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Pokemon GO Shadow Mawile raid guide: Weaknesses and best counters

Shadow Mawile is one of the new Shadow Raid Bosses introduced to Pokemon GO in Galarian Expedition Taken Over. The Pocket Monster's Mega Evolution is also receiving a Raid Day towards the end of this event. This Fairy- and Steel-type creature has some strong defensive utility, making it a decent choice in the Great League. With this in mind, some players may want to use this opportunity to try its Shadow variant on their competitive team.

Here is a detailed guide explaining everything players should know about Shadow Mawile raids.


Shadow Mawile raid weaknesses in Pokemon GO

Mawile is a Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Mawile is a Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)

What is super-effective against Shadow Mawile?

Shadow Mawile is a Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon, which is a great defensive combo. Both types cover each other's weaknesses very well. The Steel typing is no longer weak to Fighting moves, and the Fairy typing is no longer weak to Poison moves.

This leaves Shadow Mawile's only two remaining vulnerabilities to be Fire and Ground. Fire- and Ground-type moves are super-effective against the Pocket Monster, dealing around 160% damage.

Also check: Pokemon GO CP calculator


Shadow Mawile's stat distribution and moveset in Pokemon GO

As a Three-Star Shadow Raid Boss, Mawile will have the following stats:

  • Combat Power (CP): 13,428
  • Attack: 155
  • Defense: 141
  • Stamina: 3,600 HP
  • Fast Attacks: Bite, Astonish, Fairy Wind, Fire Fang, Ice Fang
  • Charged Attacks: Iron Head, Play Rough, Vise Grip, Power-Up Punch

Shadow Mawile's raid will host a 180-second timer. Given the creature's now terrible defense and its Shadow Boost, players should have no trouble taking this Raid Boss down. It will be made exponentially easier if trainers bring friends with them for the battle.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator


Best counters for Pokemon GO's Shadow Mawile Raid Boss

There are many great Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon players can use in this Raid Battle. Here are some of the best counters trainers can bring:

Fire-type counters

  • Mega Charizard Y with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Shadow Chandelure with Fire Spin and Overheat
  • Mega Blaziken with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Shadow Entei with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
  • Shadow Moltres with Fire Spin and Overheat

Ground-type counters

  • Primal Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
  • Shadow Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
  • Mega Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power
  • Shadow Excadrill with Mud Shot and Scorching Sands
  • Landorus Therian with Mud Shot and Sandsear Storm

Shadow Mawile raid catch combat power and shiny availability

Shiny Shadow Mawile will be available through Shadow Raids (Image via Niantic)
Shiny Shadow Mawile will be available through Shadow Raids (Image via Niantic)

The combat power players find Shadow Mawile with post-raid will differ depending on its IVs and the weather:

  • No weather boost: 833 - 934 combat power at level 20 (6/6/6 - 15/15/15 IVs)
  • Weather boosted (Snow and Cloudy): 1041 - 1167 combat power at level 25 (6/6/6 - 15/15/15 IVs)

Trainers can also get lucky and encounter their post-raid Shadow Mawile in its shiny variant. The odds of them doing so are around 2%. However, the Mega Mawile Raid Day will feature a better rate at finding regular Shiny Mawile at around a 10% chance.


For more information on the game, check out the articles below:

  • Ditto disguises
  • Sierra counters
  • Cliff counters
  • Arlo counters
  • Giovanni counters
  • Team GO Rocket Grunts
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