Cobalion Raid Guide Weaknesses Counters And How To Catch
Are you ready to face the Iron Will Pokémon, Cobalion? This legendary Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon is a formidable opponent in raids, and you'll need a well-prepared team to take it down. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully battle and catch Cobalion, including its weaknesses, optimal counters, and strategies for joining raids quickly.
Understanding Cobalion: Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into the raid, it's crucial to understand Cobalion's strengths and weaknesses. Cobalion, a member of the legendary Swords of Justice, boasts a dual typing of Steel and Fighting. This combination gives it a unique set of resistances and vulnerabilities that you can exploit to your advantage.
Cobalion's Type Matchups
- Resistances: Cobalion resists a whopping eight types of attacks: Normal, Steel, Grass, Ice, Rock, Bug, Dark, and Dragon. This extensive list of resistances makes it a tough opponent to crack with many common Pokémon types. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid using Pokémon that deal these types of damage.
- Weaknesses: Fortunately, Cobalion has three significant weaknesses: Fighting, Fire, and Ground. These are the types you'll want to focus on when building your raid team. By utilizing Pokémon with powerful moves of these types, you can deal significant damage and quickly deplete Cobalion's health.
Key Stats to Consider
Cobalion's stats further highlight its strengths and weaknesses:
- Attack: Cobalion's Attack stat is moderate, meaning it won't hit as hard as some other legendary Pokémon. However, its charged attacks can still pack a punch, so be prepared to dodge.
- Defense: Cobalion has a high Defense stat, making it a resilient opponent. This means you'll need to use super effective moves and strong attackers to break through its defenses.
- Stamina: Cobalion's Stamina stat is decent, giving it a good amount of health in raid battles. This means the raid might take a bit longer, so ensure your team has staying power and can deal consistent damage.
Weather's Influence on Cobalion Raids
Weather conditions in the game can significantly impact raid battles. Understanding how weather affects Cobalion can give you a strategic edge:
- Snow: Boosts Steel-type moves, making Cobalion's Steel-type attacks more dangerous. However, it doesn't directly benefit your counters.
- Cloudy: Boosts Fighting-type moves, which can make Cobalion's Fighting-type attacks more potent. It also benefits your Fighting-type counters, giving them an extra edge.
- Sunny: Boosts Fire-type moves, making your Fire-type counters even more effective against Cobalion. This is one of the best weather conditions for this raid.
- Clear: Boosts Ground-type moves, enhancing the power of your Ground-type counters against Cobalion. This is another favorable weather condition.
By considering these strengths, weaknesses, and weather conditions, you can better prepare your team and strategy for the Cobalion raid. Knowing your enemy is the first step to victory!
Top Pokémon Counters for Cobalion Raids
Selecting the right Pokémon is crucial for a successful Cobalion raid. Focus on Pokémon with Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type moves to exploit Cobalion's weaknesses. Here are some of the top counters:
Elite Choices for Maximum Damage
- Mega Blaziken: Mega Blaziken, with its Fire and Fighting dual-typing, is an absolute powerhouse against Cobalion. It can deal massive damage with moves like Counter (Fighting) and Blast Burn (Fire). Its high attack stat and super effective moves make it the top choice for this raid.
- Mega Charizard Y: Another excellent Fire-type Mega Evolution, Mega Charizard Y, boasts incredible Special Attack. It can unleash devastating Fire-type moves like Fire Spin and Blast Burn, melting through Cobalion's defenses.
- Shadow Machamp: Shadow Machamp is a Fighting-type beast. Its increased attack power from being a Shadow Pokémon, combined with moves like Counter and Dynamic Punch, makes it a formidable counter. Be mindful of its lower defense, though.
- Shadow Hariyama: Similar to Shadow Machamp, Shadow Hariyama is a strong Fighting-type option with moves like Counter and Dynamic Punch. It's slightly bulkier than Shadow Machamp, making it a more durable choice for longer battles.
Strong Alternatives for Reliable Performance
- Reshiram: This legendary Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon is a fantastic choice with Fire-type moves like Fire Fang and Overheat. Reshiram's high attack stat ensures consistent damage output throughout the raid.
- Lucario: Lucario, with its Fighting and Steel typing, can deal significant damage with moves like Counter and Aura Sphere. It's a versatile choice that performs well in various raid scenarios.
