Xurkitree is an Electric-type Ultra Beast originating from another world. Some stand unmoving, with their arms and legs stuck into the ground, but witnesses have noticed astonishing electric shocks emanating from their entire bodies. Learn which Pokémon will be most effective in Raid Battles against Xurkitree, how to catch Xurkitree after winning a Raid Battle, and how best to use the Ultra Beast after you’ve caught it. 

Which Pokémon to Use in a Xurkitree Raid in Pokémon GO

As an Electric-type Ultra Beast, Xurkitree is vulnerable to Ground-type attacks. When choosing six Pokémon for your Xurkitree Raid Battle lineup, it helps to choose Pokémon that have a Ground-type Fast Attack and Charged Attack if you want to deal as much damage as possible. It’s not necessary to choose only Ground-type Pokémon, but Pokémon that share a type with those attacks will benefit from a same-type attack bonus, which will allow the attacks to deal an additional 20% damage.

If you have multiple Pokémon that know Ground-type attacks, choose the Pokémon with the highest CP and best overall stats. Remember that speed of victory affects how many Premier Balls you will receive at the conclusion of a successful Raid Battle, so bring your strongest Pokémon and defeat Xurkitree as quickly as possible.

• Swampert / Shadow Swampert (Water/Ground)

  • Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground)

• Flygon / Shadow Flygon (Ground/Dragon)

  • Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earth Power (Ground), Earthquake (Ground)

• Groudon (Ground)

  • Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground)

• Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)

  • Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earth Power (Ground), Earthquake (Ground), Sand Tomb (Ground)

• Rhyperior (Ground/Rock)

  • Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground)

• Mamoswine / Shadow Mamoswine (Ice/Ground)

  • Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Bulldoze (Ground)

• Excadrill (Ground/Steel)

  • Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground), Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Drill Run (Ground), Earthquake (Ground)

• Krookodile (Ground/Dark)

  • Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground)

• Incarnate Forme Landorus (Ground/Flying)

  • Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Earth Power (Ground)

• Therian Forme Landorus (Ground/Flying)

  • Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)

  • Charged Attack: Bulldoze (Ground), Earthquake (Ground)

Make the Most of Premier Balls and Berries

After a successful Xurkitree raid, you’ll have a limited number of Premier Balls you can use to catch the Ultra Beast, so make each one count. You can earn extra Premier Balls by battling with friends and defeating Xurkitree more quickly.

In an encounter with Xurkitree, your chance of catching it is greatest when the target ring is small enough for you to score Excellent Throws. Throwing Curveballs can improve your chances even more. But work within your abilities—if you don’t think you can reliably make Excellent Curveball Throws, aim for Nice Throws or Great Throws rather than risk missing the target ring completely.

Xurkitree isn’t going to make it easy on you by sitting still while you’re trying to catch it. Don’t waste your Premier Balls by throwing while it’s moving around. Watch the Ultra Beast to get a feel for its cycle of movement and the pauses in between the cycles. During one of these pauses, wait for the target ring to reappear, and then throw as it starts to grow smaller to increase your odds of making a Great Throw or an Excellent Throw.

Berries can help you catch Xurkitree. A Razz Berry will make it easier to catch, and a Golden Razz Berry will make it much easier to catch. If you find yourself failing to land any throws, a Nanab Berry will calm Xurkitree, making its movements less erratic and allowing you to make precise throws more easily. If you need extra Xurkitree Candy, using a Silver Pinap Berry will make Xurkitree easier to catch and grant you extra Candy when you catch it.

Buddy Pokémon with a Buddy Level of Great Buddy or higher have the Catch Assist Perk. If an Ultra Beast deflects a Poké Ball, your buddy might bounce it back for a second catch opportunity!

Like all Ultra Beasts, Xurkitree is tricky to catch, so don’t be discouraged if it escapes. Get a second wind by stocking up on useful items—like Max Potions, Max Revives, and Golden Razz Berries—and try again.

What to Do with Xurkitree Once You’ve Caught It

As an Electric-type Ultra Beast, Xurkitree is resistant against Electric-, Flying-, and Steel-type attacks. Xurkitree has yet to establish a role for itself in the GO Battle League, but its range of Charged Attacks may give Trainers a reason to add it to their roster. The Grass-type Charged Attack Power Whip is an excellent counter to the Ground-type Pokémon that Xurkitree is vulnerable to. In addition, the Fairy-type Charged Attack Dazzling Gleam is an unexpected attack from an Electric-type Pokémon, which may give Trainers the element of surprise. For Trainers who are looking to electrify their lineup, Xurkitree’s Electric-type attacks benefit from a same-type attack bonus. No matter which direction you decide to go, Xurkitree can help you cover more bases if you teach it a second Charged Attack.

Xurkitree may also be a powerful addition to your Raid Battle lineup. Its Electric-type attacks are particularly useful against Water- and Flying-type Pokémon, like Mega Charizard Y, Mega Gyarados, Moltres, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Togekiss, and Yveltal. You’ll want to maximize Xurkitree’s potential by powering it up as much as you can. This will require a significant amount of Xurkitree Candy and Stardust, so try to catch as many Xurkitree as possible to get you there faster. And don’t forget those Pinap Berries!

Good luck with your next Raid Battle, and remember to check Pokemon.co.uk/Strategy for more Pokémon GO, video game, and Pokémon TCG tips.