DEXERTOStakataka and Blacephalon are returning to Pokemon Go Raids to debut their Shiny versions. For those looking to challenge the Rock/Steel Ultra Beast, here are its weaknesses and best counters.
Ultra Beasts are very weird-looking creatures introduced to the Alolan region in 2017 when Pokemon Sun & Moon came out.
Out of the eleven beasts, the last ones to join the game were Stakataka and Blacephalon. However, they did so without their Shiny versions.
To make up for that, the Might and Mastery season is bringing them back to introduce players to Shiny Stakataka (in the Eastern Hemisphere) and Shiny Blacephalon (in the Western Hemisphere).
Stakataka weaknesses in Pokemon Go
As a dual Rock/Steel-type Pokemon, Stakataka is weak to Water-type moves with a double weakness to Ground and Fighting-type attacks, so keep that in mind when building your ideal team to go up against this Ultra Beast.
Nonetheless, its incredible type combination makes Stakataka resistant to many types, such as Rock, Bug, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Normal, Flying, and Poison-type attacks. Therefore, avoid using those at all costs, as they won’t be able to deal significant damage.
Stakataka best counters
These are some of the best counters to use against Stakataka in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Groudon |  | Mud Shot & Precipice Blades |
| Mega Lucario |  | Force Palm & Aura Sphere |
| Mega Garchomp |  | Mud Shot & Earth Power |
| Shadow Conkeldurr |  | Counter & Dynamic Punch |
| Shadow Excadrill |  | Mud-Slap & Scorching Sands |
| Landorus Therian Forme |  | Mud Shot & Sandsear Storm |
| Heracross |  | Counter & Close Combat |
| Blaziken |  | Counter & Focus Blast |
| Swampert |  | Mud Shot & Earthquake |
| Machamp |  | Counter & Dynamic Punch |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for every trainer to use.
If you don’t have any of the creatures mentioned, go with their alternative or regular versions, or just use your best Water, Fighting, or Ground-type attackers to target Stakataka’s weaknesses. Remember that they should be properly leveled up and know the matching movesets.
How to get Stakataka in Pokemon Go
Like every other Ultra Beast, the only way to catch Stakataka in Pokemon Go is through 5-Star Raid battles. Players will have to challenge and defeat this creature first to then attempt a catch using the Premier Balls they are given – according to their battling performance.
Luckily for trainers, Stakataka will appear as a Raid Boss from April 9, 2025, until April 21, 2025. However, its availability is restricted to the Eastern Hemisphere, as Blacephalon will appear in the Western Hemisphere.
DEXERTOAdditionally, it will be featured in two Raid Hours, one on April 9th and the other on April 16th from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM local time.
When challenging this Legendary, try to use Golden Razz Berries and land Excellent Curveball Throws to increase your chances of catching it.
Stakataka CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Stakataka has during a Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it after defeating it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 49,402 |
| CP range once captured | 1799 – 1882 |
| Partly Cloudy/Snow weather CP range | 2249 – 2353 |
| Stakataka max CP (Level 50) | 3724 |
Stakataka stats & moves
As a dual Rock/Steel-type Pokemon, Stakataka has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 213 | 298 | 156 | 3724 |
Fast Moves
- Rock Throw (Rock/STAB)
- Take Down (Normal)
Charged Moves
- Stone Edge (Rock/STAB)
- Flash Cannon (Steel/STAB)
- Bulldoze (Ground)
Can Stakataka be Shiny?
Yes, Stakataka can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as this special version was recently added to the game through 5-Raid battles.
DEXERTOPlayers will have an easy time recognizing Shiny Stakataka as its body goes from stone to gold. However, there’s no technique or special method to ensure an encounter. The only thing trainers can do to increase their odds is take on as many Stakataka Raids as they can.
That’s all you need to know about Stakataka in Pokemon Go. Don’t forget to check out the latest Pokemon Go events, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.
