A trio of Ultra Beasts have returned to Pokemon Go for a limited time. Xurkitree, Buzzwole, and Pheromosa are back as five-star Raid bosses from May 13-19. Each of these Pokemon will appear exclusively in a particular region of the world, but if you have friends around the globe, you can still participate in those Raids using a Remote Raid Pass.
Here are some tips to help you defeat and catch Xurkitree before it leaves Raids again. And for a look at what else is happening in the game this month, be sure to check out our Pokemon Go May events roundup.
Xurkitree Weaknesses
While most other Ultra Beasts are dual types, Xurkitree is pure electric, which means the extradimensional Pokemon only has one true weakness: ground types. Not only will ground Pokemon deal super-effective damage to Xurkitree, they’ll take reduced damage from the Ultra Beast’s electric attacks, making them your best choice.
Although no other type is super-effective against Xurkitree, a few others like grass and dragon resist electric attacks, which means they’ll take half as much damage from these moves. This makes them good alternatives to use if you don’t have enough ground Pokemon to fill out your team.
Best Xurkitree Counters
Any fully evolved or legendary ground Pokemon will come in handy when battling Xurkitree, but here are a few recommendations to use, along with what moves they should know:
| Pokemon | Type | Recommended Fast Attack | Recommended Charged Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groudon | Ground | Mud Shot | Precipice Blades |
| Mega Swampert | Water/Ground | Mud Shot | Earthquake |
| Mega Garchomp | Ground/Dragon | Mud Shot | Earth Power |
| Rhyperior | Ground/Rock | Mud-Slap | Earthquake |
| Mamoswine | Ground/Ice | Mud-Slap | High Horsepower |
| Excadrill | Ground/Steel | Mud-Slap | Scorching Sands |
| Landorus (Therian Forme) | Ground/Flying | Mud Shot | Sandsear Storm |
Best Xurkitree Moveset
Like other Pokemon, Xurkitree is most effective when using moves of its same type, so you’ll want to teach the Ultra Beast two electric attacks. Xurkitree will dish out the most damage with the Fast Attack Thunder Shock and the Charged Attack Discharge, making those moves your best choices.
Can Xurkitree Be Shiny?
Yes, each time you successfully defeat Xurkitree in a Raid, there’s a chance you’ll encounter a shiny one. This variant has a bright blue body, so it will be immediately obvious if you’ve found a shiny one.
Unfortunately, there are no ways to increase your odds of encountering shiny Xurkitree. If you want to add one to your collection, your best bet is to be persistent and participate in as many Xurkitree Raids as you can while the Ultra Beast is available.
Xurkitree is appearing in Raids until May 19, with the island guardian Tapu Bulu set to follow starting May 20. In the meantime, Pokemon Go’s Spring Marathon is underway, while the game’s next Community Day Classic is slated for May 16. You can read more in our May events roundup.
