Decoding Shadow Aerodactyl’s Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Guide
Shadow Aerodactyl, a formidable Rock and Flying-type Pokémon, presents a unique challenge in Pokémon GO. Its enhanced Shadow form makes it a powerful raid and battle contender, but understanding its vulnerabilities is key to defeating it. So, let’s get straight to the core question: What is Shadow Aerodactyl weak to?
Shadow Aerodactyl is weak to five different types of attacks: Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water. This means that when facing a Shadow Aerodactyl, Pokémon with moves of these types will inflict double the damage compared to other types. Understanding these weaknesses is the first step in strategizing for battles against this powerful opponent. Let’s delve deeper into why these weaknesses exist and how you can effectively exploit them.
The Rock and Flying Type Combination
To comprehend Shadow Aerodactyl’s vulnerabilities, it’s crucial to recognize its dual typing. As a Rock and Flying-type Pokémon, it inherits the weaknesses of both types.
- Rock-type Weaknesses: Rock-type Pokémon are naturally vulnerable to Water, Grass, Ground, Fighting, and Steel-type attacks.
- Flying-type Weaknesses: Flying-types are typically weak against Electric, Ice, and Rock-type attacks.
Combining these typings results in a unique set of weaknesses for Aerodactyl. The most effective attacks against Shadow Aerodactyl draw from the overlapping weaknesses of both its typings – resulting in a weakness to Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water types. While Ground is effective against Rock-type pokemon it is rendered useless against flying types as attacks do not register.
Exploiting Shadow Aerodactyl’s Vulnerabilities
Knowing the type matchups is essential, but applying this knowledge in battle is what will yield success. Here’s how you can use these weaknesses to your advantage.
Team Composition
When preparing for a battle against Shadow Aerodactyl, prioritize including Pokémon that have access to Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, or Water-type moves. Some top counter Pokémon include:
- Primal Kyogre: A formidable Water-type with high attack stats.
- Shadow Metagross: A powerful Steel-type attacker that can capitalize on Aerodactyl’s weakness.
- Mega Swampert: A dual Water and Ground-type that can unleash devastating Water attacks.
- Mega Diancie: This Rock and Fairy type has access to Rock type moves.
- Mega Blastoise: A powerful Water-type Mega Evolution with a high CP.
- Shadow Rhyperior: A Ground and Rock type Pokemon with access to Rock type moves.
Move Sets
When selecting your Pokemon, be sure to check the moves they know. Even Pokemon with a favorable typing will not do as much damage if it does not have a move of that type. Choose moves that align with Shadow Aerodactyl’s weaknesses for maximized damage. For instance:
- Electric moves such as Thunder Shock and Wild Charge.
- Ice moves such as Ice Beam and Avalanche.
- Rock moves such as Smack Down and Rock Slide.
- Steel moves such as Metal Claw and Iron Head.
- Water moves such as Waterfall and Hydro Cannon.
Understanding Shadow Bonuses
Remember that Shadow Pokémon like Shadow Aerodactyl also inflict increased damage through the Shadow boost which increases their DPS (Damage Per Second). This added bonus can be offset by exploiting the correct weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s explore some frequently asked questions about Shadow Aerodactyl to further enhance your understanding.
What type of Pokémon is Shadow Aerodactyl?
Shadow Aerodactyl is a dual-type Rock and Flying Pokémon. This combination dictates its various strengths and weaknesses.
Is Aerodactyl Weak to Ground type?
No, despite being part Rock-type, Aerodactyl’s Flying typing grants it immunity to Ground-type moves. So Ground-type attacks will deal no damage.
Is Shadow Aerodactyl better than regular Aerodactyl?
Yes, Shadow Aerodactyl is generally better than its regular counterpart. Shadow Pokémon deal more damage, which makes Shadow Aerodactyl a more potent attacker in raids and battles. It’s a glass cannon though as the trade off for greater DPS is less TDO (Total Damage Output).
Is Aerodactyl weak to fire?
No. Fire is not an effective type against Shadow Aerodactyl. As a Rock and Flying type it is not weak against fire type moves.
Is Aerodactyl weak to psychic?
No, Aerodactyl’s typing is not weak against Psychic.
How rare is Shiny Shadow Aerodactyl?
The chance of encountering a Shiny Shadow Aerodactyl is approximately 1 in 60, according to Silph Road research. This makes it a rare and highly coveted encounter.
Can you purify a Shadow Aerodactyl?
Yes, you can purify a Shadow Aerodactyl, which will remove the Shadow bonus and increase its IV stats by 2 points each. However, it’s often recommended to keep it as a Shadow Pokemon due to the increase in damage output.
Can Aerodactyl mega evolve?
Yes, Aerodactyl can Mega Evolve into Mega Aerodactyl when given 200 Mega Energy. This mega evolution significantly boosts its stats and transforms it into a much stronger contender.
Why isn’t Aerodactyl a Dragon type?
Despite its resemblance to dragons, Aerodactyl is not a Dragon-type. It was designed as a Rock and Flying-type based on prehistoric pterosaurs, which are considered predecessors to modern birds, thus the Flying-type designation.
Is Shadow Aerodactyl effective against Fighting types?
Unlike Tyranitar, Aerodactyl does not have a double weakness against Fighting. Instead it takes neutral damage making it a good option when fighting against Fighting-type Pokemon.
What is the best moveset for Shadow Aerodactyl?
The best moveset for Shadow Aerodactyl for DPS usually includes Rock moves or Flying moves, depending on your intended usage. It’s best to refer to detailed resources for specific move recommendations based on the type of battle you’re in, but Smack Down and Rock Slide are a solid choice for its Rock moves.
How do you beat Giovanni’s Shadow Aerodactyl?
Giovanni’s Shadow Aerodactyl can be defeated with a strong team of Pokemon that deal the aforementioned weaknesses – Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water. It’s also best to have a strong Fighting-type to deal with Giovanni’s first Pokémon, Persian.
Is a 0-Star Shadow Aerodactyl good?
Even a 0-star Shadow Aerodactyl can be beneficial due to the damage bonus it receives. If you are going to use the Pokemon in battle, it’s often better to keep it as a shadow over purifying it.
Should you purify Shadow Regice?
While purifying will give an immediate boost to the Pokemon’s IV (Individual Value) stats it is not always recommended. In some cases, particularly with Shadow Regice, it’s often better to leave it unpurified due to the lower overall stats it has compared to other, stronger shadow type Pokemon.
What color is Shiny Aerodactyl?
A Shiny Aerodactyl has a distinct color shift. Instead of the usual grey body, it sports a bright pink body and its wings take on a rich midnight blue tone.
Conclusion
Understanding Shadow Aerodactyl’s weaknesses is crucial for success in Pokémon GO. By utilizing Pokémon with Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water attacks, you can effectively counter this powerful opponent. Remember to consider the specific move sets and types of your Pokémon for optimized battle performance. By being well prepared and knowledgeable, you will be able to defeat Shadow Aerodactyl, and add a powerful addition to your roster. Happy battling!