Unveiling Walking Wake’s Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Guide
Walking Wake, the Past Paradox form of Suicune, is a formidable Water-type Pokémon that has recently graced the Tera Raid scene in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. While it possesses impressive stats and a powerful moveset, like any Pokémon, it has its vulnerabilities. So, what is Walking Wake weak against?
The straightforward answer is that Walking Wake is primarily weak against Electric-type and Grass-type moves. These type matchups are a staple for most Water-type Pokémon, and Walking Wake is no exception. However, its ability to use Flamethrower adds a layer of complexity to these matchups, making Grass-type Pokémon less reliable as direct counters. This forces trainers to think strategically and consider other factors in battle. The information provided also indicates Miraidon and Iron Hands are good counters. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of countering Walking Wake.
Understanding Walking Wake’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Before we dive into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand why Walking Wake has these weaknesses and what it brings to the battlefield.
Walking Wake’s Type and Moveset
Walking Wake is primarily a Water-type, making it naturally weak to Electric-type and Grass-type moves. Its secondary typing doesn’t alter this, as it is just a singular Water type. However, its moveset is what makes things tricky, particularly the inclusion of Flamethrower. This Fire-type move effectively negates the advantage that Grass-types usually have against Water-types. In addition, Walking Wake can learn Hydro Steam, a powerful Water STAB move, Draco Meteor for Dragon-type coverage, and Hurricane for additional utility, especially against Rain teams.
Why Electric and Grass are Effective
The weakness to Electric-type attacks comes from the fundamental type matchup chart, where Electric is super effective against Water. Similarly, Grass-type moves are super effective against Water-types, making these moves the standard for dealing with water-type Pokemon. This makes these two types the primary options for attempting to counter it.
The Flamethrower Factor
The presence of Flamethrower in Walking Wake’s moveset is a significant factor that alters the usual dynamics. While Grass-type Pokémon might seem like a good counter on paper, they will get hit with super effective fire damage. This means if you try to counter it with a Grass type, you need to ensure it is bulky enough to survive fire damage.
Effective Strategies for Countering Walking Wake
Given its strengths and weaknesses, here’s how to approach countering Walking Wake:
Electric-Type Powerhouses
Electric-type Pokémon remain a strong choice due to their type advantage. Pokémon like Miraidon stand out as a top pick due to their high Special Attack stat and Electric-type moves. Using powerful Electric-type attacks like Thunderbolt, Discharge, or Thunder can deal significant damage.
Strategic Use of Grass-Types
While Flamethrower makes Grass-types less reliable, they are not entirely useless. If you want to use a grass type, it needs to be bulky enough to survive fire damage. Consider Grass-types that have higher HP, defense, and special defense, like Amoongus or Ferrothorn. If you use such a Pokémon, prioritize using offensive moves that inflict large damage.
Exploiting Special Defense
Walking Wake, while having decent bulk, has a lower Special Defense stat compared to its Special Attack. Therefore, attacking with high-powered Special Attack moves of any effective type can be beneficial. A strong Electric or Grass type special attacker can be effective.
Utilizing Tera Types
Using a Tera type strategically can also help turn the tide of battle. If your Electric or Grass type is getting hit hard, consider changing their Tera typing to become resistant to fire damage, and then counter-attack with a super effective attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Walking Wake to further enhance your understanding and strategic approach:
1. Is Walking Wake difficult to beat?
No, Walking Wake is not particularly difficult to beat, especially when compared to 7-star raids. The key is to understand its weaknesses and utilize the correct counters. If you don’t have a correct counter, the fight can take more time, but you can still clear it if you make use of its lower Special Defense stat.
2. Can I solo Walking Wake?
Yes, you can solo Walking Wake with the right Pokémon and strategy. Miraidon and Iron Hands are the two recommended Pokemon for this. You will need to use powerful Electric-type moves to take it down quickly.
3. What is the best moveset for Walking Wake?
Walking Wake’s optimal moveset typically includes:
- Hydro Steam (Water-type STAB)
- Draco Meteor (Dragon-type STAB)
- Flamethrower (Fire-type coverage)
- Hurricane (Flying-type coverage)
4. What is Walking Wake’s signature move?
Walking Wake’s signature move is Hydro Steam, a strong Water-type Special attack that is powered up by sunlight.
5. Can you get more than one Walking Wake?
No, you can only catch one Walking Wake per save file from special events. Once you have caught it, you will be unable to catch another until the event repeats.
6. Can you get a shiny Walking Wake?
No, Walking Wake is currently shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It’s not possible to obtain a shiny version through legitimate means at this time.
7. Can Walking Wake be bred?
No, Paradox Pokémon like Walking Wake cannot be bred. They are unique, single-encounter Pokémon.
8. How does Walking Wake’s Flamethrower impact Grass-type matchups?
Walking Wake’s Flamethrower effectively counters typical Grass-type effectiveness against Water types, rendering Grass-type Pokémon vulnerable. This means you need a grass type that is either super bulky or that is a secondary typing that is resistant to fire, such as a Water/Grass type.
9. What level should my Pokémon be to fight Walking Wake?
For a 5-star Tera Raid like Walking Wake, it’s best to have your Pokémon at least Level 75, with good EV training and a beneficial nature.
10. What other Pokémon are good counters besides Miraidon?
Iron Hands is another good counter. Additionally, any Pokemon with strong electric or grass type attacks can work. Consider using a Pokemon with a Tera type that is resistant to fire to give yourself an advantage.
11. Is Walking Wake a Legendary or Mythical Pokemon?
Walking Wake is a Past Paradox form of Suicune, a Legendary Pokémon.
12. How long is Walking Wake available in raids?
Walking Wake was available for a limited time in May. Keep an eye out for future events for a potential return. The event typically runs for around two weeks, as was the case in May.
13. What animal is Walking Wake based on?
Walking Wake is based on a raptor Suicune or “Raptorcune,” a theropod dinosaur-like creature resembling a prehistoric version of Suicune.
14. How do you unlock 7-star Tera Raids?
To unlock 7-star raids, you must complete the main story, beat all gym leader rematches, and complete several 5-star Tera Raids. However, 7-star raids are event-specific, and are not always available.
15. How is Walking Wake different from its counterpart Iron Leaves?
Walking Wake is a Water-type Past Paradox Pokemon, whereas Iron Leaves is a Grass/Psychic-type Future Paradox Pokemon. Walking Wake is weak to Electric and Grass, whereas Iron Leaves is weak to Bug, Dark, and Ghost.
Conclusion
Walking Wake, while a powerful Pokémon with a unique moveset, is not unbeatable. By understanding its weaknesses to Electric-type and Grass-type moves and considering its Flamethrower coverage, you can form an effective strategy to take it down. Using Pokémon such as Miraidon and being aware of its lower Special Defense are great ways to tackle this challenge. The ability to use the correct counters, utilize Tera typing, and understand the mechanics of the battle will provide you with the opportunity to succeed in defeating Walking Wake. Remember to adjust your strategy based on your Pokémon and the specific Tera Raid battle. With the right approach, you’ll find that this raptor Suicune is not as intimidating as it may first appear.