Are you ready to face off against one of the most formidable leaders in Pokemon GO? Sierra, a Team GO Rocket leader, presents a significant challenge with her lineup of Shadow Pokemon. This guide delves into the strategic nuances of battling Sierra, offering tips and counters to ensure your victory.
Battling Sierra: A Strategic Overview
Sierra’s battle sequence is a rigorous test of strategy and strength, divided into three challenging phases. Each phase requires a deep understanding of Pokemon types and counters. Here, we break down each phase and offer the best strategies to defeat Sierra’s diverse team.
| Phases | Pokemon |
|---|---|
| First Phase | Shadow Sableye |
| Second Phase |
|
| Third Phase |
|
Taking on Sierra’s First Phase
In the first phase, Sierra deploys Shadow Sableye, a Dark and Ghost type. This phase is the most predictable, allowing trainers to plan an effective counter strategy. The key to defeating Shadow Sableye lies in utilizing Fairy-type moves, which exploit its primary weakness. Here are some top counter picks:
Shadow Sableye
Type: Dark and Ghost
Weakness: Fairy-type moves
Resistance: Normal, Psychic, Fighting, and Poison-type moves
| Shadow Sableye Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Gardevoir | Charm | Dazzling Gleam |
| Xurkitree | Spark | Dazzling Gleam |
| Togekiss | Charm | Dazzling Gleam |
| Granbull | Charm | Play Rough |
| Primal Groudon | Mud Shot | Precipice Blades |
| Zacian | Metal Claw | Play Rough |
| Kartana | Razor Leaf | Leaf Blade |
| Primal Kyogre | Waterfall | Surf |
Navigating the Second Phase
The second phase ramps up the difficulty with Sierra choosing between Shadow Skarmory, Gardevoir, or Muk. This phase demands versatility in your team composition to adapt to Sierra’s unpredictable choices. Here are some recommended counters:
Shadow Skarmory
Type: Steel and Flying-type
Weakness: Electric and Fire-type moves
Resistance: Bug, Grass, Poison, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Ground, Normal, Psychic, and Steel-type moves
| Shadow Skarmory Counters | Fast Moves | Charged Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Y Charizard | Fire Spin | Blast Burn |
| Mega Blaziken | Fire Spin | Blast Burn |
| Shadow Magnezone | Spark | Wild Charge |
| Shadow Raikou | Thunder Shock | Wild Charge |
| Reshiram | Fire Fang | Fusion Flare |
| Xurkitree | Thunder Shock | Discharge |
| Mega Manectric | Thunder Fang | Wild Charge |
| Shadow Electivire | Thunder Shock | Wild Charge |
Shadow Gardevoir
Type: Psychic and Fairy
Weakness: Ghost, Poison, and Steel-type moves
Resistance: Dragon, Psychic, and Fighting-type moves
| Shadow Gardevoir Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Gengar | Lick | Sludge Bomb |
| Attack Deoxys | Poison Jab | Zap Cannon |
| Nihilego | Acid | Sludge Bomb |
| Origin Giratina | Shadow Claw | Shadow Force |
| Metagross | Bullet Punch | Meteor Mash |
| Roserade | Poison Jab | Sludge Bomb |
| Chandelure | Metal Claw | Iron Head |
| Confined Hoopa | Astonish | Shadow Ball |
Shadow Muk
Type: Poison-type
Weakness: Ground and Psychic-type moves
Resistance: Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Grass, and Poison-type moves
| Shadow Muk Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Groudon | Mud Shot | Precipice Blades |
| Shadow Mewtwo | Confusion | Psystrike |
| Mega Alakazam | Confusion | Psychic |
| Shadow Excadrill | Mud-Slap | Scorching Sands |
| Mewtwo | Confusion | Psystrike |
| Mega Latios | Zen Headbutt | Psychic |
| Shadow Garchomp | Mud Shot | Earth Power |
| Shadow Rhyperior | Mud-Slap | Earthquake |
Confronting the Final Challenge
The third phase is where Sierra unleashes her most formidable Shadow Pokemon: Houndoom, Gyarados, or Kingdra. This stage requires careful planning and powerful counters to overcome the increased difficulty. Here are the top counters for each potential opponent:
Shadow Houndoom
Type: Dark and Fire
Weakness: Rock, Fighting, Ground, and Water-type moves
Resistance: Psychic, Fire, Dark, Steel, Ghost, Ice, and Grass-type moves
| Shadow Houndoom Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Kyogre | Waterfall | Original Pulse |
| Primal Groudon | Mud Shot | Precipice Blades |
| Terrakion | Double Kick | Sacred Sword |
| Keldeo | Low Kick | Sacred Sword |
| Kyogre | Waterfall | Hydro Pump |
| Lucario | Counter | Aura Sphere |
| Rampardos | Smack Down | Rock Slide |
| Rhyperior | Mud-Slap | Rock Wrecker |
Shadow Gyarados
Type: Water and Flying
Weakness: Rock and Electric-type moves
Resistance: Ground, Bug, Fighting, Fire, Steel, and Water-type moves
| Shadow Gyarados Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Xurkitree | Spark | Discharge |
| Zekrom | Charge Beam | Fusion Bolt |
| Therian Thundurus | Volt Switch | Thunderbolt |
| Electivire | Thunder Shock | Wild Charge |
| Zapdos | Thunder Shock | Thunderbolt |
| Raikou | Volt Switch | Wild Charge |
| Magnezone | Charge Beam | Wild Charge |
| Tapu Koko | Volt Switch | Thunderbolt |
Shadow Kingdra
Type: Grass and Poison
Weakness: Psychic, Flying, Fire, and Ice-type moves
Resistance: Grass, Electric, Fairy, Fighting, and Water-type moves
| Shadow Victreebel Counters | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Rayquaza | Dragon Tail | Outrage |
| Shadow Salamence | Dragon Tail | Outrage |
| Mega Salamence | Dragon Tail | Outrage |
| Mega Gardevoir | Charm | Dazzling Gleam |
| Shadow Garchomp | Dragon Tail | Outrage |
| Mega Latios | Dragon Breath | Dragon Claw |
| Shadow Dragonite | Dragon Tail | Outrage |
| Mega Latias | Dragon Breath | Outrage |
Mastering the Battle Against Sierra
Battling Sierra is not just about raw power; it’s about smart strategy and understanding the nuances of each Shadow Pokemon’s strengths and weaknesses. By assembling a team of counters tailored to each phase, you can ensure victory against Sierra and demonstrate your prowess as a Pokemon GO trainer.
Remember, the key to success lies in preparation and adaptability. Keep your team versatile, stay informed about the latest Shadow Pokemon rotations, and refine your battle tactics. With these strategies in hand, you’re well on your way to conquering Sierra and proving your mettle against Team GO Rocket’s elite. Happy hunting, trainers!
