Buzzwole, a formidable Bug and Fighting-type Ultra Beast, demands strategic preparation and teamwork to defeat in Pokémon GO raids. This guide provides essential insights and top counters.
1.1 Overview of Buzzwole as a Raid Boss
Buzzwole, a Bug and Fighting-type Ultra Beast, stands as a formidable Tier 5 raid boss with a CP of 46,654. Known for its unique typing, it offers a challenging yet rewarding encounter for trainers. Its dual typing makes it particularly vulnerable to Flying-type Pokémon, which exploit its double weakness. With strategic teamwork, 5 trainers are often sufficient to secure a victory. Buzzwole’s moveset and high defense require careful counter selection to ensure success. This guide breaks down its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal strategies to help trainers prepare effectively. Defeating Buzzwole also offers the chance to catch its Shiny variant, a rare and sought-after addition to any collection.
1.2 Importance of Preparation and Strategy
Preparing for a Buzzwole raid is crucial due to its high defense and unique typing. Trainers must assemble a team with Pokémon that exploit its weaknesses, primarily Flying, Rock, and Fire types. A well-coordinated strategy ensures efficiency, as Buzzwole’s moveset can be challenging without proper counters. Team size and composition are vital, with 5 trainers being the recommended minimum. Having Pokémon with high CP and optimal movesets, such as Ho-Oh or Moltres, significantly increases success chances. Coordination and communication among team members are key to avoiding prolonged battles. Proper preparation not only guarantees a win but also maximizes loot and catching opportunities post-raid.
Buzzwole’s Type and Weaknesses
Buzzwole is a Bug and Fighting-type Ultra Beast, making it especially vulnerable to Flying, Rock, and Fire-type moves due to its dual typing and weaknesses.
2.1 Bug and Fighting Type Analysis
Buzzwole’s dual Bug and Fighting typing makes it a unique and challenging opponent. As a Bug-type, it gains resistance to Grass, Ground, and Fighting moves, but its Fighting-type attributes make it weak to Fairy and Flying attacks. This dual typing also means it can utilize powerful moves like Bug Bite and Close Combat, making it a formidable attacker. However, its weaknesses to Flying and Fire types are significant, as these move types deal super-effective damage. Understanding its type strengths and vulnerabilities is crucial for selecting the right counters and strategies to defeat it effectively in raids.
2.2 Weakness to Flying, Rock, and Fire Types
Buzzwole’s dual Bug and Fighting typing makes it particularly vulnerable to Flying, Rock, and Fire-type moves. Flying-type attacks deal quadruple damage due to its dual typing, making them the most effective choice. Rock-type moves, such as Rock Slide, also exploit its weaknesses, while Fire-type moves like Flamethrower can deal significant damage; Pokémon like Ho-Oh, Rayquaza, and Tyranitar are excellent counters, as they can withstand Buzzwole’s attacks while delivering super-effective damage. This vulnerability emphasizes the importance of using these types to maximize damage output and minimize losses during the raid; Properly utilizing these types ensures a more efficient battle strategy against Buzzwole.
Best Counters for Buzzwole
Top counters include Ho-Oh, Moltres, Rayquaza, Tyranitar, and Volcanion. These Pokémon excel due to their resistance to Buzzwole’s moves and super-effective typing against it.
3.1 Top Flying Type Counters (Ho-Oh, Moltres, Rayquaza)
Flying-type Pokémon are ideal against Buzzwole due to its double weakness. Ho-Oh, with its Fire/Flying typing, resists Buzzwole’s Bug and Fighting moves while dealing super-effective damage. Moltres, another top choice, offers similar resistance and boasts a powerful moveset. Rayquaza, as a Dragon/Flying type, combines high attack power with access to strong moves like Aerial Ace and Outrage, making it a formidable counter. These Pokémon are widely available and often well-powered, making them accessible options for many trainers. Pairing them with the right movesets ensures maximum effectiveness in raids. Their performance makes them indispensable in any Buzzwole raid strategy.
3.2 Effective Fire and Rock Type Pokémon
Fire and Rock-type Pokémon are excellent secondary options against Buzzwole, complementing Flying types. Heatran and Volcanion shine as Fire-type counters, with moves like Flamethrower and Fire Blast dealing significant damage. Rock-type Pokémon such as Tyranitar and Terrakion are also viable, leveraging moves like Stone Edge and Rock Slide. These Pokémon benefit from Buzzwole’s weaknesses and can perform well when paired with the right movesets. While they may not match Flying types in efficiency, they provide reliable alternatives, especially for trainers lacking top-tier Flying Pokémon. Their durability and strong moves make them valuable additions to any Buzzwole raid team.
