Shadow Raikou Raid Meta Analysis: How does it rank as an Electric and Fighting Attacker?

Shadow Raikou

January 24, 2026, brings the Shadow Raikou Raid Day in Pokémon GO, letting players will be able to catch a powerful attacker for their Electric-type roster.

But just how good is Shadow Raikou going to be, and how does it round up in an already stacked guard of Electric Pokémon? Also, where does Aura Sphere put Shadow Raikou among the game’s toughest Fighting-type attackers?

To answer all these (and more), let’s take a crack at Shadow Raikou!

Shadow Raikou in the Electric-type Meta

Using our trustworthy GO Hub DPS Comparer Tool, here are the top Electric types in Pokémon GO:

• Regieleki continues to reign supreme in the electric chair, er, throne… dominating the charade even without an Electric Fast Move. Yes, Thunder Cage is that good, and this zappy Regi will continue to dominate, to be ultimately challenged by Shadow Thundurus Therian.
• The star of the moment, Shadow Raikou, is technically the second-best Electric attacker in the game, and the bulkiest among the top lot (surpassed by only Zekrom and regular Raikou). However, it is THE best in practice, going by its better bulk.
• Shadow Electivire’s DPS is hardly any different from Shadow Raikou (both also sharing the same moveset), but with superior bulk, Shadow Raikou is THE leading Wild Charge user in Pokémon GO.
• The crème de la crème of Electric types in the meta are all pure Electric, and that’s a positive, as you don’t really have to worry about any coverage moves other than Ground. At the same time, all the toppers except Shadow Raikou are fragile, so even when not facing Ground moves, folks like Xurkitree melt like wet tissue paper.
• This cements Shadow Raikou as a very reliable Electric attacker, doing the desired Shadow damage while also not letting you worry much about the 0.83x nerf to its DEF.

Shadow Raikou is an excellent Electric Pokémon, boasting superior damage output and impressive bulk despite the Shadow drop. This is definitely a mon worth investing in and maxing out. If you’re able to give it a second Charged Move, Shadow Raikou is even more valuable, thanks to its ‘fighting spirit,’ as evident from the next section.

Shadow Raikou in the Fighting-type Meta

Taking the help of our DPS Comparer Tool once again, here’s a look at the Fighters:

• In the Fighting department, Aura Sphere wielders Mega Lucario and Mega Blaziken, and Secret Sword wielder Keldeo Resolute are unmatched. Shadow Blaziken is also neat in this category, but frail.
• There are two other Aura Sphere users, but both are non-STAB. Enter Mega Latios and Shadow Raikou, with the former being substantially bulkier and leading with roughly a 9.15% higher DPS.
• However, Dragon Breath only gives neutral damage against all except Dragon types, making Mega Latios particularly great against the likes of Dragon Pokémon with a subtyping of Dark, Rock, Ice, Normal, and Steel.
• On the other hand, Shadow Raikou handles any Dark, Rock, Ice, Normal, and Steel Raid Boss with the Water or Flying subtyping.
• Not to mention, Shadow Raikou is a pure Electric type with decent bulk to boot. As such, it technically only has to worry about the Raid Boss having a Ground coverage move. 
• Overall, Shadow Raikou is an impressive Fighting type attacker, even when Thunder Shock does neutral damage. It is certainly a welcome addition to your Raid squad.

Is Shadow Raikou worth powering up?

Yes, but with certain points to be noted.

A powerful attacker with a single weakness, and being able to cover seven different Pokémon types is a feat. To put it into perspective:

• A top DPS option in its STAB typing, Shadow Raikou is a superb Electric type attacker. However, do note that Legends Z-A Mega Dimension DLC Mega Evolutions like Mega Zeraora and Mega Raichu Y would surpass Shadow Raikou.
• While Mega Zeraora would be a challenge to power up (given its Mythical status), Mega Raichu Y would be extremely cheap thanks to the widespread Candy availability and ease of collecting Candy XL with anyone from the Pikachu family.
• Aura Sphere is powerful enough to elevate non-Electric Pokémon to Fighting-type stardom. But, powerful Pokémon like Dialga Origin, Palkia Origin, Iron Valiant, Urshifu, Mega Gallade, Terralion, Mienshao, etc., all learn Aura Sphere as well, and some of these eventual Shadows easily outdo Shadow Raikou.

If you get yourself a Hundo/Shundo, and you’re able to use your resource without worry, then go ahead and max out Shadow Raikou if you will. There’s no harm in doing so as long as you like the said Pokémon, and are aware of what the future holds for it.

All the best, trainers!