Pokemon Go Raikou August Field Research Guide; How to Catch

Raikou is back! The legendary Electric-type dog returns to Pokemon Go as a Field Research reward for the month of August. Raikou is often called the most powerful Electric-type raid Pokemon in the game, so Trainers will want to grab as many as they can before the month is over. We'll show you exactly how to get your hands on one, plus what moves to look out for, and its max CP range. 

Raikou Field Research Guide 

To get a chance at a Raikou, Trainers must compile all seven weekly Field Research stamps from Professor Willow. However, Trainers must be cautious not to cash in their stamps too early. Doing so before 1PM Pacific Standard Time (4PM Eastern Standard Time) will result in the Trainer encountering another Body Slam Snorlax, July's Field Research reward. This will occur even if Trainers cash in their stamps before the event starts, but don't start the encounter until afterwards. To be safe, wait until well after the event starts to ensure you get your hands on the legendary dog. Patience is a virtue, and Raikou is more than worth your patience!

Raikou's Best Moves 

Raikou has a chance at a number of different Fast and Charge move combinations, all of which will be of the Electric type. Here are your options:

Fast	Charge
Thunder Shock	Wild Charge
Volt Switch	Thunderbolt
	Thunder

The most ideal pairing will be Thunder Shock and Wild Charge, followed by Volt Switch and Wild Charge. Either moved paired with Thunderbolt comes next, then both moves with Thunder will be your "weakest" pairing. While a Thunder Raikou isn't a slouch, Trainers should still use a Charge TM to have a chance at either of Raikou's other options, ideally Wild Charge. 

Raikou's Max CP 

During the August Field Research event, a perfect, 100 percent IV Raikou will have 1435 CP. This means your Raikou has 15 IVs in Attack, Defense, and Stamina. The lowest possible CP Raikou can have is 1373 CP, which makes it a 67 percent IV Pokemon. Of course, you'll want your Raikous to be closer to that first number than the latter, but as long as you have a high friendship rating with another Trainer, you can always trade Raikous to try and re-roll those IVs through the Lucky Pokemon feature. 

Best of luck, Trainers! May all your Raikous have good IVs and get caugh with the first PokeBall. Need a refresher on how Lucky Pokemon work? We've got you covered with our Lucky Pokemon breakdown and guide.