Black or White Kyurem: Which Is Better in Pokémon GO?
By Matt · Published · Updated Both are elite. White Kyurem is the best Ice attacker in Pokémon GO with Ice Fang and Ice Burn, and Black Kyurem is right behind it with Dragon Tail and Freeze Shock. Black Kyurem also ranks slightly higher as a Dragon attacker. If you don't have a great Ice attacker yet, focus on White Kyurem first.
| Pokémon | Where | Hundo CP | Weather boosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyurem | Black and White Kyurem raids | 2042 | 2553 Windy or Snow |
Black and White Kyurem are two of the Pokémon I use more than almost anything else. With limited raid passes and limited time to farm Fusion Energy, though, here’s which one to focus on.
The short version
Both Kyurem fusions have exactly the same base stats. What separates them is their movesets: White Kyurem is the only one of the two that can run two Ice moves, so it gets the same-type bonus on both.
How they rank
On Pokémon GO Hub:
- White Kyurem is the best Ice attacker in the game with Ice Fang and Ice Burn (20.56 DPS), and the 6th best Dragon attacker with Dragon Breath and Ice Burn.
- Black Kyurem is the second best Ice attacker with Dragon Tail and Freeze Shock (22.76 DPS), and the 5th best Dragon attacker.
Black Kyurem actually has the higher DPS, which shows just how close these two are.
Matt's takeThe difference is like splitting hairs, so you can't go wrong. If you don't already have a great Ice attacker, focus on White Kyurem first.
How to get them
You fuse a regular Kyurem with Zekrom or Reshiram. Kyurem comes from Black and White Kyurem raids, which also give you Fusion Energy.
- Black Kyurem: Kyurem, Zekrom, 1,000 Volt Fusion Energy, 30 Kyurem Candy and 30 Zekrom Candy.
- White Kyurem: Kyurem, Reshiram, 1,000 Blaze Fusion Energy, 30 Kyurem Candy and 30 Reshiram Candy.
A few things worth knowing before you fuse:
- Your Kyurem needs Glaciate to get Freeze Shock or Ice Burn after fusing, and those moves are what make the fusions so good. No Glaciate? You can teach it with an Elite Charged TM.
- The fusion keeps Kyurem’s IVs and shiny status. The Zekrom or Reshiram doesn’t matter, so use your worst one and keep the good ones for battling.
- Each raid gives roughly 100 to 200 Fusion Energy, depending on how fast you win.
Keep an eye on my weekly guide for when Kyurem raids come back.
Which one should you raid?
- Need Ice damage? White Kyurem. It’s the top Ice attacker and covers Dragon too.
- Need Dragon damage? Black Kyurem edges ahead, but either is a top 10 Dragon attacker.
- Already have one? Get the other. They fill slightly different roles, and both are worth having.
FAQ
Is Black or White Kyurem better in Pokémon GO?
They're very close. Pokémon GO Hub ranks White Kyurem the best Ice attacker and Black Kyurem second, while Black Kyurem is slightly ahead as a Dragon attacker (5th against White Kyurem's 6th).
What is Black Kyurem's best moveset?
Dragon Tail and Freeze Shock.
What is White Kyurem's best moveset?
Ice Fang and Ice Burn for Ice damage, or Dragon Breath and Ice Burn as a Dragon attacker.
Do Black and White Kyurem have different stats?
No. They have exactly the same base stats. The difference is their movesets.
How do you get Black or White Kyurem?
Fuse a Kyurem with Zekrom (Black Kyurem) or Reshiram (White Kyurem), using 1,000 Fusion Energy and 30 Candy from each Pokémon. Your Kyurem needs Glaciate to get the special move.
Get Matt's full take
The extended write-up on Patreon has Matt’s commentary, what to prioritise and Matt’s own plan.