Each generation of Pokémon brings something new to the table. Pokémon X & Y introduced Mega Evolutions and Sun & Moon re-imagined gym challenges. Pokémon Sword & Shield fleshed out Max Raid Battles and created the concept of Dynamax and Gigantamax. Recently, Pokémon and Nintendo challenged Sword & Shield trainers to battle a Shiny Zeraora through Max Raid Battles. Now, just a few weeks later, the Switch games are offering a Shiny Wailord through the Max Raid Battle system.
This particular event isn’t as straightforward as the Zeraora event was back in June. The current event runs through July 19 and emphasizes Water-Pokémon as a whole. Trainers will have a boosted chance of encountering Dynamaxed fan-favorite aquatic Pokémon like Kingler, Sharpedo, and Mantine. Other ‘mons, like Jellicent and Pyukumuku, have also been confirmed.
The Shiny Hunt is On
While those Pokémon are desirable in their own right, the catch of the day is, without question, a Shiny Wailord. That said, there is no guarantee that you’ll encounter a Shiny version of the Float Whale Pokémon. It’s much more likely that trainers will find normal Wailords given that the Shiny version has a mere 2% chance of appearing in Raid Battles this weekend.
But, if you’re willing to put the work in to find one you will not be disappointed.
Shiny Wailord, I Choose You
The largest Pokémon in existence, Wailord has been around since the days of Hoenn. Wailord has been a popular choice for Pokémon teams for nearly twenty years due to its massive base HP stat of 170. Sadly, its defensive stats do not compliment. Wailord’s base Def and Sp. Def are both 45, though both of its attack stats are a respectable 90.
Should you pursue and capture the Shiny Wailord, you will be quite happy with the Water-Pokémon’s moveset. It will learn classic Water-type moves like Hydro Pump and Dive, but will also learn the powerful Flying-type move Bounce and the Normal-type move Body Slam.