Kyurem, the powerful Ice/Dragon Legendary Pokemon from the Unova region, is back in Pokemon GO raids for December 2025! This formidable creature presents a serious challenge for trainers who aren’t prepared with the right strategy and team. If you’ve been struggling to defeat Kyurem or want to learn about its powerful fused forms, you’re in the right place. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Kyurem in Pokemon GO, from its weaknesses and best counters to the intricate fusion mechanics that create Black Kyurem and White Kyurem.
Key Takeaways
- Kyurem is weak to Fighting, Steel, Fairy, Dragon, and Rock-type moves (2x damage)
- Best counters include Mega Lucario, Crowned Sword Zacian, and Mega Blaziken
- You can fuse Kyurem with Reshiram to get White Kyurem or with Zekrom to get Black Kyurem
- Fusion requires 1000 Fusion Energy, 30 Kyurem Candy, and 30 Reshiram/Zekrom Candy
- Shiny Kyurem has a 1 in 20 chance in raids (about 5%)
- Fused Kyurem forms have special Adventure Effects that make catching Pokemon easier
- Normal Kyurem isn’t great in meta, but its fused forms are top-tier attackers
What is Kyurem in Pokemon GO?
Kyurem is a Legendary Pokemon from the Unova region, making its first appearance in Pokemon GO back in 2020. As an Ice and Dragon-type Pokemon, Kyurem represents one of the most unique type combinations in the game. Niantic has made a tradition of bringing Kyurem back during the holiday season, and December 2025 is no exception.
This Legendary creature is known for its ability to fuse with either Reshiram or Zekrom, creating even more powerful forms. In Pokemon GO lore, Kyurem is considered the “boundary” Pokemon that can absorb the powers of the other two Unova legendaries. For trainers, this means exciting opportunities beyond just catching the base form.
Currently, Kyurem is available in 5-star raids from December 4 to December 13, 2025, with a special Raid Hour on December 10 from 6 PM to 7 PM local time. This limited window makes it crucial for trainers to prepare their teams and understand how to defeat this icy dragon efficiently.
Kyurem Stats and Moveset Explained
Understanding Kyurem’s stats and moveset is essential for planning your raid strategy. Here’s a complete breakdown of what you’re up against:
| Stat | Value |
| Type | Ice and Dragon |
| Attack | 246 |
| Defense | 170 |
| Stamina | 245 |
| Max CP | 4041 |
| Raid CP (Level 20) | 1957 – 2042 |
| Weather Boosted Raid CP (Level 25) | 2446 – 2553 |
| Research CP | 1468 – 1532 |
| Base Catch Rate | 2% |
Kyurem has access to several moves that can make raids challenging:
Fast Moves:
- Dragon Breath (Dragon) – A solid Dragon-type fast move with good damage output
- Steel Wing (Steel) – Less common but provides coverage against Fairy and Ice types
Charge Moves:
- Blizzard (Ice) – A powerful Ice-type attack that can devastate unprepared teams
- Dragon Claw (Dragon) – A reliable Dragon-type move with moderate energy cost
- Draco Meteor (Dragon) – Extremely powerful but leaves Kyurem vulnerable after use
- Glaciate* (Ice) – A legacy move only available during special events that also lowers attack
Note that moves marked with * are Legacy Moves that can only be obtained during specific events or with Elite TMs. If you encounter a Kyurem with Glaciate, consider yourself lucky—it’s a valuable move for both raids and fusion purposes.
What are Kyurem’s Weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Knowing Kyurem’s weaknesses is your key to victory in raids. As an Ice and Dragon-type Pokemon, Kyurem has several vulnerabilities you can exploit:
| Type | Effectiveness |
| Fighting | 2x damage (super effective) |
| Rock | 2x damage (super effective) |
| Steel | 2x damage (super effective) |
| Fairy | 2x damage (super effective) |
| Dragon | 2x damage (super effective) |
Kyurem also resists certain types of damage:
| Type | Effectiveness |
| Water | 1/2x damage (not very effective) |
| Grass | 1/2x damage (not very effective) |
| Electric | 1/2x damage (not very effective) |
This means you should avoid bringing Water, Grass, or Electric-type Pokemon to Kyurem raids, as they’ll deal reduced damage. Instead, focus on Pokemon that can exploit Kyurem’s five weaknesses. The more weaknesses you can target, the faster you’ll defeat this Legendary raid boss.
