reshiram raid guide

Reshiram Raid Guide ― Pokémon GO (December 2025)

Reshiram returns to Pokémon GO raids in December 2025, kicking off the Precious Paths season! This guide details strategies, optimal counters, and raid availability for trainers.

Prepare for challenging battles against this legendary Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon, utilizing its weaknesses to emerge victorious.

Reshiram, the majestic Legendary Pokémon, has returned to Pokémon GO as a Five-Star Raid boss throughout December 2025, marking the beginning of the Precious Paths season. This event presents a fantastic opportunity for trainers to challenge themselves and add this powerful Pokémon to their collections.

As a dual Fire and Dragon-type, Reshiram possesses significant strength, but also notable weaknesses that savvy trainers can exploit. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for building an effective raid team and securing victory. This guide will provide comprehensive insights into Reshiram’s characteristics, optimal counter Pokémon, and strategic approaches to maximize your chances of success.

Whether you’re a seasoned raid veteran or a newcomer to the challenge, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to conquer Reshiram and progress further in the Precious Paths season. Prepare your teams, coordinate with fellow trainers, and get ready for intense battles!

Reshiram’s Typing and Weaknesses

Reshiram is classified as a Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon, a combination that dictates its strengths and, more importantly, its weaknesses in battle. Understanding these vulnerabilities is paramount when assembling a raid team to effectively counter it in Pokémon GO.

Specifically, Reshiram is significantly weak to Rock, Ground, and Dragon-type moves. These move types will inflict super-effective damage, allowing trainers to deplete its HP much faster. Pokémon wielding these attack types are therefore highly recommended for this raid. Conversely, Reshiram resists Fire, Grass, Bug, Steel, and Fairy-type attacks, meaning these will be less effective.

Exploiting these weaknesses is key to a swift and efficient raid. Prioritizing Pokémon with strong Rock, Ground, or Dragon-type attacks will dramatically increase your team’s damage output and improve your chances of defeating Reshiram within the raid timer.

Reshiram’s Key Stats

Understanding Reshiram’s core stats is crucial for strategizing in Pokémon GO raids. As a five-star raid boss, Reshiram presents a significant challenge, demanding a well-prepared team. Its maximum CP (Combat Power) is a formidable 4639, indicating its overall strength in battle.

Specifically, Reshiram’s Attack stat is 259, its Defense stat is 205, and its HP (Hit Points) is 332. These numbers highlight its offensive prowess, coupled with moderate bulk. Trainers should anticipate dealing with substantial damage output from Reshiram’s attacks.

These stats influence the raid difficulty and dictate the types of Pokémon needed to counter it effectively. High DPS (Damage Per Second) counters are essential to overcome its strong Attack stat, while Pokémon with sufficient bulk can withstand its powerful charged moves. Knowing these stats allows for informed team building and strategic decision-making during the raid encounter.

Top Reshiram Counters

Reshiram is effectively countered by Dragon, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon. Top choices include Eternatus, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Garchomp, and Shadow Garchomp for maximum damage!

Tier 1 Counters ― Highest DPS

When aiming for the absolute highest Damage Per Second (DPS) against Reshiram, several Pokémon stand head and shoulders above the rest. Eternatus consistently tops the charts, boasting incredible offensive power and a favorable type matchup. Following closely is Mega Rayquaza, a powerhouse capable of dishing out massive damage with its Dragon-type attacks.

Mega Garchomp also secures a spot in the Tier 1 category, offering a strong combination of attack stats and type effectiveness. Primal Groudon, while requiring significant resources to obtain, delivers exceptional performance due to its Ground-type moves. Don’t overlook Shadow Garchomp; its boosted attack makes it a formidable opponent, and Dialga (Origin Forme) provides reliable, high DPS.

These Pokémon, when equipped with optimal movesets, will significantly reduce raid times and increase your chances of success. Prioritize powering up and utilizing these top-tier counters for the most efficient Reshiram raid experience.

Tier 2 Counters ⸺ Strong Alternatives

If Tier 1 counters aren’t readily available, several strong alternatives can still effectively tackle Reshiram raids. Mega Salamence provides substantial damage output, leveraging its Dragon-type attacks. Black Kyurem is another excellent choice, offering a potent combination of Ice and Dragon-type moves.

