Cresselia, the Legendary Psychic-type Pokemon, poses a challenge for trainers in Pokemon Go, much like other Legendary creatures.
Originating from the Sinnoh region and belonging to the Lunar duo alongside Darkrai, Cresselia has become a sought-after addition to many trainers’ collections.
Despite its initial appearance in the Diamond & Pearl games of Generation 4, this Lunar Pokémon made its debut in Pokemon Go in 2018. For those eager to acquire this elusive psychic type, various avenues exist within the game to capture it, alongside the possibility of encountering its rare Shiny variant.
How to Catch Cresselia in Pokemon Go
Raid Battles
Trainers have two primary methods to obtain Cresselia within the game. Firstly, Cresselia frequently appears as a 5-Star Raid Boss, presenting an opportunity for trainers to challenge themselves and their teams to capture this Legendary creature. These raids appear at Gyms, and their intimidating purple light signals the presence of a powerful boss within.
Specific dates are often assigned for Cresselia’s appearances, providing dedicated windows for trainers to engage in Raid Battles and attempt to add this Pokemon to their collections. Mark your calendars, trainers, for these are your windows to encounter the Lunar Pokémon:
- First Appearance: February 20th – 21st, 2024
- Second Appearance: February 26th – March 1st, 2024
Don’t miss out on the two Raid Hours dedicated to Cresselia, offering increased chances to encounter it:
- First Raid Hour: February 20th, 2024, from 6 PM to 7 PM local time
- Second Raid Hour: February 28th, 2024, from 6 PM to 7 PM local time
Prepare for the Challenge
Cresselia boasts Psychic and Fairy typing, making it resistant to Fighting, Dragon, and Bug-type attacks. To counter its strengths, you’ll need a team packed with Dark, Ghost, and Steel-type Pokémon. Strong contenders include:
- Dark-types: Tyranitar, Weavile, Honchkrow, Darkrai
- Ghost-types: Giratina, Gengar, Chandelure, Shadow Ball Mewtwo
- Steel-types: Metagross, Dialga, Heatran, Scizor
Remember, Cresselia’s move set can change, so be prepared to adapt your team accordingly. Check online resources for the latest raid counters before heading into battle.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Coordinating for Victory
Raiding requires collaboration! Here are some tips for a successful Cresselia raid:
- Communicate with your team: Coordinate attacks, dodge charge moves, and revive fallen teammates promptly.
- Utilize type advantages: Encourage teammates to use strong counters based on Cresselia’s move set.
- Power up your team: Optimize your Pokemon’s CP and move sets for maximum damage output.
- Consider using Remote Raid Passes: If gathering enough local players is difficult, Remote Raid Passes allow you to participate in raids remotely.
Throwing Like a Champion: Catching the Lunar Pokémon
After defeating Cresselia, it’s time to capture it! Here are some key points to remember:
- Use Golden Razz Berries: These maximize your catch rate.
- Curveballs and Excellent Throws: Aim for these for higher catch rates and bonus Premier Balls.
- Prioritize throws over damage: Focus on hitting the target circle rather than dealing high damage during the catching phase.
Bonus Tip: If you have Silver Pinap Berries, use them after successfully landing a curveball or Excellent Throw to further increase your candy rewards.
Research Tasks
Alternatively, Cresselia can also be obtained as part of the Research Task “Throwback Challenge 2020: Sinnoh.” For trainers who prefer a structured approach to gameplay, completing this task offers another pathway to acquire Cresselia.
Can You Catch a Shiny Cresselia?
The good news for Shiny hunters is that Cresselia can indeed appear in its Shiny form during Raids and Raid Hours! This variant boasts a unique green color scheme instead of its usual yellow and pink, making it a highly sought-after addition to any collection.
Remember, Shiny rates for Legendaries are notoriously low, typically around 1 in 20 encounters. This means patience and persistence are key. Don’t get discouraged; keep participating in Raids, and eventually, the moon may illuminate your path to a Shiny Cresselia.
Here are some additional tips for shiny hunters:
- Join a dedicated shiny hunting group: Many online communities and raid groups cater specifically to shiny hunters. Participating in these groups allows you to share information, strategies, and most importantly, moral support during the hunt.
- Stay positive and persistent: Shiny hunting can be a long and frustrating process. Maintaining a positive attitude and persisting through multiple raids is crucial for eventual success.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Catching Cresselia
- Use Golden Razz Berries: These berries significantly increase your catch rate, making them invaluable when encountering a Legendary.
- Throw Excellent Curveballs: Mastering Curveball throws and hitting the Excellent Throw bonus will maximize your chances of catching Cresselia. Practice your throws before encountering the Pokémon.
- Pinap Berries for Extra Candy: If you’re already comfortable with your Cresselia collection, consider using Pinap Berries after victory. These berries double the amount of Candy you receive, allowing you to power up your Cresselia faster.
- Patience is key: Don’t get discouraged if Cresselia breaks free from the first few throws. Keep using berries, aim for good throws, and eventually, you’ll capture this majestic Pokemon.
Powering Up Your Cresselia
- Power Up: Use Stardust and Cresselia Candy to increase Cresselia’s Combat Power (CP), making it a powerhouse in battle leagues and gym battles.
- Second Move: Consider unlocking a second charged move for Cresselia. This expands its move pool and strategic options in battle. Focus Blast is a great choice, offering additional coverage against Fairy-type Pokemon.
- Trainer Battles: With its high defense and access to powerful moves like Future Sight and Moonblast, Cresselia excels in the Master League (the highest CP league). Train it up and challenge other trainers for exciting battles.
- Ultra League Option: For trainers who prefer the Ultra League (lower CP limit), Cresselia can still be a viable option, especially with a well-rounded moveset.
- Buddy Up: Make Cresselia your buddy Pokemon! Earning Buddy Candy allows for further powering up while exploring the world together. Additionally, walking with Cresselia unlocks exclusive stickers you can use to customize your trainer profile.
Conclusion
Cresselia is a powerful and beautiful addition to any Pokemon Go team. With the tips and strategies outlined above, you’re well on your way to conquering 5-Star Raids and adding this majestic Legendary to your collection.
Remember, persistence, teamwork, and a little bit of luck are your key ingredients to success. So, gather your strongest Pokémon, call upon your fellow trainers, and set forth on your quest to capture the Lunar Guardian! Let its moonlit glow illuminate your path to victory!
Also Read This: 5 Legendary Pokémon Trainers Can’t Wait to Catch in Pokémon GO
Q&A Section
Q: When is the next Cresselia Raid Hour or Raid Day?
A: Check Niantic’s official Pokemon Go website or social media channels for upcoming Raid Hours and Raid Days featuring Cresselia.
Q: How can I increase my chances of encountering a Shiny Cresselia?
A: Engaging in Raid Battles or Raid Hours during Cresselia’s appearance increases the likelihood of encountering its Shiny variant, providing trainers with ample opportunities to pursue this rare form.
Q: Is Cresselia’s Shiny variant distinguishable from its regular form?
A: Yes, the Shiny variant of Cresselia features a distinct coloration, making it visually different from its standard appearance.
Q: Can I trade for a Shiny Cresselia?
A: Yes, you can trade for a Shiny Cresselia with another player. However, remember that Shiny rates are low, and players may be hesitant to trade their rare find.
Q: What is Cresselia’s best move set?
A: Cresselia’s best move set for attacking depends on your needs. For PvE (player vs. environment) battles, Confusion and Moonblast are a solid combination. For PvP (player vs. player) battles, Psycho Cut and Future Sight offer good damage output.
