This Article was written by Pokémon GO Raiders Moderator, Kong.
Introduction
Shadow Latios will be the latest shadow legendary coming to Pokémon GO. It will be obtainable from Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 12:00 a.m. local time to Sunday, July 10, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. local time. Trainers can battle Giovanni using a Super Rocket Radar to get a shadow Latios
Shadow Latios in PvE
Shadow Latios will be placed at the #4 slot (DPS*3TDO) for Dragon type raid attackers with a moveset of Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw, behind Shadow Salamence, Mega Latios and Shadow Dragonite respectively.
Access to only Zen Headbutt as a Psychic type fast move, while the Psychic type raid meta is dominated by titans like Mewtwo, Mega Latios and Mega Latias heavily limits the usage of this shadow legendary as a Psychic type raid attacker.
As a Dragon type raid attacker, Shadow Latios is outclassed in terms of DPS by its own mega, marking a rare deviance from the normal trend. Being outclassed by far more accessible and cost-effective shadows such as Dragonite and Salamence causes Shadow Latios to not be a worthwhile investment for raids.
Shadow Latios in PvP
Great League
Shadow Latios is an interesting Pokémon in the Great League, having access to a fast moveset with Dragon Breath/Dragon Claw and STAB shadow Dragon Breath damage. However, it’s typing severely limits its usage and viability in the open Great League – being weak to the omnipresent Walrein, in addition to Dark and Ghost types such as Trevenant, Sableye and Umbreon due to it’s Psychic sub-typing. It’s interesting to note however, that Shadow Latios can beat Registeel in the 2v2 shields scenario, and loses very closely in the 1v1 shield scenarios, which makes it a niche and unconventional pick that might surprise opponents. The main reason behind the success of this Pokémon against Registeel is its typing allowing it to resist the traditional Zap Cannon/Focus Blast moveset, and Zap Cannon debuffs not affecting the amount of damage dealt by Dragon Breath.
While not quite viable in the open Great League, shadow Latios may function well in restricted formats where it’s typing and moveset greatly benefit it.
Ultra League
Shadow Latios isn’t viable or even remotely usable in the Ultra League – plain and simple. The most common Trevenant + Walrein cores, and ever present Giratina don’t do it any favours in this league. Just use Giratina Altered instead – it does what Shadow Latios can do, but better
Master League
Shadow Latios in the Master League is an interesting case. PvPoke rates it’s much higher than the normal version, placing at #18 in the current meta compared to #40 for the normal version. The Shadow version picks up wins over Giratina Altered, Melmetal and Gyarados while losing wins to Groudon, Palkia and Zarude with the normal version.
While rated highly on PvPoke, the actual meta viability of Shadow Latios remains to be seen. It’s a Dragon type which is weak to other Dragons, making it vulnerable to the omnipresent Dialga. It also loses to Steel types like Metagross and Excadrill, and other popular Psychic types such as Mewtwo and Lugia.
Conclusion
So – is Shadow Latios worth getting? The answer depends on which part of the game you focus on, and how you play it. If you are a person who enjoys playing Master League and wants to try out fun niche picks in the Great League, you should get one. In general, I would say it’s worth spending a Super Rocket Radar on, especially if you have a few saved up.
Thank you for reading!
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