TL;DR
- Zekrom has double weakness to Ice and single weaknesses to Fairy, Ground, and Dragon types
- Eternatus, Mega Garchomp, and Mega Rayquaza deliver the highest damage output
- December 24th Raid Hour provides optimal Fusion Bolt acquisition opportunity
- Prepare 6-8 high-level counters with proper move sets for consistent success
- Stock premium battle items and coordinate with raid groups for maximum efficiency
As a dual Electric and Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon, Zekrom presents a unique challenge in Pokemon GO raids that requires strategic planning and team preparation. Understanding its elemental affinities is crucial for assembling an effective counter team.
Zekrom demonstrates significant vulnerability to Ice-type attacks, taking 256% increased damage due to its Dragon typing. Additionally, it sustains 160% damage from Fairy, Ground, and Dragon-type moves, making these your primary weapon choices. However, it maintains strong resistance against Flying, Steel, Fire, Water, and Grass-type attacks, rendering these options largely ineffective for raid battles.
With an impressive 275 Attack stat complemented by 205 Defense and 219 Stamina, Zekrom can unleash devastating damage if not properly countered. Its move pool typically includes Dragon Breath, Charge Beam, Crunch, and Wild Charge, requiring careful dodge timing during encounters.
Building the perfect counter team requires understanding both raw damage output and survivability. The top-performing Pokemon against Zekrom consistently deliver high Damage Per Second (DPS) while maintaining sufficient bulk to withstand its powerful attacks.
Eternatus stands as the premier counter, leveraging its Dragon-type moves to exploit Zekrom’s weakness while resisting its Electric attacks. Mega Garchomp follows closely, dealing massive Ground and Dragon damage with its enhanced mega-evolved stats. Mega Rayquaza provides exceptional Dragon-type DPS, though careful timing of mega evolution is recommended for maximum benefit.
For trainers lacking these premium options, Black Kyurem, Garchomp, and Rayquaza offer strong non-mega alternatives. Salamence, Dragonite, and Palkia round out the reliable Dragon-type counters, while Mamoswine and Weavile provide excellent Ice-type damage options for those who prefer type-super-effective strategies.
Team composition should prioritize a mix of high-DPS attackers with varying resistances to ensure consistent damage output throughout the battle. Having 2-3 anchor Pokemon with higher bulk can prevent premature team wipes and preserve revives.
Zekrom returns to Pokemon GO’s 5-star raids during the 2025 holiday season, specifically from December 22 through December 31. This limited window requires careful planning to maximize your capture opportunities and resource efficiency.
The highlight of this availability period is the Raid Hour on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, running from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. During this concentrated hour, Zekrom raids spawn more frequently, allowing dedicated trainers to complete multiple battles within a short timeframe.
Critically, Zekrom captured between December 22-31 will know its exclusive legacy move, Fusion Bolt. This powerful Electric-type charged move significantly enhances Zekrom’s viability in both PvE and PvP battles, making this timeframe particularly valuable for collectors and competitive players alike.
Beyond raid battles, Zekrom has historically appeared through event-themed Special Research Tasks, such as the now-expired Road to Unova research. While no current Special Research offers Zekrom encounters, staying informed about upcoming events through official channels is essential for alternative acquisition methods.
Successfully defeating Zekrom requires more than just strong Pokemon—it demands strategic execution and proper resource allocation. Begin by ensuring you have adequate Raid Passes, either through daily free passes or purchased premium passes from the in-game shop using PokeCoins.
Mastering dodge patterns is essential for maximizing your team’s survivability. Zekrom’s charged moves have distinct animation cues—learn to recognize Fusion Bolt’s electric buildup and Dragon Breath’s distinctive wind-up to minimize damage taken and preserve your battle party.
Stockpile essential items before engaging in multiple raids: Potions and Revives for healing your team, Golden Razz Berries for maximizing catch rates, and Pinap Berries if you need additional Zekrom candy. For optimal results, coordinate with local raid groups or remote raiding communities to ensure you have sufficient trainers for consistent victories.
Common mistakes include underestimating Zekrom’s damage output, bringing under-leveled counters, and failing to dodge key charged moves. Advanced players should focus on weather-boosted scenarios—snowy weather enhances Ice-type damage, while windy weather boosts Dragon-type attacks, potentially shaving valuable seconds off your completion time.
For comprehensive team-building strategies that apply beyond Zekrom raids, consult our Complete Guide for strategic fundamentals that translate across multiple gaming contexts.
Action Checklist
- Assemble 6-8 optimal counters with proper move sets
- Stockpile 20+ Potions, 15+ Revives, and various berries
- Coordinate raid timing with local groups for December 24th Raid Hour
- Practice dodge timing against Zekrom’s move animations
- Secure multiple Raid Passes for December 22-31 window
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Zekrom Pokemon GO Raid Guide: How to Get, Best Counters, and More Master Zekrom raids with expert strategies, optimal counters, and timing tactics for maximum success