Who are the Best Counters for Kyurem Raids?
Based on Kyurem’s weaknesses, here are the top counters that will help you defeat it efficiently:
| Counter Pokemon | Fast Move | Charge Move | DPS |
| Mega Lucario | Force Palm/Counter | Aura Sphere | 44.15 |
| Crowned Sword Zacian | Metal Claw | Behemoth Blade | 43.47 |
| Crowned Shield Zamazenta | Metal Claw | Behemoth Bash | 42.16 |
| Mega Blaziken | Counter | Aura Sphere | 41.91 |
| Shadow Metagross | Bullet Punch | Meteor Mash | 36.70 |
| Mega Metagross | Bullet Punch | Meteor Mash | 35.50 |
| Eternatus | Dragon Tail | Dynamax Cannon | 37.48 |
| Mega Rayquaza | Dragon Tail | Breaking Swipe | 36.66 |
| Mega Gardevoir | Charm | Dazzling Gleam | 33.31 |
| Black Kyurem | Dragon Tail | Outrage | 33.49 |
Why these counters work:
- Mega Lucario – As a Fighting/Steel type, it resists many of Kyurem’s attacks and deals super effective damage with both its typing and moves. Force Palm or Counter combined with Aura Sphere makes it the top counter.
- Crowned Sword Zacian – This Fairy/Steel type is immune to Dragon moves and resists Ice attacks. Metal Claw and Behemoth Blade provide incredible DPS against Kyurem.
- Mega Blaziken – As a Fire/Fighting type, it deals super effective Fighting damage while resisting Ice moves. Counter and Aura Sphere make it a powerhouse against Kyurem.
- Shadow Metagross – Shadow Pokemon get a damage boost, and Metagross’s Steel typing is perfect for this raid. Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash provide consistent damage.
- Mega Evolutions – Any Mega Evolution provides a damage boost to all Pokemon on your team, making them valuable even if they’re not the absolute best counters individually.
For most raids, you’ll want 3-4 trainers with optimal counters to defeat Kyurem comfortably. If you have lower-level trainers or less optimal Pokemon, aim for 6-8 players to ensure success.
How to Defeat Kyurem in Pokemon GO Raids?
Defeating Kyurem requires more than just bringing the right counters. Follow these steps for maximum success:
Step 1: Prepare Your Team
- Select 6 Pokemon from the counter list above
- Make sure they’re powered up (Level 30+ is ideal)
- Have them equipped with their best movesets
- Consider using Mega Evolutions for the team damage boost
Step 2: Join the Raid
- Coordinate with other trainers before starting
- If possible, do the raid in person rather than remotely
- Wait for weather boosts if possible (Snow for Ice boost or Windy for Dragon boost)
Step 3: Battle Strategy
- Start with your strongest counter
- Dodge Kyurem’s charge moves, especially Blizzard and Draco Meteor
- Time your dodging—charge moves have a tell-tale yellow flash before they hit
- If you faint, rejoin with your next best counter
Step 4: Catch Phase
- Use Golden Razz Berries for every throw
- Wait for Kyurem’s attack animation before throwing
- Aim for Excellent throws if possible
- Curve balls increase your catch rate
Pro Tip: If you’re the raid host, wait a few seconds after the raid starts to join. This gives other players time to connect and can prevent connection issues that might cause the raid to fail.
How to Get Kyurem in Pokemon GO?
