Two paradox Pokémon were released on Pokémon Day 2023. One paradox form has been released for each version of the game, with the futuristic Iron Leaves being a Pokémon Violet exclusive, while the pre-historic Walking Wake heads to Pokémon Scarlet. These raids are unquestionably hard to do in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, meaning you probably would like to know how to beat these Pokémon. Here’s our guide on Walking Wake’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.
Walking Wake Weaknesses in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Walking Wake is a paradox form of Suicune, the legendary dog from Generation 2. A lot has changed when it comes to this Pokémon, even its typing. Walking Wake’s type is now Water/Dragon instead of being a pure Water-type like Suicune. This means Walking Wake has only weaknesses to two types: Dragon and Fairy. Luckily, most types that aren’t super effective still do regular damage. Steel-type moves do half damage, but Fire/Water-type moves will only do quarter damage.
Developer Game Freak has also made changes to its base stat pool, adapting Walking Wake to be a completely different to Suicune in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Walking Wake has switched its offensive and defensive capabilities from its future form, Suicune, having become an incredibly strong special attacker. Suicune originally had a defensive base stat build, with 115 in both Defense and Special Defense, Walking Wake however has lowered defenses, with Special Defense clocking in at 82, and Defense at 91. Special Attack is going to be the stat you want to prioritize for a counter to Walking Wake. It also has 109 Speed, which means it’s no slouch there either.
Screenshot by PC Invasion
Best counters for Walking Wake
The best counters for Walking Wake would be Fairy-type Pokémon that attack using their Special Attack. Most Fairy-types will be good to have however, as you have STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) for one of Walking Wake’s weaknesses, and nullify Dragon-type attacks, which is one of Walking Wake’s STABs.
We have a few recommendations on Pokémon you can use. Flutter Mane seems to be the best for this class of Pokémon, bolstering a whopping 135 in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. This means you can potentially outspeed Walking Wake and deal massive damage while also taking it relatively well.
If you don’t have Flutter Mane however, you can always use other Pokémon in the same vein to counter Walking Wake, such as Gardevoir, Florges, and Sylveon. These Pokémon lack the statistical advantage in every department that Flutter Mane has, but every one of them has their Special Attack and Special Defense high enough to keep up with Walking Wake all the same.
Best raid counters for Walking Wake
If you’re hunting the Walking Wake raid in particular, the strategy mostly remains the same. Flutter Mane is still a great choice with its access to Thunderbolt and Energy Ball. Charge Beam is also an option, to boost your Special Attack. The same goes for Gardevoir too. But it only being a water-type means you can actually bring an electric-type Pokémon. This is because it doesn’t have a counter for electric-types. Pokémon like Iron Hands, for a physical option, or Toxtricity for a special attacking option, are both usable. We did mention special attackers being best for this Pokémon, in the raid however, Iron Hands’ whopping 140 Attack should be enough to brute force your way through the fight, if you’re levelled and EV trained.
Knowing of Walking Wake’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you should be good to go.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are available on the Nintendo Store.
