Zekrom — Best moves, strengths, and weaknesses in Pokémon GO

Zekrom was introduced in Generation 5 as the box Legendary for Pokémon White and the counterpart to Pokémon Black’s Reshiram. About a decade later, the Dragon/Electric-type Pokémon made its way to the world of Pokémon GO through Raid Battles.

Unsurprisingly, this legendary Pokémon is a threatening opponent in any game where it is available. Still, the monster from Unova isn’t without its counters. Here’s what to know about Zekrom in Pokémon GO, including its best moves and its strengths and weaknesses.

Best moves for Zekrom in Pokémon GO

Zekrom’s preferred Fast Attack in Pokémon GO is Charge Beam. This Electric-type attack deals relatively minimal damage, with the alternative Dragon Breath being stronger overall. However, Charge Beam is ultimately better because it accrues more energy per second.

With Charge Beam helping it rack up energy quickly, Zekrom can afford to use its strongest Charged Attack, the Elite TM move Fusion Bolt. Despite costing the most energy per second of all of Zekrom’s moves, this powerful Electric-type attack also does the most damage per second by a large margin.

Finally, Zekrom usually benefits from running Outrage as its secondary Charged Attack. While it is fairly weak, it also requires little energy, making it useful as a parting blow. In addition, it is a same-type attack bonus move that synergizes well with Fusion Bolt; between the two moves, Zekrom can hit every type for at least neutral damage.

Zekrom’s strengths and weaknesses in Pokémon GO

Unsurprisingly, Zekrom has high stats in Pokémon GO. All three of its base stats are over 200, with its base Attack sitting at a whopping 275. As a result, it is an offensive powerhouse that is especially dangerous considering there is no single-type Pokémon that resists both of its best Charged Attacks.

Zekrom’s typing is a mixed bag defensively. It has a double resistance to Electric and also resists Flying, Steel, Fire, Water and Grass. However, it is weak to Ground, Ice, Dragon and Fairy, all of which are common attacking types.

The best counters to Zekrom are fellow Legendaries that can hit it for super-effective damage and/or resist its strongest moves. Examples of these include Kyurem, Palkia, Rayquaza, Zacian, Dialga, Landorus and Groudon.

When it comes to non-Legendaries, Zekrom’s biggest threat is Galarian Zen Mode Darmanitan. It boasts an outstanding 323 base Attack stat, enabling it to deal massive damage to Zekrom with Ice-type moves like Avalanche and Ice Punch.