There are three main ways to obtain Kyurem in Pokemon GO:
1. 5-Star Raids (Primary Method)
- Kyurem appears in 5-star raids from December 4 to December 13, 2025
- Special Raid Hour on December 10 from 6 PM to 7 PM local time
- You’ll need Raid Passes (free one daily or purchased with PokeCoins)
- Stock up on Potions, Revives, and Berries before raiding
- Kyurem caught during Raid Hour may know the legacy move Glaciate
2. Special Research Tasks
- Occasionally, Niantic releases Special Research that rewards Kyurem encounters
- Previous examples include the “It’s Not Over Yet” questline
- These are time-limited, so check for active research frequently
- Complete all tasks in the research to earn the encounter
3. GO Battle League Rewards
- Reaching rank 20 in GO Battle League gives you a chance to encounter Legendary Pokemon
- Kyurem appears in the reward pool when it’s available in raids
- This method requires consistent PvP performance
- The encounter is not guaranteed, even at rank 20
For most trainers, raids will be the most reliable method to obtain Kyurem. Try to raid with a group that can defeat it consistently to maximize your chances of getting good IVs and potentially a shiny version.
What is Kyurem Fusion and How Does It Work?
One of the most exciting features in Pokemon GO is the ability to fuse Kyurem with either Reshiram or Zekrom to create even more powerful forms. Here’s how the fusion system works:
Fusion Requirements:
To create Black Kyurem (Kyurem + Zekrom):
- 1,000 Volt Fusion Energy
- 30 Kyurem Candy
- 30 Zekrom Candy
- 1 Kyurem
- 1 Zekrom
To create White Kyurem (Kyurem + Reshiram):
- 1,000 Blaze Fusion Energy
- 30 Kyurem Candy
- 30 Reshiram Candy
- 1 Kyurem
- 1 Reshiram
How to Obtain Fusion Energy:
- Defeat Black Kyurem in raids to earn Volt Fusion Energy
- Defeat White Kyurem in raids to earn Blaze Fusion Energy
- Complete Special Research tasks that reward Fusion Energy
- Use free Fusion Energy codes during special events
Fusion Process:
- Select the Kyurem you want to fuse
- Tap the “Fuse” button below its information
- Choose either “Black Kyurem” or “White Kyurem”
- Select the Zekrom or Reshiram you want to fuse with
- Confirm the fusion (it’s irreversible until you unfuse)
Important Notes:
- The fused Kyurem’s stats depend on the original Kyurem, not the Reshiram/Zekrom
- Fuse your best Kyurem with your weakest Reshiram/Zekrom to keep strong versions for battles
- You can unfuse at any time without losing resources
- The original Reshiram/Zekrom cannot be used in battles while fused
What are the Adventure Effects for Fused Kyurem?
Fused Kyurem forms have special abilities called Adventure Effects that make catching Pokemon easier. These effects last for 10 minutes and can be activated once per day:
White Kyurem – Ice Burn Effect:
- Slows down the target ring when catching Pokemon
- Makes Pokemon “much easier to catch” according to Niantic
- Increases catch rate by approximately 50%
- Perfect for catching rare or high-CP Pokemon
- Especially useful with connected accessories like Pokemon GO Plus
Black Kyurem – Freeze Shock Effect:
- Locks the Pokemon you’re catching in place
- Prevents the Pokemon from moving around for 10 minutes
- Makes Pokemon “much easier to catch”
- Increases catch rate by approximately 25%
- Great for catching Pokemon that tend to flee or jump around a lot
How to Activate Adventure Effects:
- Your Kyurem must know Glaciate before fusing
- After fusion, Glaciate becomes Ice Burn (White) or Freeze Shock (Black)
- Select the fused Kyurem in your Pokemon storage
- Tap the Adventure Effect button
- Confirm activation (uses the charged move)
Best Use Cases:
- Use White Kyurem’s effect for Legendary raids or rare spawns
- Use Black Kyurem’s effect for Pokemon that move a lot (like Abra, Scyther)
- Save your daily activation for important catching opportunities
- Coordinate with friends to maximize the benefits during community events
Can You Find Shiny Kyurem in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Kyurem can be shiny in Pokemon GO! Like other Legendary Pokemon, Kyurem has a base shiny rate of 1 in 20 (approximately 5%). This means you can expect to find one shiny Kyurem for every 20 raids you complete.
