Noctowl can be a fairly dangerous creature to battle in Pokémon GO. Outside of capturing Pokémon and defending Gyms, many players spend much of their time participating in Pokémon GO's PvP mode. In this mode, trainers can battle each other in a three-on-three Pokémon fight, and the last team standing is declared the winner. Outside of bragging rights, Pokémon GO gives players rewards for winning or participating in PvP battles. With hundreds of different Pokémon to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, it can be difficult to keep track of which Pokémon are controlling the metagame.
When Noctowl is sent out to battle in Pokémon GO, it's important to know its typing to defeat it. It's a Normal- and Flying-type Pokémon, giving it weaknesses to Rock-, Electric-, and Ice-type moves. In order to defeat Noctowl in PvP or in Pokémon GO raid battles, trainers should bring along Pokémon with these types of moves to make quick work of it. Fortunately, obtaining a Noctowl isn't too difficult either. Hoothoot only needs 50 Candy to evolve into Noctowl.
The best Pokémon to defeat Noctowl include Shadow Pokémon, Mega Evolutions, and standard Pokémon evolutions. Mega Evolutions might be a bit more difficult to come by since they only last for a short period with the game's Mega Energy. However, Mega Evolutions drastically raise the stats of a Pokémon for a few hours, making them incredibly viable for both Raids and PvP battles.
The Best Noctowl Counters in Pokémon GO
These are the best Pokémon and moves to use when battling Noctowl in Pokémon GO:
- Mega Manectric: Thunder Fang and Wild Charge.
- Mega Aerodactyl: Rock Throw and Rock Slide.
- Mega Ampharos: Volt Switch and Zap Cannon.
- Zekrom: Charge Beam and Wild Charge.
- Rampardos: Smack Down and Rock Slide.
- Galarian Darmanitan: Ice Fang and Avalanche.
- Shadow Electivire: Thunder Shock and Wild Charge.
- Shadow Raikou: Volt Switch and Wild Charge.
- Shadow Magnezone: Spark and Wild Charge.
When battling Noctowl in Pokémon GO Raid Battles, it has the chance to appear in its Shiny form, though this is incredibly rare. Since not every Shiny Johto Pokémon is currently available in Pokémon GO, this makes Shiny Noctowl pretty popular with players. With the upcoming Pokémon GO Johto Tour taking place later this year, the remaining Shiny forms from Johto will be added to the game. This will likely be a trainer's best chance to get their hands on a Shiny Hoothoot or Noctowl.
Pokémon Go is available now on iOS and Android.