack stat makes them invaluable assets. Shadow Kyogre consistently ranks as a top overall counter, dealing massive damage with its Water-type moves.
Shadow Swampert is another excellent choice, providing strong Water-type damage and benefiting from its dual Water/Ground typing. Consider Shadow Feraligatr as a powerful alternative. Beyond Water-types, Shadow Venusaur (as discussed previously) can contribute respectable Grass-type damage.
However, be mindful of Shadow Pokémon’s lower defense stat; they are more vulnerable to taking damage. Prioritize protecting them with shields and strategic dodging. Utilizing a mix of Shadow and non-Shadow Pokémon ensures a balanced and resilient raid team. Remember to check Pokebattler for the most up-to-date simulations and personalized counter recommendations.
Mega Pokémon Counters for Suicune
Mega Pokémon provide a substantial boost to raid damage, and selecting the right one is crucial for efficiently defeating Suicune. Mega Kyogre stands out as the premier choice, amplifying Water-type attacks to an exceptional degree. Its sheer power significantly reduces raid duration and conserves valuable resources.
If Mega Kyogre isn’t available, Mega Blastoise offers a solid alternative, providing a considerable damage increase. For trainers lacking Water-type Mega Evolutions, Mega Venusaur can contribute respectable Grass-type damage, though it’s less effective overall.
Remember that Mega Evolution consumes Mega Energy, so strategically deploy your Mega Pokémon. Prioritize using them during periods of high damage output. Coordinating with raid partners to maximize Mega Evolution uptime is highly recommended. Always consult resources like Pokebattler to assess the impact of different Mega Evolutions on your specific team composition and raid circumstances.
Detailed Counter Analysis: Shadow Kyogre
Shadow Kyogre emerges as a top-tier Suicune counter, boasting exceptional attack stats and a potent Water-type movepool. Its Shadow bonus amplifies damage output, making it significantly more effective than standard Kyogre. However, its fragility requires careful consideration.
Equip Shadow Kyogre with Waterfall for its fast attack and Hydro Cannon as its charge move – this combination maximizes damage potential. Be mindful of its lower defense; utilize fast attack dodging to prolong its survival in the raid.
While incredibly powerful, Shadow Kyogre’s limited stamina means it faints faster. Having multiple Shadow Kyogre, or a mix of Shadow and regular Kyogre, is ideal for sustained damage. Prioritize revives and potions to keep your Shadow Kyogre in the battle as long as possible. Remember to check Pokebattler for simulations to refine your strategy based on your specific Pokémon levels and IVs.
Optimal Team Composition for Raids
Building a balanced raid team is crucial for efficiently defeating Suicune. Aim for a group of 6-8 trainers with high-level Pokémon, prioritizing those with strong counters. Diversify your team beyond solely Water-type attackers to exploit potential move weaknesses.
A solid composition includes 3-4 top Water-type counters like Shadow Kyogre and regular Kyogre, supplemented by 2-3 strong Electric or Grass-type Pokémon. This provides coverage against Suicune’s diverse movepool. Ensure each trainer contributes Pokémon with optimized IVs and movesets.
Consider including a Pokémon with a fast charge move to quickly deplete Suicune’s energy and disrupt its attacks. Effective communication and coordination within the team are vital; Utilize raid coordination tools like the Silph Road to assemble a well-rounded and prepared team for a swift victory.
Raid Strategies and Tips
Successfully defeating Suicune in Pokémon GO raids requires strategic gameplay. Focus fire on Suicune, coordinating attacks to maximize damage output. Prioritize dodging charged attacks to minimize damage taken by your team. Utilize berry boosts, particularly Golden Razz Berries, to increase catch rates post-raid.
Pay attention to Suicune’s movepool; adjust your counter selection if it utilizes unexpected attacks. Communicate with your raid team to synchronize attacks and berry usage. Revive and heal Pokémon strategically during the raid to maintain a strong fighting force.
Remember that Suicune has a relatively high CP (37761), so sustained damage is key. Don’t hesitate to re-lobby if your team is struggling. Leverage weather boosts when available to enhance your Pokémon’s performance. A well-coordinated team and smart tactics will significantly increase your chances of victory!
Weather Boosts and Their Impact
Weather conditions significantly impact Suicune raids in Pokémon GO. Rainy weather provides a substantial boost to Water-type Pokémon, enhancing their attack power and making them even more effective counters. This boost translates to increased damage output against Suicune, shortening raid times and conserving resources.
Conversely, Sunny or Clear weather negatively impacts Water-type Pokémon, reducing their effectiveness. Windy weather can also be detrimental, potentially affecting the performance of Flying-type counters. Always check the in-game weather before initiating a raid to optimize your team composition.
Utilizing Pokémon with moves that receive a weather boost is crucial. A boosted Pokémon can outperform a non-boosted one of higher CP. Consider waiting for favorable weather conditions to maximize your raid efficiency and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Suicune’s Movepool and Counter Considerations
Suicune’s movepool dictates counter strategies. Expect access to Water-type moves like Water Gun, Hydro Pump, and Ice Beam, alongside potential coverage moves. Hydro Pump is a particularly damaging Charged Attack, demanding resilient counters. Knowing these moves informs team building.