Shiny Kyurem Appearance:
- Regular Kyurem has grayish-blue coloring
- Shiny Kyurem features deep purple/pink wings
- Its body color changes to a darker, deep teal
- The overall appearance is more vibrant and colorful
Shiny Fusion Possibilities:
- You can fuse a shiny Kyurem to get shiny Black Kyurem or shiny White Kyurem
- You do NOT need shiny Reshiram or Zekrom for the fusion to result in a shiny fused form
- Only the Kyurem needs to be shiny for the fused form to be shiny
- This makes shiny hunting much more manageable
Shiny Hunting Tips:
- Participate in as many raids as possible during the event window
- Join Raid Hour on December 10 for maximum raid opportunities
- Use Raid Passes efficiently (one free per day, plus premium passes)
- Consider remote raiding if local weather is unfavorable
- Don’t get discouraged—shiny rates are random and can vary
When to Give Up:
While there’s no definitive point to give up on shiny hunting, most trainers consider stopping after 40-50 raids without success. At that point, you’ve had statistically bad luck, and it might be better to wait for the next Kyurem raid event rather than continuing to burn through resources.
How Does Kyurem Rank in Pokemon GO Meta?
Understanding Kyurem’s place in the Pokemon GO meta will help you decide how much resources to invest in it:
Raid Attacker:
- Normal Kyurem is one of the worst raid attackers due to its low defense and attack stats
- Many better options exist, including Mega Evolutions and Shadow Pokemon
- Only consider using it if you have no other options
Gym Defender:
- As a Legendary Pokemon, Kyurem cannot be placed in gyms
- This is a limitation shared by all Legendary and Mythical Pokemon
Dragon-Type Attacker:
- Kyurem ranks in the top 40 Dragon-type attackers with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
- Pokemon like Eternatus, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Salamence, and Dialga are significantly better
- Only use it if you lack better Dragon-type options
Ice-Type Attacker:
- Kyurem’s ranking improves as an Ice-type attacker
- With the legacy move Glaciate, it can deal significant ice damage
- However, White Kyurem and Black Kyurem are far superior Ice-type attackers
- Consider it a mid-tier option at best for Ice damage
Ultra League:
- Ultra League requires Pokemon with at least 2500 CP
- Kyurem’s stats get reduced to fit the league cap, making it a poor choice
- While it ranks around #45 on paper, it doesn’t perform well in practice
- Many better options exist for Ultra League competition
Master League:
- Similar to raid performance, Kyurem isn’t a great Master League option
- Black Kyurem and White Kyurem outperform it significantly
- Top Master League Pokemon like Dialga, Palkia, and Zacian are better investments
- Only consider it if you have no other Legendary options
Overall Assessment:
Normal Kyurem is a decent Pokemon to have in your collection, but it truly shines when fused with Reshiram or Zekrom. The fused forms are among the best attackers in the game, making the investment in fusion worthwhile for serious players. If you’re a casual player, a regular Kyurem is fine for your Pokedex, but don’t expect it to dominate in battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shiny rate of Kyurem in Pokemon GO?
The shiny rate for Kyurem in Pokemon GO is 1 in 20, or approximately 5%. This is the standard shiny rate for Legendary Pokemon in raids. It means that, on average, you’ll encounter one shiny Kyurem for every 20 raids you complete. However, shiny rates are random and can vary—you might get lucky and find one in your first raid, or you might go 30+ raids without seeing one. The shiny rate is significantly lower than wild Pokemon spawns or Community Day events, which typically have shiny rates around 1 in 10 or higher.
