Shadow Dialga Raid: Counters & Gems

Shadow Dialga returns as a tier 5 Shadow Legendary Raid Boss in Pokémon GO, and Shiny Shadow Dialga is available if you’re fortunate. This Steel/Dragon-type hits harder than normal and becomes enraged during battle, requiring careful preparation. After defeating it, you can catch it with a CP between 2145–2307 (Level 20, no weather boost) or 2682–2884 (Level 25, boosted by Snow or Windy weather); the IV floor is 6/6/6.

Counters & Team Preparation

Shadow Dialga is weak to Fighting and Ground attacks, so bring powered-up counters with those move types. Top choices include Shadow Machamp, Lucario, Terrakion, and Groudon. Ensure any Shadow Pokémon you use have had Frustration removed via a Charged TM before the event ends. While Shadow counters deal extra damage, they also take more, so balance your team accordingly. Mega Evolved Pokémon are strongly recommended—they boost damage for themselves and same-type allies. Coordinate with your raid group to place Megas in different team slots (e.g., one per slot) to keep the type boost active throughout the battle.

Purified Gems & Coordination

Purified Gems are essential for subduing the enraged boss. You craft them from Shadow Shards using Professor Willow’s Shard Refiner; shards drop from Team GO Rocket encounters and Shadow Raids. During the raid, using a Purified Gem temporarily lowers Dialga’s attack and defense. If multiple trainers use them simultaneously, the effects stack, and enough Gems will return the boss to its normal state, giving you a crucial edge. The Gem button appears in the bottom-left corner of the battle screen—communicate with your group to time their use.

Raid Strategy & Group Size

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