- Excadrill: A Ground and Steel-type Pokémon, Excadrill can exploit Cobalion's weaknesses with moves like Mud-Slap and Earthquake. Its dual-typing also provides some useful resistances.
- Groudon: This legendary Ground-type Pokémon is a solid choice with moves like Mud Shot and Earthquake. Groudon's high attack and defense stats make it a reliable counter in almost any raid.
- Landorus (Therian Forme): Landorus in its Therian Forme is a Ground and Flying-type Pokémon with exceptional attack power. Moves like Mud Shot and Earthquake allow it to dish out massive damage to Cobalion.
Budget-Friendly Options for All Trainers
- Machamp: A classic Fighting-type, Machamp, with Counter and Dynamic Punch, is a readily available and effective counter. It's a great option for trainers who haven't invested in Shadow or Legendary Pokémon.
- Hariyama: Similar to Machamp, Hariyama is a bulky Fighting-type with Counter and Dynamic Punch. It's another accessible and reliable option for Cobalion raids.
- Emboar: A Fire and Fighting-type starter Pokémon, Emboar, can be a surprise contender with moves like Fire Spin and Blast Burn. It’s often overlooked but can pack a punch if properly trained.
By building a team with these top counters, you'll be well-equipped to take on Cobalion. Remember to power up your Pokémon, teach them the appropriate moves, and coordinate with your raid group for the best results. Diversifying your team with a mix of these Pokémon can also help you adapt to Cobalion's moveset and weather conditions, ensuring you’re ready for anything the raid throws your way.
How to Join a Cobalion Raid Quickly
Participating in Cobalion raids requires coordination and quick action. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to join raids efficiently:
Finding and Adding Raid Hosts
- Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit's r/PokemonGoFriends, Discord servers, and Pokémon Go raid apps are invaluable resources. These communities are filled with trainers eager to host and join raids.
- Social Media: Keep an eye on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook groups, where trainers often share raid invites.
- Friend Codes: Collect friend codes from these communities and add trainers in the game. The more friends you have, the higher your chances of receiving raid invites.
Responding to Raid Invites Promptly
- Notifications: Ensure your Pokémon Go notifications are enabled so you don't miss raid invites. Time is of the essence, as raid lobbies fill up quickly.
- Accept Immediately: When you receive a raid invite, accept it as quickly as possible. This increases your chances of joining the raid before the lobby is full.
- Communicate: If you're hosting a raid, clearly communicate the starting time and any specific instructions to your invitees. This ensures a smooth and coordinated raid experience.
Using Remote Raid Passes Effectively
- Remote Raid Pass: You'll need a Remote Raid Pass to join raids hosted remotely. These can be purchased in the in-game shop.
- Inventory: Keep an eye on your Remote Raid Pass inventory. Running out of passes can cause you to miss out on raid opportunities.
- Raid Distance: Remember that Remote Raid Passes allow you to join raids that are not within your physical vicinity, expanding your raiding opportunities.
Best Practices for a Smooth Raid Experience
- Pre-select Team: Before joining a raid, pre-select your team of counters. This saves valuable time in the lobby and ensures you're ready for battle.
- Positioning: When in the raid lobby, try to position yourself in the middle of the suggested trainers. This often leads to better synchronization and quicker start times.
- Stay Connected: Ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid disconnections during the raid. A dropped connection can cost you the raid and potentially the encounter.
By following these tips, you can efficiently join Cobalion raids and increase your chances of adding this legendary Pokémon to your collection. Quick action and preparation are key to successful raiding!
Battle Strategies for Cobalion Raids
Once you've assembled your team and joined the raid, the battle strategy becomes crucial. Here are some tactics to maximize your damage output and survive the encounter:
Understanding Cobalion's Moveset
Cobalion has a variety of moves that can pose different challenges:
- Fast Moves: Cobalion can use Metal Claw (Steel), Zen Headbutt (Psychic), and Double Kick (Fighting) as fast moves. Knowing these can help you anticipate incoming damage and plan your counters accordingly.
- Charged Moves: Its charged moves include Stone Edge (Rock), Iron Head (Steel), Sacred Sword (Fighting), and Close Combat (Fighting). These moves can deal significant damage, so dodging is crucial.
Effective Dodging Techniques
- Timing: Pay close attention to Cobalion's attack animations. Dodging right before the attack lands will help you avoid damage. Over time, you’ll get a feel for the timing of each move.