When selecting counters, prioritize Pokémon that resist Water-type attacks and excel in dealing super-effective damage. Electric and Grass-types are ideal, but consider move sets. A Pokémon with a fast-charging Charged Attack can consistently deal damage, while those with high DPS are valuable.
Beware of Ice Beam; it threatens Dragon-types. Shadow Pokémon and Mega Evolutions offer significant damage boosts, but require strategic deployment. Analyze Suicune’s moveset during the raid to adapt your counter choices for optimal performance and maximize your chances of victory.
Catch Rates and IVs
Suicune, as a Legendary Pokémon, possesses a base catch rate of 3%. This means catching it requires skillful throws, utilizing curveballs, and employing Golden Razz Berries to significantly increase your chances. Prepare to throw many Poké Balls!
Post-raid, evaluating a caught Suicune’s Individual Values (IVs) is crucial. IVs – Attack, Defense, and HP – range from 0 to 15, impacting a Pokémon’s overall stats. Aim for high IVs, particularly for PvP or Master League battles.
Several in-game appraisal tools and external websites (like Pokebattler or Calcy IV) can assess a Suicune’s IVs. A perfect Suicune boasts 15/15/15 IVs, but even lower combinations can be valuable depending on your goals. Don’t discard lower IV Pokémon immediately; they can still be useful for XL Candy investment.
Post-Raid Analysis: IV Checking
Successfully raiding Suicune is only half the battle! Determining the quality of your catch through IV (Individual Value) checking is vital. IVs, ranging from 0-15 in Attack, Defense, and HP, significantly impact a Pokémon’s Combat Power (CP) and overall performance.
Pokémon GO offers an in-game appraisal system. However, for a more detailed breakdown, utilize third-party IV calculators like Pokebattler or Calcy IV. These tools provide precise IV values and a ranking based on overall potential.
A Suicune with high IVs (ideally 15/15/15) is highly desirable for competitive battling. However, even Pokémon with slightly lower IVs can be valuable, especially for building a second team or investing in XL Candy. Prioritize IVs based on your intended use – higher Attack for raids, balanced for general use.
Resources for Raid Coordination
Successfully tackling a Tier 5 raid like Suicune often requires teamwork. Coordinating with fellow trainers is crucial for maximizing your chances of victory and minimizing Premier Ball usage. Several online resources facilitate raid coordination.
The Silph Road, a prominent Pokémon GO community, offers regional Discord servers and Telegram groups where trainers can organize raids, share raid codes, and discuss strategies. These platforms allow for real-time communication and quick assembly of raid parties.
Dedicated Pokémon GO raid websites and apps, such as PokeRaid and Raid Finder, enable you to find nearby Suicune raids and connect with other players. These tools often filter raids based on location and time, streamlining the coordination process.
Local Facebook groups and community forums also serve as valuable platforms for raid coordination. Remember to be respectful and communicative when organizing raids with others!
Community Resources: The Silph Road
The Silph Road stands as a cornerstone of the Pokémon GO community, offering invaluable resources for trainers of all levels. This grassroots network connects players globally, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. It’s an exceptional place to enhance your Suicune raid experience.
The Silph Road’s strength lies in its decentralized structure. Regional communities, primarily hosted on Discord and Telegram, allow trainers to connect locally, organize raids, and exchange raid codes efficiently. These groups are vital for coordinating attacks against powerful raid bosses like Suicune.
Beyond raid coordination, The Silph Road provides extensive research and guides on Pokémon GO mechanics, including detailed analyses of raid bosses, optimal counters, and event strategies. You’ll find up-to-date information and insightful discussions to improve your gameplay.
Furthermore, The Silph Road actively hosts in-person PvP tournaments, offering a competitive outlet for skilled trainers. It’s a fantastic resource for both casual and dedicated Pokémon GO players!
Future Suicune Raid Events
Predicting future Suicune raid events requires analyzing past patterns and current Pokémon GO trends. Niantic frequently reintroduces popular Legendary Pokémon, often tying them to specific in-game events or celebrations. Expect potential returns during Johto-themed weeks or alongside other Legendary Beast raids – Raikou and Entei.
Considering Suicune’s initial return in November 2024 and subsequent appearances, a re-run in late 2026 or early 2027 seems plausible. These events may feature altered movepools for Suicune, demanding updated counter strategies. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements and community channels for timely updates.
Furthermore, special raid days, offering increased spawn rates and reduced encounter difficulty, are a possibility. These events provide excellent opportunities for trainers who missed the initial raids or seek to obtain high IV Suicune. Stay informed through official channels!
Community Days focusing on Pokémon that counter Suicune, like Grass or Electric-types, could also indirectly support future raid attempts. Proactive preparation is key to maximizing your success.