Shadow Rhyperior, despite not being a top-tier attacker overall, shines specifically against Reshiram due to its Rock and Ground-type attacks. Shadow Excadrill also delivers impressive DPS, capitalizing on its Ground-type proficiency. Rayquaza remains a reliable option, consistently performing well in raids.

Mega Diancie and Haxorus offer solid damage, while Mega Latios provides a balanced offensive presence. These Pokémon, while not quite reaching the heights of Tier 1, are still valuable assets to any raid team, offering consistent damage and type coverage.

Tier 3 Counters ― Shadow Pokémon Options

Shadow Pokémon offer a significant DPS boost, but come with increased fragility. Shadow Garchomp is a standout choice, delivering exceptional damage against Reshiram, though requiring careful dodging. Shadow Dragonite, while glass cannon-esque, can contribute substantial Dragon-type damage.

Shadow Rhyperior, already a strong alternative, becomes even more potent in its Shadow form, maximizing its Rock and Ground-type attacks. Consider Shadow Excadrill for consistent Ground-type pressure, but be mindful of its lower bulk.

While riskier to use, Shadow Pokémon can dramatically accelerate raid battles. Prioritize protecting them with shields and strategic dodging. Remember to weigh the increased damage output against their reduced survivability when building your team. Utilizing Revives and Potions is crucial for keeping these powerful attackers in the fight.

Tier 4 Counters ⸺ Mega Evolution Choices

Mega Rayquaza reigns supreme as a top-tier counter, boasting incredible attack stats and a favorable Dragon typing. Mega Garchomp provides a substantial damage increase over its standard form, offering excellent sustained DPS. Mega Salamence, while not specifically resisting Reshiram’s attacks, delivers powerful Dragon and Flying-type damage.

Mega Diancie, a Rock and Fairy-type, can exploit Reshiram’s weaknesses, offering a unique offensive angle. Mega Latios provides a strong Dragon-type presence, though its overall performance may be slightly lower than other Mega options.

Mega Evolution bonuses significantly boost the entire raid team’s damage output. Strategically deploying a Mega Pokémon can drastically reduce raid duration. Remember to consider energy costs and availability when selecting your Mega Evolution for optimal raid efficiency.

Building Your Raid Team

Reshiram raids demand a balanced team! Success hinges on assembling 3-4 high-level trainers with optimized counters, or 6-8 for lower levels.

Consider weather boosts for maximized damage!

Optimal Team Composition (3-4 Trainers)

For an efficient Reshiram raid with 3-4 trainers, prioritizing high DPS (Damage Per Second) is crucial. A core team should feature Eternatus as a top pick, followed by Mega Rayquaza and Mega Garchomp. These Pokémon deliver substantial damage output, quickly depleting Reshiram’s HP.

Supplementing these powerhouses with Primal Groudon and Shadow Garchomp further enhances your team’s offensive capabilities. Don’t underestimate the impact of Shadow Dialga – Origin Forme – it’s a reliable and potent attacker. Ensure each trainer utilizes Pokémon with movesets optimized for Reshiram’s weaknesses: Dragon, Ground, and Rock-type attacks.

Having a diverse spread of these top-tier counters ensures consistent damage and minimizes the risk of being stalled by Reshiram’s varied movepool. Remember to coordinate with your team to avoid overlapping weaknesses and maximize overall effectiveness.

Team Composition for Lower Levels (6-8 Trainers)

When tackling Reshiram with 6-8 trainers, a broader range of Pokémon becomes viable, compensating for individual lower levels. While top-tier counters remain valuable, consistency across the team is key. Include several Mega Salamence and Black Kyurem, offering strong overall performance.

Shadow Rhyperior and Shadow Excadrill are excellent additions, providing significant Rock and Ground-type damage. Supplement these with Rayquaza, Mega Diancie, and Haxorus for diverse coverage. Don’t overlook Mega Latios as a solid alternative.

Prioritize Pokémon with access to Dragon, Ground, and Rock-type moves. Even without fully optimized movesets, a larger team can overwhelm Reshiram. Encourage trainers to utilize what they have, focusing on participation and coordinated attacks. A balanced team composition ensures sustained damage output and a higher chance of success.

Considering Weather Boosts

Weather conditions significantly impact Reshiram raids. Sunny weather boosts Fire-type attacks, enhancing Reshiram’s own moves, but also benefiting counters utilizing Fire-type moves. Windy weather amplifies Dragon-type attacks, similarly boosting Reshiram and potentially your Dragon-type attackers.

