For Pokémon Go Fest 2021, Niantic is bringing back each Legendary Raid for just one day. On Sunday, July 18, Reshiram will return to Raids, alongside dozens of other Legenday Pokémon. Luckily, at iMore, we’ve got everything you need to know to win this fight and add Reshiram to your roster. And don’t forget to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon adventure!

Who is Reshiram in Pokémon Go?

One of the Tao Trio of the Unova region, Reshiram is a legendary Dragon and Fire-type Pokémon. The Tao Trio is based on the concepts of Yin, Yang and Wuji. Reshiram represents Yang with its Fire type, while Zekrom represents Yin with its Electric type, and Kyurem represents Wuji, which is the absence of Yin and Yang, with its Ice type. Reshiram is also the mascot of Pokémon Black.

Reshiram has a huge CP cap – we’re talking over 53,000 in raids! His attack stats are particularly impressive, and his Fire-type moves are excellent. Outside of Shadow Pokémon and Mega Pokémon, this is the best type of fire in the game. Also, it has only been featured once before and that was during a global pandemic, so there are strong chances are you want to add at least one or two to your list this round.

What are the best counters for Reshiram in Pokémon Go?

Reshiram is a Fire and Dragon type capable of dealing Fire, Dragon, Rock and Dark type damage. It takes increased damage from Dragon, Ground, and Rock-type moves, leaving a few potential strategies behind.

Rhyperior

The evolution of the Sinnoh Stone from Rhyhorn Gen I, Rhyperior is the best non-Shadow counter for Reshiram. As a Ground and Rock-type, Rhyperior is resistant to Fire and Rock-type attacks, and he has no relevant weaknesses. Thanks to his community day, as well as his participation in other events, most players already have at least one or two on their roster. If you bring slap of mud and Rock demolisher are the moves you’ll want your Rhyperior to know, but if you don’t have the exclusive Community Day move or the TM to spare, Earthquake is the next best loaded move.

Dialga

The legendary mascot of Pokémon Diamond, Dialga is an excellent counter for Reshiram. As a Steel and Dragon-type, this is the only Dragon-type in Pokémon Go that isn’t weak against Dragon-type moves and is resistant to Rock-type damage. Unfortunately, Dialga has only been available twice, so many players don’t have the Candy to power it on. If you have Dialga, you’ll want him to know Dragon breath and Draco Meteor for this raid.

Rayquaza

Although no longer the top meter, the legendary mascot of Pokemon Emerald, Rayquaza remains an excellent choice for this Raid. As a Dragon and Flying-type, he takes increased damage from Reshiram’s Rock and Dragon moves, while resisting Fire-type damage. Rayquaza has completed five races in raids and has been featured in Special Research, so most active players have at least one or two on their roster. You will want your Rayquaza to know Dragon tail and Contempt confront Reshiram.

Rampardos

A Generation IV Sinnoh-region fossil Pokémon, Rampardos is a great counter in this raid. Pure Rock-type, he has no weaknesses that Reshiram can exploit, and he is resistant to Fire-type damage. His first stage, Cranidos has been featured in events and is a relatively common egg hatch, so most players have at least one or two at this point. Smack down, and Landslide is the moveset that you will want your Rampardos to know.

Mega Gyarados

Source: The Pokémon Company

The only Pokémon Mega Evolved * in the top counter list, Mega Gyarados has the advantage of an excellent Dragon-type move set, while not being a Dragon-type itself. As a Water and Dark type, he is resistant to Fire and Dark type damage and has no weaknesses that Reshiram can exploit. On the one hand, this means that it won’t provide the same kind of mega boost to the rest of the dragon-types on the field, but it also means that it can withstand Reshiram’s Dragon-type attacks. If you bring Mega Gyarados to this fight, you’ll want Dragon tail and Contempt like his moveset.

Haxorus

Originally found in the Gen V Unova region, Haxorus performs well in this raid. As a pure Dragon-type, he is weak against Dragon-type moves and Fire resistant. His first stage, Axew is quite rare, so few players have enough Candy to evolve and power Haxorus, but if you do, it will serve you well against Reshiram. You will want your Haxorus to know Dragon tail and Dragon claw.

Garchomp

Pseudo-legendary of Generation IV, Garchomp is another excellent cons for Reshiram. He’s a Ground and Dragon-type, so even though he takes super effective damage from Dragon-type moves, he’s resistant to Rock and Fire. Plus, it was featured on a recent Community Day, so most active players already have a few turned on. Dragon tail and Contempt are the ideal moves for this Raid. However, its exclusive Community Day movement, Earth power works fine too, so I wouldn’t for this raid.

Terrace

One of the swords of justice, Gen V Terrakion is a solid counter to Reshiram. As a Rock and Fighting type, he is resistant to Rock, Fire, and Dark type attacks and is one of the few counters that is not low against Dragon type damage. Terrakion also had a few races in raids and was a Pokémon Go Battle League reward encounter, so most active players have at least one or two on their roster. Smack down and Landslide are the best moves Terrakion can bring to this raid.

Salamence

Pseudo-legendary of Generation III, Salamence behaves well against Reshiram. There was a community day and had been available for a while, so most players already have a powerful one. As a Dragon and Flying-type, he is weak to Dragon and Rock-type damage, while resisting Fire-type attacks. you will want Dragon tail for its rapid movement, and Contempt for the charged attack.

Zekrom

Source: The Pokémon Company

Last but not least, the legendary mascot of Pokémon White, Zekrom is doing well in this Raid. As an Electric and Dragon-type, it takes reduced damage from Fire-type attacks, but increased damage from Dragon-type. Sadly, Zekrom’s only run in the raids was at the height of a global pandemic, so many players don’t even have one, let alone the Candy to fuel him. However, if you have a Zekrom, you’ll want it to know Dragon breath and Contempt for this fight.

Note: While Mega Charizard X, Mega Altaria, or Mega Ampharos will boost other types of dragons in the field, none of them will last long enough to make our top scorers. If you have an abundance of their mega-energies and can safely coordinate with the rest of your raid party, they may still be worth bringing, but be prepared to use a lot of potions and revives. .

Backups?

While most players are able to make a top scorer squad, if you find a gap in your squad there are plenty of substitutes out there who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you dodge and one of the following could be a decent save:

Shadow Pokémon?

The rebalancing of the Dark Pokémon saved from Team GO Rocket makes them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats improved, but during special events or with the TM Elite it is possible to modify their movements. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the correct moveset, they will work just fine in this Raid:

• Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Shadow dragonite with dragon tail and outrage
• Shadow Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Shadow Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Shadow Omastar with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Shadow Flygon with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
• Shadow Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Shadow Aggron with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Bulldoze
• Shadow Swampert with Mud Shot and Earthquake

Note: Shadow Salamence, Shadow Dragonite, and Shadow Tyranitar outperform all other Pokémon on the top counter list.

How many players does it take to beat Reshiram in Pokémon Go?

While it is possible for two players with the best conditions to eliminate Reshiram, you will likely need at least three for higher level players and at least six for lower level players.

Weather conditions that may impact this raid include:

• The wind will increase Reshiram’s Dragon-type movements, as well as your Dragon-type counters.
• Sunny / Clear weather will increase its Fire-type moves, as well as your Ground-type counters
• Partly cloudy weather will increase its Rock-type movement and your Rock-type counters
• The fog will increase the Darkness type movement of Reshiram

Questions about Reshiram in Pokémon Go?

Do you have questions on how to face the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram? Do you have any advice for your fellow trainers? Drop them in the comments below and don’t forget to check out our full Pokédex, as well as our many Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!