Absol is a Dark-type Pokémon that players can find and catch in three-star raids in Pokémon GO. Players can use strong counters to defeat Absol and attempt to catch it in its regular form or, if players are lucky, its shiny form. Shiny Absol has pink-tinted fur with a red face and claws instead of the white and dark blue color scheme of the regular Absol. Players have a small chance of encountering Shiny Absol after defeating it in a raid.

Absol can appear as a three-star raid boss meaning players will likely need others to join them in the fight. With a very powerful team, it's possible for players to win the raid on their own, but it's easier to win the battle if players invite their friends in Pokémon GO. With a group of two or more trainers that have Pokémon that can exploit Absol's weaknesses, it should be easy to win the raid.

Related: Pokémon Go: Every New Shiny in The Johto Tour

After players finish the raid and catch Absol, they'll likely want to optimize its moveset. Both Absol and Shiny Absol have the same available moves, so players can use TMs to get the best moveset for either version of the Pokémon. The best fast move for Absol is Snarl, and players can use either Dark Pulse or Payback for the charged move depending on if players want to use a defensive or offensive playstyle. However, in order to catch and use Absol in battles, players will first need to defeat it in a raid.

Defeating and Catching Absol in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO Absol Raid Counters Shiny Absol

As a Dark-type, Absol is weak against Bug-, Fairy-, and Fighting-type Pokémon. Choosing the right team will depend on the moves that each Pokémon knows. If players need to change a Pokémon's moveset in Pokémon GO, they can use Fast TMs and Charged TMs. These items can be obtained by completing Special Research tasks and winning raids. The best Pokémon to use against Absol will also need to have the right moveset.

Best Pokémon and Movesets to Counter Absol

  • Shadow Machamp or Machamp: Counter and Dynamic Punch
  • Lucario: Counter and Aura Sphere
  • Mega Beedrill: Bug Bite and X-Scissor
  • Shadow Gardevoir or Gardevoir: Charm and Dazzling Gleam
  • Conkeldurr: Counter and Dynamic Punch
  • Mega Lopunny: Low Kick and Focus Blast
  • Shadow Hariyama or Hariyama: Counter and Dynamic Punch
  • Heracross: Counter and Megahorn

Once players defeat Absol in Pokémon GO, they will have a chance to capture it. Whether it's a regular or Shiny Absol, players can increase their chances of catching it by using a Razz Berry or a Golden Razz Berry. Players can also increase the amount of candy they receive from catching Absol by using a Pinap or Silver Pinap Berry in Pokémon GO. After catching Absol, players can work on optimizing the Pokémon's moveset and increasing its CP so it can be added to a strong Pokémon GO team.

Next: Pokémon GO: Mountains of Power Event Guide

Pokémon GO is available for Android and iOS.