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Pokemon GO Shadow Pinsir raid guide: Weaknesses and best counters

Shadow Pinsir is one of the new Shadow Raid Bosses introduced to Pokemon GO for its Galarian Expedition Taken Over event. This creature is one of the original 151 Pokemon to debut in the Kanto region, making it one of the oldest creatures in the mobile game as well, since it has been in the title since its initial launch.

Being a decently powerful Bug-type, some players may want to add this creature to their collection. Brave raiders may want to know more about this dangerous foe before charging head-first into battle. Here is a detailed raid guide to take on Shadow Pinsir in Pokemon GO.

Shadow Pinsir raid weaknesses in Pokemon GO

Shadow Pinsir is a pure Bug-type Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Shadow Pinsir is a pure Bug-type Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)

What is super-effective against Shadow Pinsir?

Being a pure Bug-type, Shadow Pinsir has an even spread of weaknesses and resistances. It takes super-effective damage from Flying, Rock, and Fire-type attacks. Moves of these elements will deal 160% damage to Shadow Pinsir, making them the best option for taking it down.

Also check: Pokemon GO CP calculator

Shadow Pinsir's stat distribution and moveset in Pokemon GO

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

  • Type: Bug
  • Combat Power (CP): 21,306
  • Attack: 238
  • Defense: 182
  • Stamina: 3,600 HP
  • Fast Attacks: Fury Cutter, Bug Bite, Rock Smash
  • Charged Attacks: Vice Grip, Submission, X-Scissor, Close Combat, Superpower

Shadow Pinsir being a Three-Star Raid Boss, players will have 180 seconds to defeat it. This should be more than enough time if players have the fight counters or a large enough raiding party assisting them. Being a Shadow Raid, these fights can only be challenged in person.

Best raid counters for Shadow Pinsir in Pokemon GO

Being a pure Bug-type, Shadow Pinsir has no one weakness that can be better exploited compared to others. Here are some of the best options from each countering element against Shadow Pinsir:

Flying-type Counters

  • Mega Rayquaza with Air Slash and Dragon Ascent
  • Shadow Moltres with Fire Spin and Sky Attack
  • Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Fly
  • Yveltal with Sucker Punch and Oblivion Wing
  • Mega Pidgeot with Air Slash and Brave Bird

Fire-type Counters

  • Mega Charizard Y with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Shadow Entei with Fire Spin and Flamethrower
  • Mega Blaziken with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Mega Charizard X with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
  • Blacephalon with Incinerate and Mystical Fire

Rock-type Counters

  • Mega Diancie with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
  • Shadow Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
  • Shadow Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
  • Mega Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
  • Shadow Gigalith with Smack Down and Meteor Beam

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

Shadow Pinsir raid catch combat power and shiny availability

Shiny Shadow Pinsir is confirmed to be available (Image via Niantic)
Shiny Shadow Pinsir is confirmed to be available (Image via Niantic)

Shadow Pinsir's combat power players find after defeating it in a raid will differ depending on its IVs, as well as the weather:

  • No weather boost: 1552 - 1690 combat power at level 20 (6/6/6/ - 15/15/15 IVs)
  • Weather boosted (rainy): 1940 - 2113 combat power at level 25 (6/6/6 - 15/15/15 IVs)

It has also been confirmed that Shadow Pinsir will have a 2% chance to appear in its shiny variant after players defeat it in battle.

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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