Is White Kyurem better than Black Kyurem in Pokemon GO?
Yes, White Kyurem is generally considered better than Black Kyurem in Pokemon GO. White Kyurem ranks higher in raid attacker lists, particularly as an Ice-type attacker. Its Ice and Fire moveset provides more utility and coverage against a wider range of opponents. Additionally, White Kyurem’s Adventure Effect (Ice Burn) increases catch rate by approximately 50%, compared to Black Kyurem’s 25% increase. However, both fused forms are excellent attackers, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and existing Pokemon collection.
How many raids do I need to do to get enough Fusion Energy?
To get 1000 Fusion Energy for fusing Kyurem, you’ll need to complete approximately 20-25 raids of the corresponding fused form. Each raid typically awards 40-50 Fusion Energy, with the exact amount varying based on performance and weather conditions. This means you’ll need to defeat Black Kyurem raids 20-25 times for Volt Fusion Energy or White Kyurem raids 20-25 times for Blaze Fusion Energy. It’s a significant time investment, so plan accordingly and consider saving resources during fusion raid events.
Can you fuse a shiny Kyurem?
Yes, you can fuse a shiny Kyurem to create shiny Black Kyurem or shiny White Kyurem. The shiny characteristic comes from the Kyurem, not the Reshiram or Zekrom used in the fusion. This means you don’t need shiny versions of Reshiram or Zekrom to get a shiny fused form—only the Kyurem needs to be shiny. This makes shiny hunting much more manageable, as you only need to find one shiny Kyurem rather than three shiny Legendary Pokemon.
What’s the best moveset for Kyurem in Pokemon GO?
The best moveset for Kyurem in Pokemon GO is Dragon Breath as the fast move and Draco Meteor as the charge move. Dragon Breath provides consistent damage with good energy generation, while Draco Meteor delivers massive Dragon-type damage. If you’re lucky enough to have the legacy move Glaciate, that’s also an excellent option, especially for Ice-type coverage. Steel Wing is generally not recommended as a fast move unless you specifically need Steel-type coverage. For charge moves, Blizzard is powerful but slow, while Dragon Claw is a reliable but less powerful alternative to Draco Meteor.
How many trainers do you need to beat Kyurem?
You typically need 3-4 trainers with optimal counters to defeat Kyurem in Pokemon GO raids. However, this number can vary based on the strength of the Pokemon and the experience of the trainers. For lower-level trainers or those without optimal counters, you might need 6-8 players to ensure success. Conversely, high-level trainers with top-tier Mega Evolutions and Shadow Pokemon might be able to defeat Kyurem with just 2 players. It’s always better to have a few extra trainers than to risk failing the raid and wasting Raid Passes.
Can Kyurem be used in gyms?
No, Kyurem cannot be used to defend gyms in Pokemon GO. Like all Legendary and Mythical Pokemon, Kyurem is restricted from being placed in gyms. This is a game mechanic designed to balance gameplay, as Legendary Pokemon would be too powerful for gym defense. If you’re looking for good gym defenders, consider Pokemon like Blissey, Snorlax, or Slaking, which are specifically designed for defensive roles in gyms.
Conclusion
Kyurem is one of the most fascinating Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon GO, offering both challenging raid battles and exciting fusion mechanics. While the base form may not dominate the meta, its fused versions—Black Kyurem and White Kyurem—are among the best attackers in the game. Whether you’re a casual player looking to complete your Pokedex or a competitive trainer seeking top-tier raid attackers, understanding how to defeat, catch, and fuse Kyurem is essential.
Remember to take advantage of the December 2025 raid window to stock up on Kyurem, and don’t forget about the special Raid Hour on December 10 for your best chance at encountering a shiny version with the legacy move Glaciate. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to mastering all forms of this incredible Ice/Dragon Legendary.
What’s your experience with Kyurem raids? Have you managed to create Black Kyurem or White Kyurem yet? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and happy hunting, trainers!