- Charged Move Indicators: When Cobalion is about to use a charged move, a yellow flash will appear around the screen. This is your cue to start swiping left or right to dodge.
- Prioritize Survival: Dodging is often more important than dealing extra damage. Staying alive allows you to contribute to the raid for a longer period.
Maximizing Damage Output
- Super Effective Moves: Use Pokémon with moves that are super effective against Cobalion (Fighting, Fire, and Ground). These moves deal 1.6 times more damage.
- Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB): Pokémon using moves that match their type get a 1.2 times damage bonus. For example, a Fire-type Pokémon using a Fire-type move will deal more damage.
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather boosts. Sunny weather boosts Fire-type moves, and Clear weather boosts Ground-type moves, making your counters even more effective.
Coordination with Raid Group
- Communication: If you're raiding with friends, coordinate your attacks. Using charged moves in sync can help you take down Cobalion faster.
- Mega Evolution: If someone in your raid group has a Mega Pokémon that boosts the damage of your team’s attack types, coordinate the Mega Evolution to maximize its effect.
- Revives and Potions: Be prepared to use Revives and Potions to keep your Pokémon in the battle. Running out of usable Pokémon can significantly reduce your team's damage output.
By mastering these battle strategies, you'll be able to deal more damage, survive longer, and increase your chances of defeating Cobalion. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't succeed on your first attempt. Keep refining your team and strategy, and you'll eventually emerge victorious.
Catching Cobalion: Tips and Tricks
After successfully defeating Cobalion in a raid, you'll have the opportunity to catch it. This is a crucial part of the process, and using the right techniques can significantly improve your chances. Here are some tips and tricks to help you catch Cobalion:
Understanding the Catch Mechanics
- Premier Balls: You'll only be able to use Premier Balls, which are awarded based on your performance in the raid, team contribution, and friendship level with your fellow trainers.
- Catch Rate: Cobalion has a base catch rate, which means there's a percentage chance of catching it with each throw. This rate can be influenced by various factors.
Optimizing Your Throws
- Curveballs: Throwing a Curveball increases your catch rate. Practice your curveball throws to consistently hit the Pokémon.
- Nice, Great, and Excellent Throws: Aim for Nice, Great, or Excellent throws to further boost your catch rate. Excellent throws provide the highest bonus.
- Berry Usage: Use Berries to make Cobalion easier to catch:
- Razz Berry: Increases the catch rate.
- Silver Pinap Berry: Increases both the catch rate and the number of Candies you receive.
- Golden Razz Berry: Provides the highest catch rate bonus and is the most effective option.
Reading Cobalion's Behavior
- Attack Patterns: Pay attention to Cobalion's attack patterns. It will often attack or move before you throw a ball, potentially disrupting your throw. Wait for it to finish its animation before throwing.
- Circle Color: The color of the circle around Cobalion indicates the difficulty of the catch. Green is the easiest, followed by yellow, orange, and red. Use Golden Razz Berries when the circle is orange or red.
- Patience: Don't rush your throws. Take your time, observe Cobalion's behavior, and throw when you have the best chance of success.
Additional Tips for Success
- Practice: Practice your throws outside of raid encounters to improve your accuracy.
- AR Mode: Using AR mode can sometimes make it easier to judge distance and throw accurately, but it can also make the encounter more challenging due to the Pokémon moving around in your real-world environment.
- Circle Locking Technique: This technique involves setting the catch circle to a small size (ideally Excellent) and waiting for Cobalion to attack. As it finishes its attack animation, throw your ball into the locked circle. This can greatly increase your chances of landing an Excellent throw.
By using these tips and tricks, you'll significantly improve your chances of catching Cobalion after the raid. Remember, each Premier Ball is a valuable opportunity, so make every throw count!
Conclusion: Conquer Cobalion and Expand Your Collection
Cobalion is a challenging but rewarding raid boss in Pokémon Go. By understanding its weaknesses, assembling a strong team of counters, mastering battle strategies, and optimizing your catch techniques, you can successfully defeat and capture this legendary Pokémon.
Remember to stay updated on raid events and community resources to maximize your participation. With the right preparation and strategy, you'll be well on your way to adding Cobalion to your collection and enhancing your Pokémon Go experience. Good luck, trainers, and happy raiding!