Shiny Thundurus in Pokemon GO
Shiny Thundurus is appearing in 5-star Raids as a Boss. (Image via Niantic)

The Pokemon GO Let’s GO event has commenced, marking the arrival of Legendaries like Thundurus. While Tornadus (Incarnate Forme) and Regidrago have made their entry in previous Raid Battles, players now have an opportunity to defeat and catch the Legendary Electric/Flying-type monster. Thundurus is the next 5-star Raid Boss appearing for a limited time. 

The Thundurus 5-star Raid Battle will start on March 21 at 10:00 AM and ends on March 28 at 10:00 AM local time. Also, another Raid Hour will feature this Monster on March 22 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. Players who are fortunate enough during the event may come across the Shiny version. However, after the event ends, chances of discovering a Shiny Pokemon are slim. Read through this article to up your chances of encountering a Shiny Thundurus.


How to get a Shiny Thundurus in Pokemon GO raids, Counters and Weaknesses 2023

Shiny Thundurus as a Raid Boss in Pokemon GO
Team up with other players to defeat Shiny Thundurus in the 5-star Raid Battle. (Image via Niantic)

To catch a Shiny Thundurus in Pokemon GO, you can only obtain it by defeating it in a 5-star Raid Battle. However, there will also be a separate Raid Hours event on March 22, where you can potentially catch it. Thundurus in Pokemon GO is weak to Rock and Ice-type attacks and resistant to several types of moves, including Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, and Steel. To defeat Thundurus, it’s important to understand the Pokemon GO meta-game and select effective counters.                                                            

Using Pocket Monsters with attacks that match their innate type can deal extra damage to the opponent in Pokemon GO. This Same Type of Attack Bonus (STAB) can be the deciding factor in defeating a Legendary fighter. 5-star Raid Battles in Pokemon GO are the most difficult to win. However, even beginners can win if they can access appropriate counters and a group of six to eight players.

Non-Mega and Non-Shadow Counters

  • Rampardos: Smack Down and Rock Slide
  • Rhyperior: Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
  • Tyrantrum: Rock Throw and Meteor Beam
  • Terrakion: Smack Down and Rock Slide
  • Primal Kyogre: Waterfall and Blizzard
  • Mewto: Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
  • Tryanitar: Smack Down and Strong Edge 
  • Glaceon: Frost Breath and Avalanche
  • Gigalith: Smack Down and Meteor Breath
  • Weavile: Ice Shard and Avalanche

Mega and Shadow Counters

  • Mega Aerodactyl: Rock Throw and Rock Slide
  • Mega Glalie: Frost Breath and Avalanche
  • Mega Abomasnow: Power Snow and Ice Ball 
  • Mega Alakazam: Confusion and Psychic 
  • Mega Latios: Dragon Breath and Luster Purge
  • Shadow Rhyperior: Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
  • Shadow Golem: Rock Throw and Stone Edge
  • Shadow Aggron: Smack Down and Meteor Beam
  • Shadow Tyranitar: Smack Down and Stone Edge 
  • Shadow Mamoswine: Powder Snow and Avalanche

Finding a Shiny Pokemon through Raid Battles and Raid Hour can be exhausting, but trainers will find out if they obtained a different variant after the Boss is defeated. It is worthwhile for Pokemon GO players If they get their hands on a Shiny version.


Increase Shiny Thundurus encounters in Pokemon GO Raids 2023

Shiny Thundurus attacks in Pokemon GO
Shiny Thundurus has two separate Raid Events in March. (Image via Niantic)

Thundurus is a rare Pokemon GO Legendary with a maximum CP of 3782 and strong stats of 266 Attack, 164 Defense, and 188 Stamina. As a Flying/Electric-type Pokemon, it’s a formidable entity, and its shiny variant is equally rare and highly sought after.

Shiny Thundurus Pokemon debut happened years back on March 21, 2021, so its availability is of no concern. Nevertheless, the normal variant Thundurus appears repeatedly as a Pokemon GO Raid Boss. The chances of encountering a Thundurus in the wild are extremely slim; however, raids also increase its spawn rate, and you can battle it constantly. 

Let’s now discuss some strategies to improve your Shiny Thundurus odds. First, you’ll need to stock up and have an adequate supply of Raid Passes. Get it from the Pokemon GO store for 100 Pokecoins, or get them for free by spinning a controlled gym or raid.

Thundurus raging in Pokemon GO
Create a party of a few powerful counters to defeat the Raid Boss Thundurus. (Image via Niantic)

Unfortunately, the Shiny Thundurus catch rate sees no increase, even if Thundurus is a Raid Boss. Even so, a pokemon will emerge after you get the better of it, and there exists a chance of confronting a Shiny Variant of the Legendary type. In addition, at the same time, if many trainers play a part in the same raid, few have the chance to catch a Shiny Thundurus, whilst others might not. 

In Pokemon GO, the chance of encountering a Shiny fighter is approximately 1 in 20 encounters, which becomes even more difficult when trying to get a legendary Shiny. Participate in multiple raids and battle as many Thundurus as possible to improve your chances.


That’s all for the Shiny Thundurus this March 2023. Seize the opportunity to catch ’em all. Are you prepared for the latest season, Season 10: Rising Heroes?

Let us know in the comments below if you have other questions about the Shiny Thundurus or the Pokemon GO Rising Heroes. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.

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Diwas is a Content Writer for Spiel Times, straight from the Himalayas of Nepal. The philosophy enthusiast earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Purbanchal University. When he's not writing, he enjoys reading manga, making songs, and watching sports such as UFC and football.