Note: Swords Of Justice – Raid Guide was written and submitted by Moderator, Nathan.
Background
The Swords of Justice is a collective term to refer to the quartet of Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, and Keldeo. They are also commonly referred to by fans as the Legendary musketeers.
The group is based on the French novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Cobalion represents Athos, the oldest and de facto leader of the group. Terrakion represents Porthos, the strongest, heaviest, and largest member of the group. Virizion represents Aramis, the most feminine, vain, and romantic member of the group. Keldeo represents d’Artagnan, the youngest by far and the latest addition to the group.
Sadly Keldeo hasn’t been introduced into Pokémon GO yet, so we’ll only focus on the other 3.
All of the three will start appearing in raids from Friday, November 5 at 10am local time and will leave Tuesday, November 16, 10am local time. If you are lucky enough you might encounter their shiny forms!
Cobalion – The Leader
Cobalion has a composed demeanor but dislikes humans. Once, it fought against people to protect Pokémon. Its glare can make even an unruly Pokémon obey it. Cobalion is said to have the air of a leader since its birth. Cobalion is capable of calming even the most vicious of foes.
Counters
Cobalion is weak to Fighting, Fire and Ground, below you can see the most effective counters for it.
Mega Charizard X/Y
Without a doubt the top tier counters, their damage output will melt Cobalion and they will boost all other Fire move types that are fighting alongside you. Their ideal moves are Fire Spin/Blast burn, but the latter does require an Elite Charged TM.
Cobalion will instantly shiver when they see this fiery dragon. With Fire Fang/Overheat it has a whopping DPS of 17.05 and will reduce Cobalion to ashes.
Lucario
As usual Lucario will easily beat up Cobalion with its supreme fighting skills, be sure to learn Counter/Aura sphere for maximum effectiveness.
Garchomp
Having a Gibble community day this year makes Garchomp a verry accessible counter, Mud Shot/Earth Power are recommended but the latter requires an Elite charged TM.
Terrakion – The BIG One
Terrakion fought humans alongside the other Swords of Justice during a war with humans in order to protect Pokémon. Terrakion is said to possess a phenomenal power, which can destroy a castle wall with one blow. Should a small Pokémon be bullied by anyone or anything, Terrakion will crush them without mercy.
Counters
Terrakion doesn’t stand a chance against Fairy, Fighting, Grass, Ground, Psychic, Steel and Water types.
Mewtwo
Considered to be a God tier counter in the game, Mewtwo is the logical choice to defeat Terrakion. If you’re lucky enough to have it’s shadow counterpart then you’re all set for an almost guaranteed win. Confusion/Psystrike are it’s best move combination but Psystrike does require an Elite Charged TM.
Metagross
Metagoss and it’s shadow form will set Terrakion running especially when he sees Meteors falling from the skies, please note Meteor Mash requires an Elite Charged TM.
Zarude
Monke it up with this awesome ape, finally a top tier Grass counter thanks to the most recent movie. Be sure to whip Terrakion till he cracks with Vine Whip/Power Whip.
Virizion – The Romancer
Like the other members of its quartet, Virizion battled against humans in order to protect Pokémon. Virizion attacks its opponents by first darting around them with whirlwind-like speed before using its horns on its head. The horns are as sharp as blades. The blades are used to swiftly cut down opponents.
Counters
Virizion is weak to Flying, Fairy, fire, Ice, Poison and Psychic moves, look below to defeat it with ease.
Mega Pidgeot
Gust it up with this proud bird and boost all other Flying type moves besides you. Gust/Brave bird are recommended but Gust requires and Elite Fast TM to learn.
Rayquaza
Managed to collect an awesome Rayquaza in the special raid weekend? Be sure to use it to blow Virizion away. Air Slash/Hurricane are superior moves, but the latter requires an Elite Charged TM.
Honchkrow
Managed to collect enough candy and stardust in Murkrow’s recent Spotlight hour? Be sure to power up its evolution, If you got his shadow counterpart you might want to invest in that! Peck/Sky Attack is the ideal moveset.
Cobalion Counters Infographic
Virizion Counters Infographic
Terrakion Counters Infographic