However, Cloudy weather is your ally! It boosts Rock-type attacks, dramatically increasing the damage output of key counters like Rampardos and Rhyperior. This makes Cloudy weather the most advantageous condition for raiding Reshiram.

Pay close attention to the in-game weather forecast. Adjust your team composition accordingly, prioritizing Pokémon that benefit from the current conditions. Even slight damage increases from weather boosts can significantly shorten raid encounters, conserving resources and improving success rates. Always check before committing to a raid!

Reshiram’s Movepool & Impact on Raids

Reshiram utilizes both Fire and Dragon-type attacks. Knowing its potential moves – Fast and Charged – is crucial for building an effective counter team and raid strategy.

Fast Moves to Watch Out For

Reshiram’s Fast Move selection significantly impacts raid battles, demanding strategic preparation from trainers. While the exact moveset can vary, understanding potential options is key to success. Dragon Tail is a prominent Fast Move, dealing consistent Dragon-type damage, capitalizing on its STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus). This move puts immediate pressure on opposing Pokémon.

However, trainers must also anticipate Fire Spin. This Fire-type Fast Move, also benefiting from STAB, can quickly deplete the health of Pokémon vulnerable to Fire. The energy generation rate of each move influences how frequently Charged Moves can be unleashed, impacting overall DPS (Damage Per Second).

Being aware of these possibilities allows players to select counters that resist both Dragon and Fire attacks, or those capable of dealing super-effective damage quickly. Predicting Reshiram’s Fast Move will allow for optimized dodging and strategic deployment of your Pokémon.

Charged Moves to Watch Out For

Reshiram’s Charged Moves are powerful and require careful consideration during raids. Draco Meteor, a high-damage Dragon-type move, is a significant threat, exploiting the weaknesses of many common raid counters. Its substantial damage output can quickly eliminate key Pokémon if left unchecked.

Trainers should also prepare for Overheat, a potent Fire-type Charged Move. This move deals massive damage, particularly to Pokémon weak to Fire, and can turn the tide of battle. However, Overheat lowers Reshiram’s Attack stat after use, creating a window of opportunity for counterattacks.

Finally, Flamethrower offers a more consistent, though less devastating, Fire-type attack. Recognizing these moves allows players to prioritize dodging, utilize shields effectively, and deploy Pokémon with appropriate type advantages. Anticipating these attacks is crucial for maximizing raid success.

Reshiram’s Potential Moveset During Raids

During Reshiram raids, trainers must prepare for a diverse moveset. While the exact combination varies, Reshiram consistently features powerful Fire and Dragon-type attacks. Expect Draco Meteor as a primary Charged Move, delivering substantial Dragon-type damage, and Flamethrower or Overheat for Fire-type coverage.

Its Fast Moves typically include Fire Spin, a consistent Fire-type attack, and Dragon Tail, a Dragon-type move that generates energy quickly. The combination of these moves dictates Reshiram’s offensive pressure and energy gain.

Understanding these potential movesets is vital for team composition. Prioritize Pokémon resistant to both Fire and Dragon, and be prepared to dodge Draco Meteor and Overheat. Adapting to Reshiram’s specific moveset during the raid is key to maximizing DPS and securing victory.

Raid Strategy & Tips

Reshiram raid success hinges on dodging charged attacks, maximizing Shadow Pokémon DPS, and leveraging Mega Evolution bonuses for increased damage output.

Dodging Charged Attacks Effectively

Dodging is crucial during Reshiram raids, as its charged moves pack significant power. Mastering the timing of dodging can dramatically reduce the damage your team sustains, extending battle duration and increasing your chances of victory. Pay close attention to Reshiram’s animations; a telltale sign precedes each charged attack.

Prioritize dodging moves like Dragon Pulse and Overheat, as they inflict substantial damage. Don’t attempt to attack immediately before or after dodging – focus solely on evasion during the animation. Utilizing auto-dodge (available in settings) can be helpful, especially for newer players, but manual dodging generally yields better results with practice.

Coordinate with your raid team to stagger dodges, ensuring consistent coverage. Remember, even a few successful dodges can significantly impact the raid’s outcome, conserving valuable revives and potions.

