Pokemon GO enthusiasts can now look forward to the release of Shiny Blacephalon and Shiny Stakataka as part of the exciting 5-Star Raid encounters. These formidable Ultra Beasts are sought after for their exceptional power, with Blacephalon appearing exclusively in the Eastern Hemisphere, while Stakataka is available to trainers in the Western Hemisphere.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Niantic announced the availability of Shiny Blacephalon and Shiny Stakataka through successful completion of their respective 5-Star Raids. Trainers have the chance to encounter these rare Shiny variants, provided they achieve victory in the raids. Remember that these raids can be quite challenging, necessitating strategic planning and an understanding of the best counters to employ.
How to Obtain Shiny Blacephalon & Shiny Stakataka in Pokemon GO
To increase your chances of encountering Shiny Blacephalon and Shiny Stakataka, you must participate in multiple raids. While there is no guaranteed method to obtain a Shiny spawn, your persistence in defeating these Raid Bosses will help you reach their Shiny odds. It is essential to note that Blacephalon is a Fire/Ghost-type Pokemon and Stakataka is a Rock/Steel-type, both categorized as Legendary, which means they possess impressive stats below.
Their power as Raid Bosses makes teaming up with other players crucial; attempting these raids solo is generally not advisable.
Stats Overview for Blacephalon and Stakataka
Blacephalon
- Maximum CP: 3727
- Attack: 315
- Defense: 148
- Stamina: 142
Stakataka
- Maximum CP: 3724
- Attack: 213
- Defense: 298
- Stamina: 156
Blacephalon’s Weaknesses and Resistances
| Weaknesses | Resistances |
|---|---|
| Dark-type Moves | Bug-type Moves |
| Ghost-type Moves | Fighting-type Moves |
| Ground-type Moves | Normal-type Moves |
| Rock-type Moves | Fairy-type Moves |
| Water-type Moves | Fire-type Moves |
| Grass-type Moves | |
| Ice-type Moves | |
| Poison-type Moves | |
| Steel-type Moves |
Stakataka’s Weaknesses and Resistances
| Weaknesses | Resistances |
|---|---|
| Fighting-type Moves | Poison-type Moves |
| Ground-type Moves | Flying-type Moves |
| Water-type Moves | Normal-type Moves |
| Bug-type Moves | |
| Dragon-type Moves | |
| Fairy-type Moves | |
| Ice-type Moves | |
| Psychic-type Moves |
Effective Counters for Blacephalon and Stakataka Raids
Given the increased CP of Blacephalon and Stakataka as 5-Star Raid Bosses, trainers should meticulously choose counters that exploit their weaknesses while avoiding those that are effective against resisting types. Utilizing Pokémon with STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves can tip the scales in your favor during these battles.
| Blacephalon Raid Counters | Fast Moves | Charged Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Kyogre | Waterfall (Water) | Origin Pulse (Water) (Legacy) |
| Primal Groudon | Mud Shot (Ground) | Precipice Blades (Ground) (Legacy) |
| Mega Tyranitar | Bite (Dark) | Brutal Swing (Dark) |
| Mega Garchomp | Mud Shot (Ground) | Earth Power (Ground) (Legacy) |
| Mega Swampert | Water Gun (Water) | Hydro Cannon (Water) (Legacy) |
| Stakataka Raid Counters | Fast Moves | Charged Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Lucario | Force Palm (Fighting) (Legacy) | Aura Sphere (Fighting) |
| Primal Groudon | Mud Shot (Ground) | Precipice Blades (Ground) (Legacy) |
| Mega Garchomp | Mud Shot (Ground) | Earth Power (Ground) (Legacy) |
| Shadow Groudon | Mud Shot (Ground) | Precipice Blades (Ground) (Legacy) |
| Mega Heracross | Counter (Fighting) | Close Combat (Fighting) |
For more details on Shiny Blacephalon and Shiny Stakataka, refer to the complete guide available here.