Raid Strategy and Tips
Coordinate with your team to use top counters like Ho-Oh and Moltres. Ensure optimal movesets and timing to maximize damage output and secure a swift victory.
4.1 Recommended Team Size and Composition
A team of 3-5 trainers is typically sufficient to defeat Buzzwole, depending on the strength of your counters. For optimal success, focus on a mix of Flying, Rock, and Fire-type Pokémon. Ho-Oh, Moltres, and Rayquaza are top-tier choices due to their dual resistance to Buzzwole’s Bug and Fighting moves. Include secondary options like Tyranitar or Heatran for Rock-type coverage and Terrakion for Fighting-type resistance. Ensure your team has high CP and optimal movesets to maximize damage output. Coordination is key, so assign roles based on your team’s strengths. If your counters aren’t maxed out, consider adding an extra trainer for safety. Proper preparation ensures a smooth victory.
4.2 Optimal Movesets for Counters
Choosing the right movesets for your counters is crucial to maximizing damage against Buzzwole. Flying-type Pokémon like Ho-Oh and Moltres excel with moves such as Fire Blast, Flamethrower, and Sky Attack. Rock-type counters like Tyranitar and Terrakion benefit from Stone Edge and Rock Slide. Fire-type Pokémon such as Heatran and Volcanion should utilize Flare Blitz and Fire Punch for maximum impact. For Dragon/Flying types like Rayquaza, Outrage and Dragon Claw are ideal. Ensure your counters have high CP and proper move unlocks to capitalize on Buzzwole’s vulnerabilities. This strategic approach will significantly boost your team’s effectiveness in the raid.
Catching Buzzwole After the Raid
Use Premier Balls wisely after defeating Buzzwole, as you’ll have limited attempts to catch it.
Shiny Buzzwole becomes available during specific events, starting with New York Pokémon GO Fest and then globally from July 8th.
5.1 Premier Ball Usage and Catching Tips
After defeating Buzzwole, you’ll have a limited number of Premier Balls to catch it. Make every throw count by aiming for the center ring to maximize catch probability.
Feeding Buzzwole a Golden Razz Berry before throwing can significantly increase your chances of catching it successfully.
Timing your throw when Buzzwole is in the green “catch circle” and not moving is crucial for a successful catch.
Using a curveball or accurate straight throw can also improve your odds of securing this powerful Ultra Beast.
5.2 Shiny Buzzwole Availability
Shiny Buzzwole will become available during the New York Pokémon GO Fest, offering an exclusive chance for in-person attendees to encounter it.
Following the event, Shiny Buzzwole will be released globally starting July 8th, allowing all players to hunt for this rare variant.
The Shiny form retains the same stats as the standard Buzzwole but features a unique color scheme, making it a highly sought-after catch.
Trainers are encouraged to participate in as many Buzzwole raids as possible during this period to increase their chances of encountering the Shiny version.
Post-Raid Information
After defeating Buzzwole, players receive rewards like Premier Balls and items. Buzzwole’s high stats and unique moves make it a valuable addition to any Pokémon GO Battle League team.
6.1 Rewards and Loot
Defeating Buzzwole in a raid rewards players with Premier Balls, rare items, and a chance to catch the Ultra Beast itself. Exclusive rewards include Charged TMs, Rare Candies, and Star Pieces. The loot varies based on performance and raid completion. Premier Balls are essential for catching Buzzwole, while other items enhance your Pokémon’s capabilities. The challenge of defeating Buzzwole makes these rewards highly valuable for any trainer. Ensure you maximize your efforts to claim the best possible loot and add this powerful Pokémon to your collection.
6.2 Buzzwole’s Potential in Pokémon GO Battle League
Buzzwole’s unique Bug and Fighting typing makes it a standout contender in the Pokémon GO Battle League. Its high attack power and access to strong moves like Superpower and Close Combat give it an edge in battle. While it faces competition from top-tier Fairy and Flying types, Buzzwole’s versatility allows it to shine in specific matchups. Trainers can leverage its ability to counter common types like Dark and Ice, making it a valuable addition to any competitive team. With proper moveset optimization, Buzzwole can prove to be a formidable opponent in the Battle League, offering a fresh perspective for players seeking to diversify their strategies.