Maximizing DPS with Shadow Pokémon

Shadow Pokémon offer a significant damage boost in Pokémon GO raids, and Reshiram is no exception. While they take increased damage, their amplified attack stat translates to higher DPS (Damage Per Second) against raid bosses. Shadow Excadrill and Shadow Rhyperior are particularly effective counters, boasting impressive performance against Reshiram’s typing.

However, consider the trade-offs. Shadow Pokémon require more resources to purify and may faint more quickly. Ensure you have sufficient potions and revives to sustain them throughout the raid. Prioritize powering up Shadow Pokémon with optimal IVs (Individual Values) for maximum impact.

If you lack fully powered Shadow Pokémon, even lower-level ones can contribute meaningfully to the raid. The damage boost is substantial enough to warrant their inclusion, especially when facing a challenging opponent like Reshiram.

Utilizing Mega Pokémon Bonuses

Mega Evolution provides a substantial boost to your raid team’s performance against Reshiram. Mega Rayquaza and Mega Garchomp stand out as top choices, significantly increasing the damage output of Dragon-type attacks. Mega Salamence also proves valuable, leveraging its Dragon-type moveset.

Beyond raw damage, Mega Pokémon provide a same-type attack bonus (STAB) to the entire raid team, amplifying the effectiveness of relevant attacks. Strategically selecting a Mega Pokémon that complements your team’s composition is crucial. Remember that Mega Pokémon have limited durations, so utilize Mega Energy wisely.

Prioritize Mega Pokémon with high attack stats and moves that exploit Reshiram’s weaknesses. Coordinate with your raid team to maximize the benefits of Mega Evolution and secure a swift victory.

Reshiram Raid Availability & Schedule

Reshiram raids begin in Pokémon GO on December 20th, 2025, as part of the Precious Paths season. Raids will conclude at an unspecified date in February 2026.

Precious Paths Season Details

The Pokémon GO Precious Paths season officially commenced in December 2025 and extends through February 2026, offering a wealth of content for trainers to explore. This season emphasizes journeys, discoveries, and the strengthening of bonds with Pokémon companions. Alongside the return of Reshiram to five-star raids, trainers can anticipate a variety of in-game events, increased Pokémon spawns, and special research tasks.

Throughout Precious Paths, thematic events will rotate, focusing on different aspects of the Pokémon world. These events will introduce unique Pokémon encounters, bonus raid hours, and exclusive field research opportunities. The season also promises increased shiny Pokémon availability, encouraging dedicated trainers to continue their pursuit of rare and elusive variants. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO channels for detailed event schedules and announcements. The season’s narrative will unfold through special research storylines, providing trainers with a deeper connection to the game’s lore.

Reshiram Raid Start and End Dates (December 2025)

Reshiram’s highly anticipated return to five-star raids in Pokémon GO began on December 11th, 2025, marking the start of its availability throughout the Precious Paths season. Trainers have a limited window to challenge and capture this legendary Pokémon, as its raid appearances are scheduled to conclude on December 20th, 2025. This initial raid period provides a concentrated opportunity for dedicated players to assemble teams and secure encounters.

While Niantic may announce potential future raid re-appearances, currently, December 11th to December 20th represents the sole confirmed timeframe for battling Reshiram in five-star raids during December 2025. It’s crucial for trainers to prioritize participation within these dates to avoid missing out. Remember to consider remote raid passes for increased accessibility and coordinate with fellow trainers to maximize success. Stay tuned to official Pokémon GO news sources for any potential extensions or updates to the raid schedule.

Remote Raid Considerations

For trainers unable to physically attend raids, Remote Raid Passes offer a valuable opportunity to participate in Reshiram battles. Utilizing these passes allows joining raids hosted by friends or appearing on the Nearby screen, expanding access beyond local gym locations. However, remote raids have limitations; trainers receive slightly reduced Premier Balls compared to in-person participation.

Effective communication is key when coordinating remote raids. Utilize messaging apps to synchronize raid start times and ensure all participants have a stable internet connection. Remember that the host of the raid determines the lobby’s accessibility. Consider the time zone differences when coordinating with players globally. While remote raiding is convenient, building a local raid community fosters collaboration and increases chances of success against challenging opponents like Reshiram.

Don’t forget to check your inventory for sufficient Remote Raid Passes before the raid begins!